About applying for special classification in respect of licence fees or exemption from registration

If you have a motor vehicle that is not designed for transporting goods or people on public roads (in the opinion of the MEC concerned), you may have the vehicle specially classified and exempted from licensing fees.

Examples of vehicles that may qualify for special classification are mobile equipment or vehicles designed for racing. These special purpose vehicles may include a water boring machine, threshing machine, harvester, harrow, mower, baler, scraper, leveller, spraying machine, crane, plough, a vehicle adapted, rebuilt or changed to be used solely for racing purposes and/or exhibition.

The National Road Traffic Act only allows you to drive such vehicles on public roads for short spells to:

• the premises of the owner in order to take delivery thereof, or
• cross a public road from the premises of the owner to another over a distance of not more than one kilometre, or 
• proceed to or from a place where repairs are to be or have been effected to such motor vehicle.
  

What you should do

Go to the nearest registering authority with the following:

• your identity (ID) document
• the vehicle’s registration certificate
• a letter of authority from the South African Bureau of Standards.
  

Complete an ELF1 (Application for Special Classification of Motor Vehicle in respect of Licence Fees) form. The form is available at the registering authority.

How long does it take

It may take up to six weeks.

How much does it cost

The service is free.

Forms to complete

Form ELF1 (Application for Special Classification of Motor Vehicle in respect of Licence Fees).

Forms are obtainable at the registering authority or you can download them from the eNaTIS website.

Who to contact