How Criminals Clone a New Number Plate

How New Number Plates Are Cloned & How It Impacts Motorists in South Africa

In recent news, reports show that there’s been an increase in cloned number plates and consequences of that are not simple nor legal. As mentioned in an article from MyBroadband, “South African motorists could face an uphill battle trying to prove their innocence over speeding fines accumulated on their profile due to a criminal cloning their number plate. Moreover, unresolved fines could result in motorists being blocked from renewing their vehicle’s licence disc”.

So, how does this really impact you and other motorists? Let’s dive into what number plate cloning looks like and what you can do if something like this happens to you. 

What is Number Plate Cloning? 

Number plate cloning happens when criminals take the details of a legitimate car’s number plate and duplicate them onto another vehicle. This fake vehicle then commits traffic offences or worse, leaving the original car owner with fraudulent fines. 

For example, motorists have reported receiving speeding fines and toll penalties despite having proof their vehicle was nowhere near the area. In some cases, the cloned cars look completely different from the original vehicle, but the registration plates still link back to the innocent owner. 

Why Cloned Number Plates Are a Growing Problem 

According to a report by IOL, cloned plates are becoming a significant issue across South Africa. In one case, a Cape Town driver was hit with fines worth thousands of rands for offences committed by a car with identical plates but a different make and model. 

Jackie Nagtegaal, Managing Director of Law for All, explained in an interview with TopAuto that: 

“The onus falls on the legitimate owner to prove their innocence. This means long, frustrating battles with authorities to dispute fraudulent traffic fines.” 

Not only does this cause financial strain, but it also leaves motorists questioning which number plates are illegal in South Africa and how to make sure their plates comply with the law. 

What to Do If Your Number Plate is Cloned 

If you suspect your registration plates have been cloned:

• Check your fines regularly using the online traffic fines portal like Pay City.
• Dispute fraudulent charges immediately with supporting evidence (photos, receipts, or tracking records).
• Report cloned plates to your local traffic department or police station.
• Keep detailed records of your vehicle’s whereabouts for additional proof. 
  As MyBroadband reported, victims of cloned plates often face an uphill battle clearing their names. That’s why staying proactive is key. 

The Legal Side: Which Number Plates Are Illegal in South Africa? 

It’s important to know which number plates are illegal in South Africa. Plates that are altered, tampered with, or made by unauthorised suppliers are not valid. Some motorists even risk fines themselves by purchasing “cheap” number plates from roadside vendors or elsewhere.

Using illegal plates doesn’t just put you at risk of fines, it also makes it easier for criminals to exploit loopholes in the system. With cloning on the rise, South African authorities are now pushing for new security measures, including QR codes, to make new number plates harder to duplicate. 

Common Question: Where to Make a New Number Plate Near Me? 

If you’re looking for a place to register for a new number plate, always ensure that you use a registered supplier. The Department of Transport has strict regulations about the manufacture and fitting of registration plates in South Africa, and only authorised outlets can issue compliant plates.

Whether you're in Gauteng, Western Cape, Durban or outside of major cities – get familiar with areas that are able to help you legally obtain a new number plate. This reduces the risk of your plates being flagged as illegal or non-compliant. 

How Much Are Number Plates in South Africa? 

Motorists might not realise that fitting new number plates isn’t just about cost. If you’re wondering how much number plates cost, prices typically range between R150 and R400, depending on the province and supplier. 

How to Protect Yourself as a Motorist

To protect yourself:

Always replace damaged or stolen plates at authorised suppliers.
Avoid tampering with your plates, as this is deemed illegal in South Africa.
Keep an eye out for suspicious traffic fines that don’t match your travel history.
Consider fitting in car tracking or dash cams to have proof of your car’s location. 

The Bottom Line

Cloned number plates in South Africa are more than just a nuisance, they can cost you in a number of ways: traffic fines, legal battles, and endless disputes with police. No matter where you are in the country, staying compliant with the law, knowing where to get your number plates made, and understanding which number plates are illegal in SA is vital. 

By taking precautions and staying alert, you can better protect yourself from the growing threat of registration plate cloning and avoid being left to pay for traffic fines or serious crimes you didn’t commit.