E-HAILING DRIVERS GIVEN UNTIL 12 MARCH TO COMPLY WITH NEW REGULATIONS
The South African government has given e-hailing drivers until 12 March 2026 to comply with new regulations under the National Land Transport Amendment Act. Drivers must obtain operating licences, install safety features and ensure their platforms are registered with authorities.
E-hailing drivers have until March 2026 to comply with new transport regulations.
JOHANNESBURG – Thousands of e-hailing drivers using platforms such as Uber, Bolt and others have been given until 12 March 2026 to comply with South Africa’s new regulations governing the industry or risk operating illegally.
The deadline forms part of the implementation of the National Land Transport Amendment Act, which was gazetted by the Department of Transport in September 2025. The law officially recognises e-hailing as a public transport service and introduces stricter rules aimed at improving safety, regulation and fairness in the sector.
Government initially gave the industry 180 days to transition to the new system, and that grace period is now coming to an end.
What Drivers Must Do Before the Deadline
E-hailing drivers must ensure they meet several requirements in order to continue operating legally.
1. Obtain an E-Hailing Operating Licence
Drivers must apply for an official e-hailing operating licence through the relevant provincial regulatory authority or the National Public Transport Regulator (NPTR).
The licence is estimated to cost about R5,000 and is valid for seven years.
This licence replaces the previous system where drivers used charter permits or meter-taxi licences.
2. Register Vehicles as E-Hailing Vehicles
Vehicles must be officially registered as e-hailing vehicles and the licence will specify the geographical area where the driver is allowed to operate.
3. Display Identification or Branding
The new rules require vehicles to display signage identifying them as e-hailing vehicles, making it easier for law enforcement and passengers to identify legitimate operators.
4. Install Safety Features
Vehicles must comply with safety measures, including:
- Panic buttons
- Driver identification and updated profile details
- Security vetting and criminal background checks for drivers.
5. Ensure Platform Registration
E-hailing apps themselves must also register with government authorities, and drivers can only legally operate on platforms that are properly registered.
Consequences for Non-Compliance
Drivers who fail to comply with the new regulations could face serious consequences:
- Loss or suspension of operating licences
- Vehicle impoundment
- Being declared an illegal operator after the deadline.
Platforms that allow unlicensed drivers to operate could face fines of up to R100,000 or even prison sentences for responsible individuals.
Why Government Introduced the New Rules
The Department of Transport says the new regulations aim to:
- Improve safety for passengers and drivers
- Create a fair system between taxis, meter taxis and e-hailing services
- Ensure proper regulation and accountability in the transport industry
- Reduce conflicts between taxi operators and e-hailing drivers.
Authorities say the law will also help formalise the industry and prevent unregulated operators from entering the market.
Industry Racing Against the Clock
Reports indicate that many e-hailing companies and drivers are still working to complete the registration process, with only a few platforms having secured approval so far.
If companies fail to comply with the new requirements before the deadline, they may not be allowed to operate legally in South Africa.
Advice to Drivers
Transport authorities are urging drivers to:
- Apply for their operating licences immediately
- Ensure their vehicles meet safety and branding requirements
- Confirm that their e-hailing platform is registered
- Keep all documentation readily available for inspections.
Failure to do so could result in drivers losing their ability to earn income through e-hailing services once enforcement begins.
