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The registration of
rebuilt vehicles can be a frustrating experience if the proper procedure
is not followed. It could lead to the impoundment of the vehicle and in
extreme cases the confiscation of the vehicle. It is very important that
neither the vehicle number nor the engine number is tampered with
particularly the vehicle identification plate on later models. If for any
reason you wish to remove this plate for example to galvanize the chassis,
take the vehicle to the police vehicle unit first and tell them what you
want to do.
This procedure to
register and license a vehicle was
followed in Gauteng, so may differ slightly from area to area. It is based
on having put two rebuilt Series Land Rovers through the registration
process. If you have additional useful information
or a different procedure in your area let us know.
The police anti-theft
units showed no interest in the identification plate inside the vehicle on
the firewall on these occasions. (On a third occasion
more recently they only looked at the plate)
They immediately look for the vehicle (chassis) number on the left
front spring hanger. This presents some problems as some vehicles do not
have this number stamped there. This is generally the case for Series 3
vehicles. Although it is illegal to stamp this number on the chassis I
have heard that it is done if there is 100% certainty that the number is
correct. It can save an awful lot of unnecessary frustration.
STEP
1
1.
Go to the licensing authority in the area where you live and obtain
a RPI form (Request for Police Identification) and also a BVK/SOA form
(Affidavit in respect of built-up vehicle). On this form you will need to
state that you built up the vehicle from two or more vehicles. Receipts of
the purchase of the vehicle and parts must be attached. I have found that
it is not necessary to have all the receipts - a few will suffice. You
must let a Commissioner of Oaths (or a police officer) stamp and sign the
form.
2.
Also get a temporary permit.(without a road-worthy certificate you
will get a three day permit). You will need the chassis and engine number.
STEP
2
1.
Take the vehicle to the police anti theft unit indicated on the RPI.
Make sure
that
the engine and chassis numbers
are easy to read.
2.
Make sure that the officer filling out the RPI
form describes the vehicle properly e.g. MAKE Land Rover (not ‘Toyota’ as was the case with the last
vehicle that I registered. The officer thought that Land Rovers are made
by Toyota) and SERIES Series
2A LWB. This is important as this will determine the description of the
vehicle on all subsequent documentation.
3.
Make sure that the engine and chassis (vehicle) numbers are correct
on the form.
4.
I have not been required to take the vehicle back to the police for
clearance (see Step 4). It would be best to verify this.
STEP
3
1.
Get the vehicle weighed. Leave off all excess stuff such as the
spare wheel as this weight will determine the license fee. You must use a
weigh bridge that issues a form on which the engine
and chassis numbers are printed together with the weight of the
vehicle. It is best if you use a municipal weigh bridge.
2.
You can at this stage get a road-worthy certificate but do it
before you hand the papers in at the licensing authority as the test
station will need to get information off the RPI
form. Make sure that the particulars of the vehicle are given
correctly on the certificate as the registering authority will use these
details on the final documents. Check in particular the description of the
vehicle and the number of passengers you will be permitted to carry.
3.
Take all the documents to the licensing authority who will send the
papers to Pretoria for the vehicle “to be introduced to NATIS”. NATIS
stands for National Traffic Identification System.
You will be phoned when the papers are returned from Pretoria.
4.
It can take anything from 3 days to 3 weeks for this step. I have
had my papers back within a week. Krugersdorp
licensing authority sends all their papers to Pretoria on a
particular day of the week. Check if yours does too and get your papers to
them the day before.
STEP
4
1.
Collect the papers, which will now include a RPC ( Request for
Police Clearance) form, from the licensing authority and take them back to
the police. Have the officer that carried out the RPI sign the RPC and
have the vehicle’s particulars entered into the police records.
2.
Obtain a road-worthy certificate for the vehicle if this has not
yet been done (see Step 4 2). You will need another temporary permit for the vehicle. The
test station will require the RPC form to get the vehicle’s details.
3.
Take all the papers to your licensing authority for the
registration of the vehicle. The papers should be as follows:
RPI
BVK/SOA plus receipts certified
by a Commissioner of Oaths.
Weigh bridge certificate
RPC
Road-worthy certificate
Your (or the owner’s) ID book
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