About applying for special classification or exemption in respect of motor vehicle licence fees

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.

Vehicles that may qualify for special classification 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 distances to:

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

What you should do

1. Go to the nearest registering authority with the following:
   • your identity document (ID)
   • the vehicle’s registration certificate
   • a letter of authority from the National Regulator for Compulsory Specifications (NRCS) in case of a rebuilt vehicle
   • proof of residential address e.g. utility account. If the utility bill is not in your name, the owner of the bill must make an affidavit declaring that you live at the address and the utility bill must be attached to the affidavit. 
   • if you stay at an informal settlement, you must bring a letter with an official date stamp from the ward councillor confirming your residential address
2. Complete an Application for special classification of motor vehicle in respect of licence fees form (ELF1). The form is available at the registering authority.
3. Complete a notification of change of address or particulars of person or organisation (NCP) form.

How long does it take

It may take up to six weeks.

How much does it cost

The service is free.

Forms to complete

Application for special classification of motor vehicle in respect of licence fees form (ELF1).

The form is obtainable at the registering authority or you can download them from the eNaTIS website.