New car numberplate advertising regulations

“No ornamentation, figure or letter that is not a component of the standard equipment or construction of a vehicle, may appear within 150mm of the vehicle’s car number plate.”

New regulations make it illegal to print any form of advertising on vehicle number plates, says the motor industry ombudsman.

“This includes the printing of the name and location of the selling dealer, whether it is a new or a used vehicle,” said ombudsman Johan van Vreden in a statement.

Van Vreden said it appeared vehicle owners and dealerships were not aware of the new national regulation which made it illegal to print any form of advertising on number plates or number plate holders.

“Contravention of this ruling makes the vehicle not roadworthy and the vehicle owner liable to prosecution and applicable fines.”