2024-08-26 11:35:00
August 26, 2024
The South African government wants to put an end to “grey imports” that have become an economic and road safety problem in the country. Those that are imported illegally are known as “gray cars.” They usually come from Europe, Japan and the USA, are second hand and very dirty while less safe. By 2022, a UN report said that these used cars imported into Africa did not meet basic safety and environmental standards.
Although South Africa has laws against this type of import, the countries with which it shares a road border (Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini) are more lax in their regulations and importers take advantage of this fact to show second-hand cars to avoid transportation. regulatory culture and safety standards.
It is estimated that 30,000 used cars are imported into South Africa each year under this program and that these “grey imports” represent 7.5% of the country’s fleet (vehicles 938,000 cars in total).
The owners of these vehicles are not only at great risk when they drive due to the absence of safety devices, but they also face serious legal problems. According to South African regulations, illegal possession of a vehicle can result in fines, confiscation and destruction of the vehicle and even a prison sentence. Moreover, the accidents of one of them are not covered by any insurance company.
To remove them from circulation, the Executive has authorized an amnesty until the end of the year thanks to which the owners who leave them voluntarily will not suffer legal consequences. The Government’s aim with measures like this is to remove 50% of “grey cars” from its roads in the next five years.
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