Cape Town’s traffic officers will soon have stronger powers to impound vehicles, and truck drivers, fleet operators and other road users are being urged to ensure they comply with the law.
The City of Cape Town has confirmed that amendments to its Traffic By-law have now been officially gazetted, clearing the way for the new provisions to be implemented once the Traffic Service finalises the administrative processes required for enforcement.
While the by-law applies to all motorists, the changes are particularly significant for professional drivers who rely on their vehicles to earn a living. Having a truck or other commercial vehicle impounded could lead to costly delays, missed deliveries and financial losses.
When can a vehicle be impounded?
Under the amended by-law, traffic officers will be able to impound vehicles in several situations, including when:
- The vehicle is being used for illegal street racing.
- The driver is under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- The driver does not have a valid driving licence.
- The vehicle is being driven recklessly in a way that poses an immediate or imminent danger to passengers, other road users or pedestrians.
- The vehicle displays false number plates or does not have the legally required number plates.
For truck drivers, ensuring that licence categories are valid and that registration plates comply with legal requirements will be more important than ever.
Tougher enforcement follows rising offences
The City says the stricter measures come after another busy year for traffic enforcement.
Between July 2025 and June 2026, Cape Town Traffic Services recorded nearly four million traffic offences. During the same period, officers made 2,767 arrests, compared with 2,255 the previous year.
Drunk driving arrests also increased by 32%, rising from 1,619 in the 2024/25 financial year to 2,138 over the past year.
According to the City, these figures, along with hundreds of thousands of complaints received annually, justified introducing tougher enforcement measures.
What truck drivers should do
Although the amendments are aimed at improving road safety, they also serve as a reminder for transport companies and professional drivers to stay compliant.
Drivers should ensure:
- Their driving licence is valid and appropriate for the vehicle they are operating.
- Number plates are legal, correctly fitted and clearly visible.
- Vehicles are driven responsibly and never in a manner that endangers other road users.
- They never drive under the influence of alcohol or any intoxicating substance.
For companies operating fleets in Cape Town, reviewing driver compliance and vehicle documentation before the new enforcement measures take effect could help avoid unnecessary vehicle impoundments.
With the by-law now officially gazetted, the City says implementation is the next step, signalling a tougher approach to dangerous and unlawful driving on Cape Town’s roads.
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