The SOUTHERN AFRICAN VETERAN AND VINTAGE ASSOCIATION
Die VETERAAN MOTORVERENIGING vir SUIDER-AFRIKA
SAVVA Contact – April 2009

If you own or are in any way associated with classic vehicles, you will be aware, through your clubs and the media, of the controversial interpretation of the law with regard to the sale, licensing and operation of Left Hand Drive (LHD) vehicles. This first became apparent in Kwa Zulu – Natal, where the law was correctly applied.

At a meeting held on 10 February 2009, representatives from the Motor Vehicle Classic Car Industry, Elite Sports Car Clubs, Members of the Motor Vehicle Licensing fraternity and the Department of Transport, both national and regional, Legal Services Divisions gathered to discuss the implications of this legislation.

After lengthy discussion and debate, to try and reach a practical solution that balanced the rights of owners of LHD vehicles and that of the Dept. of Transport’s desire to ensure road safety and compliance with existing SADEC Agreements, it was agreed by all present that they are comfortable with the amendment proposed by the 15th Amendment where the prohibition (of operating): “does not apply in respect of motor vehicles which was registered or licensed in the Republic into any persons names before the 23rd July 2004”

“It is, however, regrettable”, and I quote Mr Shahir Ramdass from Ramdass and Associates (Durban), “that these amendments are still in the process of being commented upon and it appears that they are a fair way from being promulgated, which effectively means that the industry is seized with the provisions above for some time to come.”

A recommendation was made, that will form part of a written submission to the Dept. of Transport, that a moratorium be introduced to cater for the needs of the industry in the intervening period. The drafting of this proposal will be done in collaboration with all stakeholders.

What are the practical implications of this to us, as LHD vehicle owners?
Firstly, any LHD vehicle that is currently registered can be freely driven on our public roads, the same as any other vehicle. 
Secondly, any vehicle that was registered prior to 24 July 2004 can be freely traded and licensed, and therefore used on our roads, by any subsequent owner.

On behalf of SAVVA, I would like to thank Mr. Jack Clough and attorney Shahir Ramdass, from Ramdass and Associates, most sincerely for the time and effort they have spent, and will still continue doing so, on the LHD problem. We want them to know that this means a great deal to the movement as a whole, and that their efforts are greatly appreciated!

The questions remaining to be asked are:
What happens to all the unregistered LHD vehicles – all those awaiting registration after restoration?
What are the implications to the LHD vehicles that were legally registered after 23 July 2004?
Can LHD vehicles still be imported into the country that were first manufactured prior to 23 July 2004?
I’m sure you can add to this list of questions and I would greatly appreciate to hear from you in this regard.
Follow-up sessions will continue to be held to resolve all these outstanding issues. Hopefully we’ll have some further news by the next newsletter.

The problem of re-registering a previously registered vehicle (no longer on the system), is the lack of substantiating documentation. Only the year of manufacture, supported by a SAVVA dating certificate could enable the registration of your vehicle.
A possible option would be to consider converting the LHD vehicles into right hand drives. Most of the parts required to do this could be obtained from similar vehicles of the period. Mustangs, for example (and possibly other makes as well), have right hand drive kits available from Australia and else where– at a price of course!

The revised VSR’s have been completed and are now available in book form as well as on the SAVVA website: www.savva.org.za.

To Peter Aneck-Hahn, Jan Steenkamp and Wynand Swanepoel for the time they spent on revising the VSR’s and Peter for organising the printing of the books: a very big Thank you! We realize it took a great many hours of your time, so do know, we greatly appreciate your effort.

It was brought to our attention that a few mistakes appeared on the latest issued Indemnity forms. The corrected forms are now available on the website. I do want to apologise sincerely for the inconvenience caused to the clubs and members. Please ensure that every club member and every person taking part in any club event completes and signs the latest, corrected form. For any further information regarding Indemnity forms, please contact David Hoff.

Happy Vintaging to you all!
Steffan
012 – 734 1640 (t/f)
steffan@vintageworks.co.za