South Africa: Amendments to compulsory specifications for motor vehicles 

South Africa has published amendments to two compulsory specifications for motor vehicles: 

• Compulsory Specification for the Motor Vehicles of Category N1 (VC 8024); 

• Compulsory Specification for Motor Vehicles of Category M1 (VC 8022); 

The specifications cover the requirements for motor vehicles of category N1 and M1, not previously registered or licensed in South Africa, and motor vehicles assembled from new bodies and used parts from earlier designs of motor vehicle models, designed or adapted for operation on a public road. 

The purpose of the amendments is to align the regulatory requirements in South Africa with the newest developments, for example in terms of ADAS or automated driving: 

“Vehicles fitted with advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) shall comply with the relevant UNECE Regulations where applicable:  Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS) – UNECE R152.00 Uniform provisions concerning the approval of motor vehicles with regard to the Advanced Emergency Braking System (AEBS) for M1 and N1 vehicles.   

For vehicles fitted with a level of autonomous function, the applicant shall supply proof of compliance with the relevant UNECE Regulations of the specific system/s that enable the autonomous function in the vehicle.” 

Compliance with the referenced SANS and/or UNECE Regulations minimum levels and/or later levels is acceptable, however in certain instances there is local legislation that must also be complied with for vehicles meant for the local market (i.e. National Road Traffic Act, Electronic Communications Act…etc.). 

To find you more about the details of the regulations as well as automotive compliance in South Africa, do not hesitate to contact the Institute for Global Automotive Regulatory Research.