The Department of Roads and Transport has extended the renewal date for number plates with the letter “N” to “L”.

In 2002, the provincial government took an executive decision that the new “L” licence number system for the province would become operational, replacing the old "N" numbers. 

The determination process of implementation for the phasing out of the Northern Province “N” licence plates was for a period of 10 years - from 1 August 2003 to 31 July 2013. While this information is correct and factual,  a gazette was issued in 2006, indicating that the phasing out of “N” number plates would be with effect from 1 April 2006 for a period of 10 years. The implication thereof is that the final date of phasing out will be 30 March 2016. Members of the public are, however, advised to change the number plate as soon as possible to avoid congestion on the final day of the deadline. 

The “L” licence number system started officially on 1 August 2003 and by 31 March 2016, all “N” licence plates will cease to be legal and only the “L” numbers will be legal.  The National Traffic Information System vehicle register has been updated to effect the implementation of the process automatically.

Owners who licenced their vehicles for the first time from 1 August 2003 did not have any option but to licence their vehicles with “L” licence plates. Owners are urged to change the old “N” licence numbers to “L” numbers. (Information issued by the Limpopo Department of Roads and Transport)