I think that the perception that many tourists are targetted by corrupt police (particularly regarding licences) is a little inaccurate. I believe it does happen, but is quite rare. I do agree that there are a number of corrupt police. But they are very wary with international visitors because of the possiblity of formal complaints lodged against them. The licence issue is more directed at local folk driving with fraudulent licences or without the correct documentation and licences (particularly when driving passengers). The cops occasionally set up roadblocks to catch folk with outstanding fines and summons, and with unroadworthy vehicles. Visitors have always been treated with respect, in my experience.
I must also point out that some (not all) of the claims of corrupt police have come from dubious sources. If I'm not mistaken, one rabble-rouser lambasted South Africa for months before his arrival here, and then was the target of 'corrupt police'. What a coincidence. But the comments in the previous posts are correct. Edited: 1:19 am, January 11, 2010.
We are the chasers of the light. As lots of people have confirmed on here, in practice more or less any national licence is acceptable. Any one in the standard EU format will be recognisable by any car hire company and police officers in all tourist areas. However the regulations say it should be in one of the eleven SA National Languages and have your photo. So as no other country isues licences in Zulu, Xhosa, Sesotho etc.
Or even in Afrikaans, any licence in English with a photo fully complies with regulations. The only possible reason to have an IDP (which also needs a licence to go with it) is as a transalation of your licence if it is in an unusual language. I was driving to Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport last week and was stopped near White River by a black highway patrol officer. As soon as I produced an Australian Driver's Licence, he asked for money.
Since we were catching a plane and did not want to waste time, and plus, who knows what will happen to us if we argue? Get beat up at the police station probably. We hand over the money and left the scene. Its really horrifying when you think about it, law enforcing personnel breaking the law themselves. They are going to make loads of money comes the world cup. Hi AK, If you could send me a PM with any identifying information (eg. Patrol car number, name badge, registration number, etc.) or even the place, date and time of the incident, I will gladly take the matter up with the relevant authorities.
I do understand that this happens occasionally, and I really sympathise with your situation. These guys do choose situations when they have the best chance of exploiting visitors. There is VERY little chance of you getting beat up at the local police station.
No policeman would ever take the chance of an international incident regarding a bribe, I can assure you. You knew that your Australian driving licence was adequate (if you were driving a hired car). So why pay the bribe. I trust that you did know that he was committing a criminal offence, and hope that you managed to get sufficient details to identify him. Did you ask for his identification?
And I trust that you did get a receipt, whether you were in a rush or not. Unfortunately, the handing over of bribes simply contributes to the industry. It's also worth reporting the matter to the South African embassy. I know it is difficult when in a strange country and you are faced with such a situation but I have to agree with Bushkid0. In 10 years of visiting and driving all over South Africa I have never been stopped by the police for any reason but if I was stopped and put in the same position as Ak I hope I would react the same way I would at home (in the UK) First I would at all costs remain as calm as possible and be polite. I would first either make it quite clear that I was noting the any identification info eg Name, badge number etc. If none were visible I would request identification.
Next ask what 'offence' I had committed. Ask for this to be given me in writing and advise that I would require a receipt for any money I agreed to hand over.
Being in a rental car at the time I would advise the police officer that that to ensure I did not break the terms of my car rental I would like to phone (assuming I had my mobile with me, as most people do these days) the car rental emergency number for their advice. If you had not committed any offence and the police officer was trying to 'con' you out of money then I am sure he would very early in discussions abandon his claims and wave you on your way. I again, totally agree with Bushkid0 that if incidents are not reported to the authorities then, what are at the moment a very small number if incidents, will increase if they realise they can get away with it. Regarding the original query - IDL - again I have been renting cars for 10 years on my British licence,originally with the old 'green' paper one and then the newer 'photo' licence. Never had a problem with car rental companies and the only time I have been involved with the police was after our car accident, when for insurance reasons, we had to report the accident and give a statement etc usual formalities and again my British licence was accepted without question.
Vera tablet interface. The legal requirements in SA are for a driving licence printed in one of the official languages of South Africa. As one of these is English, then as a holder of a British licence you can perfectly legally drive in SA. I hold a British licence and have hired numerous cars over the past 12 years using only my British licence. An International Driving Permit is simply a translation into English and as your licence is already in that language, you can see that it is a pointless exercise.
I have never had any problem over the years hiring cars in SA but to get a definitive answer as to the requirements of a specific car hire company, then decide who you want to hire from and if you have any doubts then simply e-mail them. It is almost universally accepted that having a licence with a photo is covered by having an old type UK paper licence - PLUS your passport which, of course, does have a photo.
The two documents linked by your full name, your date of birth and your signature. Download game nokia 2690 mpbus. I have NEVER heard of a hire company which would not accept this.
Dvla
There have been endless threads on here about this - one extending to nearly a hundred posts! People warn against police scams where they claim the old type licence is not acceptable.
No one has proved that this really happens - I stress an old type UK licence in English plus your passport with a photo. BTW if anyone did stop you and request an 'on-the-spot' fine. You are not required to pay this. Request that they send the ticket direct to the Hire company - give them the address fronm the Rental Document.
Uk Drivers License South Africa
If it is an acceptable legal ticket then the rental company will pass it on to you. As Somerset points out. An IDP is only a transalation and, on it's own, is of no value. All that said why not take this opportunity to bite the bullet and get a new Photocard UK licence. One day (soon) it will be made legal to have one and the cost is only going one way - up! I think when I changed my UK licence the cost was around a pound. Now, I see it is £20.