Demerit System and Diplomats

Question

[b] [/b] We would greatly appreciate you advising whether this ruling will apply to American Diplomats who do not use South African driving licenses but utilize their driver's licenses which are issued in America. On the basis of reciprocity between South Africa and the United States of America, the driver's licenses issued in America are valid on the basis of reciprocity for utilization by them on South African Roads while their serve the American Government and as official "guests" of the South African Government. American Diplomats do not enjoy immunity for traffic offenses and all. Such unfortunate claims when and if they happen are fully honored. However, our concern and question is - how will the demerit system apply to the Diplomatic Corps in South Africa? We would greatly appreciate you providing clarification on this new demerit system to be piloted in June 2007 in Tshwane will be applied to the Diplomatic Community. [b]

Answer

[/b] In terms of the operating of diplomatic vehicles, the points will be allocated in two instances: 1) to the identified driver personally (a registered and identified individual will be nominated by the Diplomatic mission concerned). When this individual reaches the maximum points, then he/she will not be permitted to drive in this country. This will not affect the home country licence. If apprehended driving whilst under suspension or cancellation, the offender will be prosecuted according to the law of this country. 2) to the registered operator / owner of the vehicle. Thus, if the Diplomatic mission continues to allow bad driving / illegal driving, then the mission will be dealt with in terms of the law of this country and be suspended from operating vehicles. In all instances, as the vehicles have diplomatic plates, this process will be followed. Individuals of a diplomatic mission who use vehicles with local registrations (ie non-diplomatic plates) will also follow the same route.