Dlamini BlessingNavigating the traffic department landscape in Johannesburg is an essential part of vehicle ownership and driving in the city. Whether you need to renew your driver’s licence, register a vehicle, pay a traffic fine, or simply understand the rules of the road, knowing where to go and how the system works can save you significant time and frustration. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of traffic departments in Johannesburg for 2026, including key locations, services, operating hours, and important updates.
Traffic Departments in Johannesburg (2026)
Understanding Johannesburg’s Traffic Law Enforcement
Before diving into the specific offices, it is important to understand the two primary entities responsible for traffic management in Johannesburg.
Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department (JMPD)
The JMPD is the city’s metro police force, responsible for traffic law enforcement, by-law enforcement, and visible policing within the City of Johannesburg municipality . They conduct roadblocks, patrol the streets, and issue fines for traffic violations. In early 2026, JMPD has increased its daytime visibility across the city as part of a broader strategy to deter crime and ensure safety following the G20 summit . For motorists, this means more roadblocks, more patrols, and more officer visibility during daylight hours .
Gauteng Transport Inspectorate (GTI)
The GTI is a provincial enforcement body that works in collaboration with the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) to strengthen road safety across Gauteng . They focus on high-impact stop-and-search operations, particularly targeting public transport corridors and scholar transport routes . Their operations often result in the discontinuation of unroadworthy vehicles and the issuance of infringement notices to non-compliant operators .
Key Traffic Department and Licensing Centres in Johannesburg
For administrative matters such as licence renewals, vehicle registrations, and testing, residents need to visit specific licensing and testing centres. Here are some of the key locations.
Johannesburg City Centre and Surrounding Areas
JHB Metro Police Department (JMPD) Head Office
Address: JMPD Headquarters, 38 Village Road, Selby, Johannesburg
Primary Function: Administrative headquarters for metro police services
Joburg Market Licensing Centre
Address: 10 Fortune Street, City Deep
Primary Function: Driver’s licence renewals, vehicle registrations
Booysens Licensing Centre
Address: Cnr Rifle Range & Nasrec Roads, Booysens
Primary Function: Licensing services, vehicle registrations
Northern Suburbs
Randburg Licensing Centre
Address: 235 Kent Avenue, Ferndale, Randburg
Primary Function: Driver’s licence renewals, vehicle licence renewals, learner’s licence applications
Midrand Licensing Centre
Address: 5th Road, Halfway House, Midrand
Primary Function: Comprehensive licensing services
Fourways Licensing Centre
Address: Cnr William Nicol & Cedar Roads, Fourways
Primary Function: Driver’s licence renewals, vehicle registrations
Eastern Suburbs
Bedfordview Licensing Centre
Address: Van Buuren Road, Bedfordview
Primary Function: Licensing services, vehicle registrations
Edenvale Licensing Centre
Address: 47 Voortrekker Road, Edenvale
Primary Function: Driver’s licence renewals, vehicle licensing
Southern Suburbs
Southdale Licensing Centre
Address: Cnr Friedland & College Roads, Southdale
Primary Function: Driver’s licence testing and renewals
Turffontein Testing Station
Address: 50 De Villiers Street, Turffontein
Primary Function: Driving licence testing, learner’s licence tests#### Western Suburbs
Roodepoort Licensing Centre
Address: 100 Christiaan de Wet Road, Florida Park, Roodepoort
Primary Function: Driver’s licence renewals, vehicle registrations
Soweto Licensing Centres
Proteas Glen Mall: A new smart licensing centre offering modern, cashless services
Jabulani: Various licensing services available
Maponya Mall: Smart licensing centre with expedited services
Smart Licensing Centres: The Future of Traffic Services
Gauteng is accelerating the rollout of smart driver licence testing centres (DLTCs) across the province as part of efforts to modernise licensing services, improve turnaround times, and strengthen road safety .
Operational Smart DLTCs in Johannesburg
Maponya Mall, Soweto
Protea Glen, Soweto
Midrand
Key Features of Smart Centres
Extended operating hours, with services available from Monday to Saturday, enabling working residents to access licensing services more easily
Licence renewals processed in approximately 10 minutes through smart enrolment technology
Cashless payment systems
Appointment-only operations managed by law enforcement officials to eliminate the use of runners and reduce opportunities for corruption
Fully integrated with the national eNatis system
The department notes that these centres reduce backlogs, expand capacity, and relieve congestion at traditional licensing offices .
Operating Hours for Traffic Departments in Johannesburg
Most licensing and testing centres in Johannesburg follow similar schedules, though hours can vary by location. Based on available information for 2026, here are the general operating hours:
Standard Licensing Centres
Monday to Friday: 07:30 – 15:00
Saturday: Limited services at select locations, typically 08:00 – 12:00 (first three Saturdays of the month at some centres)
Sunday and Public Holidays: Closed
Smart Licensing Centres
Monday to Friday: Extended hours, often until later in the afternoon
Saturday: Open for appointments
Closed on Sundays and public holidays
It is important to note that operating hours can change without prior notification due to operational requirements, so it is always advisable to check with the specific centre before your visit .
Services Offered at Traffic Departments
Johannesburg traffic departments and licensing centres offer a wide range of services, including:
Driver’s licence applications and renewals
Learner’s licence applications and testing
Professional Driving Permit (PrDP) applications
Vehicle licence disc renewals
Vehicle registrations and change of ownership
Traffic fine inquiries and payments
Roadworthy testing (at designated testing stations)
Recent Developments Affecting Motorists in 2026
Increased Enforcement Operations
Throughout January and February 2026, intensified enforcement operations have been conducted across key transport corridors in Johannesburg . The Gauteng Transport Inspectorate, in collaboration with the RTMC, has been targeting major public and scholar transport routes identified as high-risk .
Recent statistics from these operations include:
41 vehicles impounded in Johannesburg during January 2026
Hundreds of minibus taxis discontinued for failing roadworthiness requirements
Thousands of infringement notices issued for various violations
Multiple arrests for driving under the influence and other serious offences
AARTO and Traffic Fines
The Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (Aarto) system remains active in Johannesburg and Tshwane . Under this system, motorists cannot be arrested for outstanding traffic fines, though a warrant of arrest may be issued if fines remain unpaid . Once an enforcement order is issued, motorists will be blocked from renewing their driving licence or vehicle licence disc until the fines are settled .
The nationwide rollout of Aarto has been postponed to 1 July 2026 .
Crackdown on Scholar Transport
Authorities have launched intensified inspections of scholar transport vehicles, with unroadworthy vehicles and those operating without valid permits being impounded . These inspections are conducted at schools, along travel routes, and during peak travel times .
Frequently Asked Questions About Traffic Departments in Johannesburg
1. What is the difference between JMPD and GTI?
JMPD is the City of Johannesburg’s municipal police force, responsible for traffic law enforcement and by-law enforcement within the city . GTI is a provincial enforcement body that focuses on high-impact operations across Gauteng, often targeting public transport corridors .
2. How do I renew my driver’s licence in Johannesburg?
You can renew your driver’s licence by visiting any licensing centre in Johannesburg. It is recommended to book an appointment online through the official channels to avoid long queues. Smart licensing centres offer expedited service, with renewals taking approximately 10 minutes .
3. What are the operating hours for licensing centres?
Standard licensing centres typically operate Monday to Friday from 07:30 to 15:00 . Smart licensing centres offer extended hours and Saturday services . It is advisable to check with your specific centre before visiting, as hours may vary.
4. Can I be arrested for outstanding traffic fines in Johannesburg?
Under the Aarto system, which applies in Johannesburg, you cannot be arrested for outstanding traffic fines alone . However, if a warrant has been issued for your arrest due to unpaid fines, you may be arrested . Once an enforcement order is issued, you will be blocked from renewing your licence or vehicle disc until fines are settled .
5. Where are the smart licensing centres in Johannesburg?
Smart licensing centres are currently operational at Maponya Mall (Soweto), Protea Glen (Soweto), and Midrand . These centres offer cashless, appointment-only services with significantly reduced waiting times.
6. Why are there more traffic officers on the roads during the day?
JMPD has increased its daytime visibility as part of a strategy to deter crime and ensure safety following the G20 summit . This means more roadblocks, more patrols, and more officer visibility during daylight hours.
7. What documents do I need to renew my vehicle licence?
You will typically need your identity document, the previous licence disc, and proof of current address. Some centres may require additional documentation, so it is best to check with the specific licensing centre beforehand.
8. How do I appeal a traffic fine?
Appeals can be lodged through the official Aarto website or at your nearest traffic department office . It is important to submit your appeal within the prescribed time frames.
9. Are traffic departments open on Saturdays?
Some licensing centres offer limited Saturday services, typically from 08:00 to 12:00 on the first three Saturdays of the month . Smart licensing centres also offer Saturday services by appointment .
10. What should I do if the system is offline when I visit?
When national system downtime occurs, centres may not be able to process applications . Staff usually advise visitors to wait or return later. Monitoring municipal notices where available and choosing non-peak times can help, but system outages can still occur unexpectedly .
Tips for a Successful Visit to a Traffic Department
1. Arrive Early: Queues can be long, especially at month-end and just after public holidays .
2. Bring All Required Documents: Ensure you have certified copies where needed, proof of residence, and completed application forms ready .
3. Consider Smart Centres: For faster service, visit one of the smart licensing centres, where renewals take approximately 10 minutes .
4. Book Appointments: Where possible, book appointments online to secure your spot and reduce waiting time.
5. Avoid Peak Periods: Try to visit mid-month and mid-week to avoid the busiest times .
6. Consider Authorised Service Providers: For many administrative processes such as vehicle licence disc renewals, you may use an authorised representative or service provider to submit and collect on your behalf, though you must still appear in person for procedures requiring biometrics, eye tests, or driving assessments .
By understanding the landscape of traffic departments in Johannesburg, knowing where to go for specific services, and staying informed about recent developments, you can navigate your traffic-related tasks more efficiently and with less stress in 2026.