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With a massive rise in cloned vehicles and illegal plate manufacturing, ensuring you buy your number plates from a valid, registered embosser is crucial. Driving with non compliant plates can lead to heavy fines, vehicle impoundment, or unnecessary complications at roadblocks. Here are the essential steps to verify a valid number plate embosser:
1. Check for Valid SABS Certification
 (Example attached)
Every legal number plate manufacturer and embosser must be certified by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS).
Look for the logo:Â The embosser’s workshop should prominently display a valid SABS certificate.
Check the plate itself:Â A legal number plate must have the SABS stamp (SANS 1116) permanently printed or etched onto it, usually along with a unique certification number or the manufacturer’s mark.
2. Verify Valid Training Certificate and Registration
Legitimate embossers must hold a valid training certificate for number plates from an approved manufacturer or training body, proving they are certified to operate the specific embossing machinery and comply with SANS 1116 standards.
In addition to this technical certification, they must be formally registered with their provincial Department of Transport (e.g., Gauteng, Western Cape, KZN) and the relevant local traffic authorities.
Provincial certificate only applies for Gauteng at the current moment A valid embosser should have both their formal provincial registration certificate and their technical training credentials on display.
Do not hesitate to ask to see their training certificate and current provincial registration to ensure your plates are legally processed.
3. Verify Valid Training Certificate and Provincial Registration
  (Example attached)
Legitimate embossers must hold a valid training certificate for number plates from an approved manufacturer or training body, proving they are certified to operate the specific embossing machinery and comply with SANS 1116 standards.
Additionally, depending on your region, they must display specific provincial authority documents:
For Gauteng Only: The embosser must display a valid Certificate of Registration for Number Plate Manufacturer/Embosser issued directly by the Gauteng Department of Roads and Transport, alongside a Gauteng Compliance Certificate.
Other Provinces: SABS and training certificates onlyÂ
A valid embosser should have both their formal provincial registration certificate and their technical training credentials on display. Do not hesitate to ask to see them to ensure your plates are legally processed.
4. Inspect the Physical Layout and Material
A valid embosser will only use approved materials and font styles specified by national legislation:
Material: Plates must be made of approved acrylic (plastic) or aluminum with a highly reflective background.
Font and Spacing: The font type, size, stroke thickness, and the spacing between letters, numbers, and the provincial logo must exactly match legislated specifications. Illegal shops often use non-standard, stylized fonts or incorrect spacing to fit names or custom layouts.
Note , In Gauteng only Aluminium Plates are allowed
Sample of a valid SABS MARK ON A NUMBER PLATE. SANS1116 FOLLOWED BY SABS LOGO , FLLOWED BY UNIQUE EMBOSSERS REGISTRATION NUMBER
Manufacturer IDENTIFICATION MARK , NNPR
Manufacturer identification mark , UP, Uniplate
Manufacturer identification mark , UQ, Unique Plates
Samples of illegal plates
Illegal Mark , Not SABS approved DGD certification Imposter
Mobile number plate operator, Illegal , Not SABS APPROVED
Illegal plate , 60mm letters are not allowed on a long plate
Two Vehicle Crime Suspects Arrested in Pinetown With False Plates and Stolen Property
Two theft out of vehicle suspects were arrested following a coordinated operation between Marshall Security’s Special Operations Team (SOT) and Pinetown SAPS Trio Crimes after suspects linked to vehicle-related crimes were intercepted in Pinetown.
On 27 May 2026 at approximately 17h40, members received information regarding suspects in a silver VW Polo who were allegedly attempting to break into a vehicle at a well-known shopping centre in the Waterfall area. The suspects thereafter fled in the direction of Hillcrest.
Marshall Security Special Operations Team members immediately proceeded to the area and conducted patrols in an effort to locate the suspects; however, initial searches yielded negative results.
At approximately 19h00, further information was received indicating that the same suspects were allegedly attempting to steal items from a vehicle at a well-known shopping centre in Pinetown.
Marshall Security Special Operations Team members immediately proceeded to the scene and conducted patrols within the parking area while remaining on the lookout for the suspects.
Shortly thereafter, members observed the identified silver VW Polo occupied by two suspects inside the parking lot. Marshall Security SOT members, together with Pinetown SAPS Trio Crimes members, approached the vehicle. Upon noticing the approaching members, the suspects attempted to reverse and flee the scene. Members acted swiftly, successfully blocking the vehicle and apprehending both suspects.
Pinetown SAPS Trio Crimes members conducted a search of the suspects and the vehicle.
During the search, members discovered car-breaking implements together with a blue laptop bag containing a laptop, wallet, and additional items which the suspects could not account for.
Further inspection of the vehicle revealed that the registration number displayed on the VW Polo consisted of false registration plates. Members subsequently located the vehicle’s original registration plate, concealed underneath the front passenger seat.
Further investigation established that the recovered blue laptop bag had been stolen during a theft out of motor vehicle incident at a well-known shopping centre in the Hillcrest area.
Pinetown SAPS Trio Crimes thereafter took the suspects, vehicle, and all recovered exhibits to Pinetown SAPS for further investigation and processing.
This vehicle theft suspects arrested case highlights the effectiveness of intelligence-driven operations, proactive patrols, and strong working partnerships between Marshall Security Special Operations Team members and Pinetown SAPS Trio Crimes. Through coordinated action and rapid response, suspects linked to vehicle-related crime were intercepted before further incidents could occur, reinforcing the value of vigilance and decisive action in protecting our communities.
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Lead the way in ensuring that registration and fair trade allow everyone the business opportunity they deserve
