Tshwane warns motorists: Unclaimed impounded vehicles face crushing after 28 February

The Tshwane Metro Police Department (TMPD) has issued a stern warning to motorists that thousands of impounded vehicles could soon be destroyed if they are not claimed before the end of February.

The TMPD says any vehicle, trailer, caravan or motorcycle impounded between 2001 and 2024 and left unclaimed within the legal time frame may be crushed to recover outstanding impoundment and storage costs.

“The TMPD Pound Unit urges vehicle owners or title holders to report to the impound yard at No 1 Madiba Street, Pretoria Central with the necessary documentation, including a registration certificate and a valid identity document, to claim their vehicle,” the department said.

Owners must also settle all applicable fees before their vehicles can be released. These include impoundment and storage charges.

The department said municipal legislation allows the City of Tshwane to dispose of vehicles that remain unclaimed after several notices have been issued and the legal holding period has expired.

“Municipal legislation permits the City of Tshwane to dispose of vehicles that remain unclaimed after several notices have been issued and a legal holding period of about 120 days has lapsed."

The TMPD also urged motorists to ensure their personal details are up to date on the national traffic system.

“The TMPD also requests that motorists update their address and contact details on the eNaTIS system if these have changed, enabling the TMPD to contact owners if their vehicles are impounded,” the department said.

The process is governed by national law.

“This aligns with Regulation 320 of the National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act 93 of 1996), which regulates the storage and disposal of impounded vehicles to recover municipal expenses,” TMPD said.

The City of Tshwane has set February 28, 2026, as the final deadline.

“Vehicles not collected by this date will be handed over to an appointed crushing company,” TMPD said.

Motorists who believe their vehicles may be at the pound are urged to act immediately to avoid permanent loss of their property.

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