Motoring guides

Vehicle Codes, VIN Checks and Number Plates

Before you buy a used car, check its code and history. It can save you from a stolen, rebuilt or clocked vehicle.

Updated 26 September 2026 · TrackerPrices SA

Quick answer: Code 1 is a new vehicle, Code 2 a normal used vehicle, Code 3 a rebuilt vehicle that was written off and passed police clearance and a roadworthy, and Code 4 a permanently scrapped vehicle that may never return to the road.

Vehicle codes on eNaTIS

Code	Meaning
Code 1	New, first owner.
Code 2	Used. The vehicle has changed owner. It may still have had private accident repairs.
Code 3	Built-up: written off (for example after an accident, hail or flood), rebuilt, police-cleared and roadworthy-tested. Usually worth much less and harder to finance and insure.
Code 4	Permanently demolished. May not be put back on the road.

How to check a VIN before buying

Match the VIN on the car (windscreen, door pillar, chassis) with the registration papers.
Get a paid vehicle history report from a credit bureau or vehicle data provider, which shows finance, write-offs and stolen status.
Ask the seller to meet at a police station if you are unsure whether the car is stolen.
Check service history against the odometer. See clocking.

Number plates and province codes

Number plates show where a vehicle is registered, for example GP for Gauteng. Gauteng has introduced a new plate design with security features such as QR codes and tamper-evident markings to fight plate cloning; check with your licensing office whether and when you need to change plates.