Vehicle buying guide
What are on-road fees?
On-road fees are the dealer's once-off admin and prep charges added to the vehicle purchase. They are separate from the car's advertised price and from government charges.
What the fee usually covers
The mix changes from dealer to dealer, but it often includes pre-delivery inspection work, roadworthy-related admin, fuel, licensing or registration handling, and the final handover paperwork.
Common line items
A dealer should be able to break the amount down clearly. The exact line items depend on the dealer and the vehicle.
Pre-delivery inspection
Checks and prep work done before the vehicle is handed over.
Roadworthy admin
Paperwork and testing required before registration or delivery.
Fuel and delivery
Initial fuel, collection, or delivery charges where applicable.
Administration
Dealer processing, paperwork, and handover costs.
Clearance and registration
Fees linked to licensing, registration, or clearance handling.
Cleaning and valet
Final preparation or detailing before the car is delivered.
Why it appears separately
The car itself is one number. On-road fees cover the practical work the dealer does to prepare and deliver it, which is why they are shown as a separate once-off charge.
If the amount is not broken down clearly, ask for the dealer's detailed invoice before you sign.
What to check before paying
- Ask for an itemised breakdown of the fee.
- Compare the total with another dealer if the amount looks high.
- Confirm whether registration, delivery, and licence costs are included.
Source
This page is based on AutoTrader's explainer on on-road fees for South African car buyers.
Read the source article