How to check if you have outstanding traffic fines in 2024
There are rules of the road in every country in the world that must be followed to ensure the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, drivers, and every other road user. Failure to follow these rules may lead to accidents. Therefore, these rules should be taken very seriously, and anyone who defies them must face the consequences, either by going to jail or by paying the given fines. Here is how to check if you have outstanding traffic fines.
Source: UGC
The South African government has set up departments like the Road Traffic Infringement Agency and the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offence. These departments administer laws and outstanding traffic fines in South Africa to anyone who does not follow them.
The full meaning of RTIA and AARTO
The RTIA (Road Traffic Infringement Agency) is one of the agencies providing the platform on how to check for outstanding traffic fines in South Africa. The objectives of this agency are:
- To administer a procedure to discourage the contravention of the laws of the road and support the adjudication of infringements.
- To provide penalties imposed against persons contravening road laws.
- To provide specialized prosecution and support services.
- To undertake community education and community awareness programmes to ensure that individuals understand their rights and options.
The AARTO (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences) is an act of the parliament that produces a point demerit system for violating the laws of the road.
It is managed by the Road Traffic Management Corporation, a public entity under the Department of Transport. The AARTO introduces a demerit points system intended to reprimand South African drivers who are regular offenders.
This online system is where you check outstanding traffic fines. The law ensures that all the Road Directorate Inspectorate centres countrywide are connected with a database.
How to check if you have outstanding traffic fines in South Africa
The AARTO brings improved fine collection procedures and revenue streams used for improving road safety in South Africa. Here is how to check outstanding traffic fines.
- Visit the official RTIA website.
- Scroll to the bottom of the page, and in the right corner, click the "Click here" link to view your traffic fines.
Note: The online RTIA fine system is presently unavailable; however, you can view or pay your penalties using other options, such as PayCity. All you have to do is register an account with them and follow the instructions provided.
How to pay fines online
Source: UGC
Below are steps you can follow to pay for your outstanding fines.
- Visit the AARTO Explained platform.
- Sign up to create your account if it's your first time using the platform.
- After signing up, verify your email and sign in using your email and password.
- Once you're signed in, select the fines you wish to pay.
- Choose one of their convenient payment methods, such as Snapscan, Zapper, Masterpass, Mobicred, Credit and Debit cards, EFT or cash.
- After making your payment, you will receive an electronic receipt number for your records. Please note that some receipts may take time to be issued by the Municipalities.
Keep the following information in mind:
- If you were not the driver who committed the offence, you might nominate the actual driver or the person who was in control of the vehicle once you know how to check for outstanding traffic fines.
- Suppose you have a reasonable cause for cancelling your ticket. In that case, you may submit a representation indicating why you should not be liable for the penalty in terms of the infringement notice. The RTIA will forward your representation to the Independent Representations Office for consideration.
- You can also go to court when issued with an infringement notice or when your infringement representation fails.
How do you pay a traffic fine?
Traffic fines in South Africa can be paid in the following outlets:
- At any Pick and Pay stores
- At the cashiers or ATMs of the ABSA bank
- Internet banking
- South African Post Office
- First National Bank
- Shoprite checkers
- Engen Quickshops
- Lewis
- Spar
- Boxer
What happens if you don't pay your traffic fines in South Africa?
Source: UGC
If you fail to pay or dispute, a warrant for your arrest may be issued upon the case's presentation in court. If you cannot raise a fine, the traffic officers can help develop a suitable payment plan.
Do traffic fines expire in South Africa?
All outstanding traffic fines should be cancelled after 18 months if no summons have been issued. An issued summons has a lifespan of two years.
How can you reduce your traffic fine in South Africa?
You can contest a fine to have it reduced. All you need to do is submit a written statement to traffic.representation@capetown.gov.za. If your representation succeeds, the fine will be reduced or cancelled.
What makes a traffic fine invalid in South Africa?
The fine may be declared invalid if the operator does not have a certificate or licence.
What is an Infringement notice?
This is a notice of a grave violation of the laws of the road, which warrants a major conviction.
It's important you know how to check if you have outstanding traffic fines to avoid any further penalties or being arrested. You can check and pay for all your fines via the PayCity website.
Briefly.co.za recently published a guide on how to unlock an NSFAS account. NSFAS is a loan and scholarship program run by the South African Government to support students.
A significant mistake that causes the account locking is when a student incorrectly inputs their wallet password more than three times. In such cases, learning how to unlock your account can be of great help.
Source: Briefly News
