CRA Motoring News – South Africa

By Cindy Karimi

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 or even death. 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 charges. South Africa is no exception in following the highway codes. Here is how to check if you have outstanding traffic fines.

How can I check if I have outstanding traffic fines in South Africa? The South African government has set up departments like the Road Traffic Infringement Agency and the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offence to administer laws and outstanding traffic fines in South Africa anyone who does not follow them.

 

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What is the Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA)?

The RTIA is one of the agencies providing the platform on how to check for outstanding traffic fines in South Africa. Can I check my traffic fines online? Yes, you can, and the whole system is online-based so that you can get services from the comfort of your couch.

The RTIA 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.

 

What is AARTO?

The Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Infringement Act of 1998 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 view outstanding traffic fines?

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:

 

The AARTO process

How can I check if I have any outstanding traffic fines?

You can either watch the two videos or follow the process explained below to enable you to check all your outstanding fines.

 

Click here to register as a user on the AARTO.gov.za site. This will enable you to check if you have any outstanding fines.

 

Once you have registered as a user on the AARTO site, click here to access the AARTO.gov.za website to check if you have any outstanding fines.

 

 

The process of checking South African traffic outstanding fines is straightforward and fast:

1. If you have not registered on the AARTO site, you first have to do that. Click here to register as a user on the AARTO.gov.za site.

2. Once on the AARTO.gov.za website click “REGISTER” on the top right-hand side of the page to create your user profile.

 

How To Check If You Have Outstanding Traffic Fines

Screenshot of the AARTO website – click on the top right-hand side of the website page on “REGISTER”

 

3. Follow the profile creation process. You will require your South African ID number and either your cell phone number or email address.

4. Once your profile is created successfully, click on “LOGIN”, next to the “REGISTER” link on the top right-hand side of the page. You will have to insert your South African ID number, newly created password and have access to either your cell phone or email depending which one you selected to receive the OTP (One Time Password) to access your profile.

5. Once logged into your profile, you will then be automatically navigated to your “Infringement Overview” page where all outstanding traffic fines will be listed. 

6. Review the options. Once you receive an infringement notice, also known as a traffic fine, a courtesy letter, an enforcement order, or a warrant of execution, you have options within the AARTO act.

What is an Infringement notice?

This is a notice of a grave violation of the laws of the road which warrants a major conviction.

7. Pay the fine. If you pay the penalty within the first 32 days, you will get a 50% discount.

  • 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.
  • If you have a reasonable cause for cancelling your ticket, you may submit a representation indicating why you ought not to 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 choose to go to court when issued with an infringement notice or when your infringement representation fails.

 

How do I 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 when I do not pay a fine?

You will not be issued a driving license, a professional driving permit, or a vehicle license disc concerning the motor vehicles registered in your name.

There you have it. Now you know how to check if you have outstanding traffic fines 2020. It is therefore very critical that you view your fines to avoid being on the wrong side of the law.

 

Main Image: Louis Nel

 

Read Also: Big Changes For Drivers Planned For South Africa In 2021 – Including Zero Alcohol Limits

 

Article Credit To Briefly.

 

What is your view on receiving notifications of traffic files issued in your name, in South Africa? Do you think it is easy to pay outstanding traffic fines? Let us know in the comments below. Also, if you found our content informative, do like it and share it with your friends.

 

Read Also: South Africa’s Updated Driving Laws Are Coming 1 July