Traffic Fines what to do?
Traffic fines in South Africa are administered by the AARTO agency. Drivers will be penalised with demerit points for various traffic offences. If motorists rack up more than 12 points in a 12 month period, they risk having their driver’s license suspended for a predetermined period.
Traffic Fines enforcement
After a traffic offence has been recorded the traffic officer is required to hand over the photographic evidence in digital format to the respective traffic department for processing.
Speeding fine
A letter is sent to the vehicle owner who has thirty two days in which to either pay the traffic fine or to dispute it due to irregularities or errors found on the traffic fine. The system allows a discount of 50% on the penalties if the fine is paid in full within this period. The driver or vehicle owner ticketed will have sixty four (64) days to provide AARTO representation if any fines are in dispute. The motorist will need to either download or fill out the AARTO 08 form online on the AARTO website. If someone else was driving the vehicle, you can choose to have the fine re-issued to the offending driver.
Summons served for outstanding Traffic Fines
The prosecuting authority will serve you with a summons to appear in court, should you not pay the fine, nor contest the fine. You will need to plead your case in court. The prosecutor will need to submit all the evidence in the form of photographic evidence and testaments from the traffic officers involved. Should you fail to appear in court, the prosecutor will process a warrant order for your arrest for contempt of court, and not for failing to pay the traffic offense. If you are stopped in a traffic roadblock, you will be arrested and need to go to court as per the warrant issued.
What to do when you receive a traffic fine.
First check the the fine for any errors and irregularities with regard to time of issue, accuracy of details and photo image on the letter. Check the speed zones, direction of road and details of the offense. Many of the tickets can be paid online on the pay-fine or view-fine websites.
