Life & Style, South Africa

FAQs around outstanding Traffic fines and Traffic rules

After receiving a fine, there are certain elements you need to know.
The Newcastillian – Online News looks into some of the most commonly asked questions regarding traffic fines.

Where do you check online to see if you have any traffic fines

Due to the constant development of technology, you can now check if you have a traffic fine in South Africa via:
payCity on https://www.paycity.co.za/
OR
AARTO’s Query My Fine: https://online.aarto.gov.za/#/
If this process is a bit daunting for you, you can personally visit the Newcastle Municipality’s Community Safety Offices on Allen Street or the Road Traffic Inspectorate. It is essential to highlight; you will need to take a copy of your ID and Driver’s Licence.

What is the time frame between a traffic fine being received and a warrant of arrest being issued?

The traffic officer will stipulate a date on which you need to pay or appear in court on the traffic fine. If the fine is not paid by the set date, a warrant of arrest will be issued, and a further penalty will be imposed on top of your current traffic violation.

Can I be fined for having my cellphone between my legs while driving?

Regulation 308A states that: “No person shall drive a vehicle on a public road while holding a cellular or mobile telephone or any other communication device in one or both hands or with any part of their body.”
This means a traffic officer can fine you for having your cellphone on your lap while driving. Moreover, you cannot even send a text message while stopping at a traffic light. Arrive Alive explains, “You may also not use the cellular phone at traffic lights even when the vehicle is not moving – if the engine is running, you are considered to be driving.”

Where can you pay for your traffic fines?

Thanks to technology, you can choose to pay your fines online or offline.

Online sites you can use are:
• Internet Banking: Certain Internet Banking Apps allows you to pay your traffic fines online.
• payCity: https://www.paycity.co.za/
• Pay My Fines – https://www.paymyfines.co.za/

Offline sites where you can pay your fines:
• Newcastle Magistrate Court
• Pick n Pay
• Spar
• Shoprite Checkers

Do you have to pay a traffic fine at the time of the offence?

If a traffic officer insists you pay a fine on the spot, they are breaking the law. According to the law, no traffic officer can accept cash on the road. The only time this option is allowed is at a roadblock where there is a formal cash facility, and you can receive a proper receipt of proof of payment.

Authors: Quinton Boucher and Calvin Swemmer

Edited: Calvin Swemmer

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