As the festive season approaches, many motorists will embark on long journeys to various destinations across the country. This period also sees an increase in roadblocks set up by law enforcement officers to promote safety along the roads.

It should be noted, that as per the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC), roadblocks are primarily aimed at identifying drunk drivers, speeding vehicles, and unroadworthy cars in order to ensure the safety of all road users.
In addition, these checks are an opportunity for officers to uncover outstanding traffic fines and warrants for arrest. Additionally, as per the RTMC, roadblocks can also help identify vehicles involved in criminal activities.
Given this context, the RTMC has shared important information about the rights and responsibilities of motorists when they are stopped at roadblocks. As motorists now prepare to travel to their holiday destinations, it’s crucial to know what to expect when stopped by traffic officers at a roadblock.
Here is a closer look at the key points:
• Law enforcement officers are authorised to search any person at a properly sanctioned roadblock, without a warrant. The RTMC explains, “Officers can search any person at a ‘roadside check’ without a warrant, if you consent to a search or if they have reasonable grounds to do so; they may also seize any ‘contraband’ or evidence without a warrant at a roadblock.”
• Traffic officers have the authority to issue an infringement notice (a ‘fine’ under the Criminal Procedure Act or the AARTO Act, as applicable) if a vehicle or driver is found to be in violation of the law.
• Officers may also issue a notice to discontinue use of a motor vehicle if it is deemed unroadworthy, or they may impound it if it poses a danger to other road users or is operating in violation of public transport permit regulations. Traffic officers are also permitted to arrest anyone they suspect has committed, or is about to commit, an offence listed in Schedule 1 of the Criminal Procedure Act, without a warrant of arrest.
• During a roadblock, officers can arrest any individual for whom a warrant of arrest has been issued by a court.
However, the RTMC emphasises that traffic officers are not permitted to engage in physical or verbal abuse, nor can they damage your property. Officers are also forbidden from soliciting bribes or any form of gratification from motorists.
“Motorists should immediately report such conduct to our anti-corruption agents,” the RTMC stated.
Furthermore, motorists have the right to request to see an officer’s certificate of appointment, which authorises them to act as a peace officer. The RTMC also notes that motorists may demand proof of a warrant of arrest if one is claimed to exist and may refuse to submit to searches unless reasonable grounds for the search are provided. “Motorists can refuse arbitrary searches of your person or property at a ‘roadside check’, unless reasonable grounds exist,” the RTMC advised.
It is crucial to note that physically or verbally abusing traffic officers or damaging their property is strongly discouraged, as it may result in serious consequences. The RTMC also reminded the public of the importance of responsible behaviour, especially during the festive season when parties and end-of-year functions are common. “No one shall refuse to provide a breath alcohol or blood sample; resist arrest; or offer or pay a bribe,” the RTMC stressed.

In light of the holiday season, the RTMC encourages motorists to keep the following emergency numbers readily available:
• 112 – All emergencies from a cellphone
• 10111 – Police
• 10177 – Ambulance
• 0800 055 555
• 083 293 7989 – Traffic anti-corruption WhatsApp line
• 012 999 5407 – Bad Driving and anti-corruption
• 012 846 4590 – Hawks
As the RTMC offers guidance on roadblocks and interactions with law enforcement officers, we invite you to share your thoughts in the comment section below
Comments 93
Since traffic department takes forever to issue our driver’s licence cards, what is going to happen if I renewed my license and 21 days of grace has lapsed yet my card has not yet being issued by the department? Am I going to be fined or arrested for driving without driver’s license?I have no money for temporary license.
What about all these traffic officers driving around on their cellphones or with out seat belts, then they want to fine you for that same thing or less. Then They wonder why people don’t like them. Leading by example is a reality. So how’s about the “good” traffic officers laying down the law as it’s supposed to with out them loosing thier job or being harassed by bad eggs in the group (this includes the higher ups just fyi), on not just the civilians but also those police and traffic officers that give them bad names, never mind these idiots running around (I’ve seen these mostly in the eastern and western cape, with a bunch in kzn and northern cape too though) in fancy brand new unmarked vechiles with these new white or red led strips flashing on the dash boards like those blue light monkeys that go 120 through towns. Also fine the pedestrians that don’t bother looking any direction when crossing the road or walk purposely slowly to slow traffic down or come to complete stop, and then they wonder why they got hit by a car. Roads were built for cars not people and animals to have Sunday afternoon strolls on.
Good day
I was once stopped and searched without any reasonable grounds and when I ask the warrant to search the Officers became so aggressive.
In the instance like this what should I do?
Regards,
I always thank the officers for stopping me as I see the stop and check a vital part of road safety and crime prevention.
I do not abide with officers soliciting bribes in any way, and I will report them.
There needs to be more roads blocks out of Holliday seasons. Vehicle checking and visible policing by traffic officers. Not just sitting in their air-conditioned cars. Pulling vehicles off and checking them and the driver.
Keep up the good work to the honest hard working officers. And those soliciting bribs or accepting bribes must get caught and removed from the honorable service.
Many thanks.
Hi.
1. If there are fines presented at a traffic roadblock, but with no warranty arrest, let’s say you don’t have money at that time, will you ne arrested?
2. Yesterday u was given a speeding fine. I was cruising on N12 at a speed of 127 km/h. The officer said her camera registered 134 km/h. What’s my recourse on this matter?
A very informative however contradicting article. Motorists need the anti -corruption hotline on speed dial as the number of BRIBE EXPECTING incidents are created by “The Right to search a vehicle and the right to refuse a search.”
Law abiding citizens need to be treated with respect. These are the people who form the foundation of a sane civilized society.
Hello there
What RTMC is doing about cars that have dropped suspensions that are hindering traffic flow, aftermarket headlights that are blinding other road users, cars with blinking lights normally used on emergency vehicles, smoked tail lights that are hardly visible when in use, cars driving with day time running lights only at night, cars with number plates not displayed, flashing brake lights, clear indicator bulbs instead of amber bulbs, cars with only bright lights working in the night blinding oncoming vehicles, cars with aftermarket HID/ LED globes on non HID/ LED headlights and fog lights which contributes to accidents due to blinding, lawlessness on our roads is rife drivers do as they please on our roads and our law enforcement agency is failing us, taxi drivers own the roads and that’s a fact they stop wherever they want and worst times they are out of control is during peak hours they even drive on reverse gear on the other side of the road since traffic flow to town is less then traffic flow going to residential areas during the knocking off period, cars that have dark tint that you can’t see the occupants, the number of unroadworthy vehicles on our roads tell us how unlawful our country is. In the cities taxis are washed, fixed on the streets and nothing is done about it, certain streets are unusable due to this practice. I’ll believe when I see all of the above taken care off that noone is above the law.
Are you entitled to video the traffic officer during the process
An arrest is only legal when there is clear evidence proven in court and authorized by the court. No officer has the right to arrest except if there is clear indisputable evidence that the driver or passenger is an imminent danger to other persons. We are not in the USA.
You explained nothing about spot fine and action to be taken against officers who demand spot fines. Secondly I request that you have a look at your officers who are mostly deployed at the exit of N17 they are not working they are running their second toll gate because they are demanding money in front of passengers.
When is RTMC going to have physical meetings with motorist across the country?
You stand not to be respected because the RTMC want to surprise motorist always.
I’m just submitting these for a request of Road Traffic Management imbizo across the country to have a better understanding an working together.
Because at most as motorist we are being abused by law enforcement and our rights are strongly suppressed only because they are a majority in all roadblocks.
Thank you
This is informative and much appreciated thank you so much
Should there be an approved application for a roadblock be issued by a minister at the roadblock
What defence does one have against them using force and claiming you resisted arrest? Also planting “evidence” when not receiving bribes? I just don’t see how the situation can improve without removing the corrupted officials from their positions altogether EVERYTIME and continue to do so until the ones left get the message that corruption doesn’t pay.
How am I able to confirm that a “roadblock” is actually official and not criminals posing as police officers?
Roadblocks must be a regular procedure throughout the year and not only during December and Easter weekends.
That is all well and good except these officers can’t even spell let alone know if a vehicle is roadworthy or not
I read through the guidelines, they were so informative and educational. Thanks for the contact details, they are very important especially the Ambulance. The Johannesburg ambulance number that I had, it always got answered in Cape Town everytime I called for emergency.
We live in a police state not democracy. Laws are designed to merely generate revenue for the corrupt state and bribe money for the officers, eg.truth be told, There’s nothing wrong with Drinking and Driving the real offense here is Drunken Driving. Drunken Driving is Reckless Driving and should be treated as such. Drinking alcohol in a parked car is now an offense for which the police issue a R1000.00 fine. That’s if you can not afford something for “cold drink”
Unless an original warrant is available the motorist cannot be forced to pay the fine, be detained or arrested
It is very good, but are they going their job properly.
The second and biggest problem are our roads. It is not aafe to drive on road with potholes. It damage our vehicles, you can’t see it at night. How many people died due to roads with potholes. The MEC’s of Transport of every province must be held responsible for every accidents where potholes are the main reason for the accident.
MECs and HODs are not held accountable for poor and no services, which is our constitution right. This is also a crime.
Hope someone with authority read this and start to do the necessary actions by law.
The problem with lots of officers is that they think they are Gods of the road just because they are authorized to Enforce the Law, You must remember that People are not forced to pay outstanding fines on the spot and again you as an officer must proof that the person knows about the fine and did not pay it intentionally, you can’t expect People to know about a fine they did not receive, before you arrest someone on the road for an outstanding fine first fix your system and make sure we get those fines..
Very informative
Information is useful and clear to all motorists.
When the traffic fine was not pesonally issued by a traffic officer or personally sighned for and a warrant off arrest has been issued by notifying by SMS OR PHONE TELEPHONE MESSAGE, what is way forward?
At a roadblock, are the RMTC allowed to withhold your Drivers Licence until you pay fines es, without any proof of said fines???
Good plan we are humbled
It is quite interesting these RTMC roadblocks! I sometimes wonder where they all crawl out, as on other days, if you are lucky to see some of them, they are parked sitting in their cars under a shady tree, next to the road…
I travelled through Ladysmith a few weeks ago, counting three traffic cars sitting in the shade next to the road and a forth having a 60km/h leasury trip enroute to Ladysmith.
While, with the N11 roadworks in town itself, there is absolute chaos!! Drivers skipping stops and red traffic lights, forcing second and even third lanes, no respect shown for other road users and traffic rules whatsoever, etc. etc…
No use in reporting any officer asking for bribes I know deal with it on a dayley basis. They just do not care. And if they do not get what they want the try to take you licence disk and take your vehecle of the road. They refuse to give any af their details name or any thing. Their bosses protect their people and are arogant the moment you report ti them.
AARTO is nog nie n verklaarde goedgekeurde Wet in dis WesKaap nie. So hoe kan Verkeersbeamptes daardie wet uitvoer en toepas?
I understand what has been written in this article But it appears to me that the law abiding motorist is still open to abuse from any police traffic department.
My husband & l had a Very negative encounter at a police road block 5 years ago, which ended in an unlawful arrest for my husband. ( he was aquited)
Unfortunately we not have lawyers then( we do now).
I for one will Never trust any police department again.
Great to have you as visible presence on the roads this festive season. Thank you.
I fail to understand how a vehicle at standstill at an “authorised traffic stop” can be “identified as a speeding vehicle”.
What constitutes “an authorised traffic stop”?
Surely it is not one -sometimes two – police vehicles parked next to the road and waving down vehicles at random.
Thesecare commonly seen for a hydration of an hour – two at most – and almost exclusively between 10am and 12pm, or 2:30 ,pm and 4pm
They are commonly referred to by motorists as “KFC” stops or “cold drink stops”.
How do motorists know a stop is an “authorised traffic stop” other tgan by the number of police and vehicles involved and the placement of cones to filter traffic into one or two stop and go lanes?
Thankyou for all the information. Very thoughtfull. Much appreciated.
Our roads are in an unsafe condition , roadblocks are putting the cart in front of the donkey, more road workers is what we need . I witnessed a road block right next to a civilian directing traffic , upsurd
1)What’s the definition of roadworthieness described by RTMC
2) Why share numbers for different departments for offences such as drunken or speeding and theres no action taken
Can officers demand payment during roadblock if there is a warrant?
Thank you as this is so educative.unfortunately your Officers are too corrupt on these roads.
What about the western cape where do you report bad driving?
Get rid of corrupt all
state officials
Anti – corruption
I am for it
Belive in G N U
Hope for our younger generation
It is a common issue that traffic officers do not introduce themselves when stopping vehicles, and they often become angry when asked to present their appointment cards. This behavior reflects an abuse of power, and it disproportionately targets black people. Additionally, our constitution appears to be unfair as it allows ministers to misuse blue lights, even when they are not responding to emergencies. What is the purpose of blue lights if they are not used solely for emergencies?”
This version improves readability, maintains your original intent, and enhances sentence flow. Let me know if you’d like further adjustments!
I paid a traffick fine at an evening roadblock in 2022 near Moroka police station and the fine was never updated as paid.
I was shocked to receive an email from RMTC last month, that listed all the fines that I paid in that year as unpaid.
I paid some through the Maponya Home Affairs traffic office and those were also listed as unpaid.. This means that we pay the fines and RMTC office doesn’t dio its work – to clear the paid fines on their records. I cannot pay the fines twice or more because of the incompetence of that office. Can you kindly do recon of payments against he fines, as soon as possible, that we would not have paid and unpaid tickets listed together as unpaid on your records. I am also concerned that the officers may find me at a roadblock during the festive season stoppages and make me to pay those fines again or be detained…this is unfair..
Very informative to motorists. Well done RMTC, You really care for the society at large. We hope all motorists will behave and have the safest festive in our roads.
Remember to make sure that our roads are user friendly, most of our public roads are disasters. The N1 between Musina and Louistrichardt is not worth paying and can cause accidents. It’s not easy to use, it’s bumpy not well looked after whilst motorists are paying daily. Trucks are damaging it nearly every day and it needs serious attention. It is one of the busiest road in the limpopo province.
To promote safe driving at night may I suggest that munisipalities spend money on road markings especially centre islands and pavements and maintain their robot systems they are looking to punish drivers and blame drivers for road accidents and deaths but ignore their own responsibility
Love the idea but think you should also do more roadblock on heavy duty trucks and load spreading. There are so many of these killing machines on the road with incomplete drivers and not roadworthy. Think if you draw some stats you will see how many heavy’s are involved in accidents.
Happy festive season to all the officers who will be on duty
Our lives are more at risk when asking anything from jmpd…. Certificates, evidence or anything else… They get violent and aggressive before they even start.
Complained about several of these extortionists when they keep your license in their pockets.
Thank you!
Thank you for this informative posting.
I want to thank the DOT for such a good work. My suggestion is that the roadblocks should not wait until busy times especially in the areas next to the boarders, there’s so much happening there. We appreciate the visibility of RMTC on our roads. Thank you
It is good to see that guidelines have been published. I hope that all motorists will aware themselves of the guidelines and adhere to it. Moreover, it would be essential for for law enforcement to do the same. A calm, professional approach from both civilians and law will make this task at hand much easier. Happy festive holidays to all!
Although I am in Namibia, we use the same CPA(51/77).
What is requirements of a properly temporary/mini roadblock.Should it not have proper Road signs to be visible during day/night time or am I wrong.
Regards
Hillbrow, Yoevil, Norwood, Johannesburg central Police stations n officers are corrupt to the core first thing when thy stop you they demand to open your phone isn’t that my phone is my privacy if you don’t allow to open your ey take you Police station and ask or demand bribe can some pliz look into that we tired of these bullies who are corrupt
Is it lawful for a traffic officer to issue a ticket for a car whose disc has not yet been renewed and it’s within 21 day grace period, and which is not been driven, while the one stopped at the time is renewed just that it’s disc withheld till the other car is renewed.
Hi
I was pulled over near Harties this weekend. The officer approached and immediately asked:
Where is the firearm? I told him I didnt have one. Whether i did or not, in my opinion, has nothing to do with them.
Please advise of my rights in this regard..
He never asked to see my drivers licence. Just looked inside the car.. asked where we coming from.. then told us we could leave..
Thank you
Barry
That is awesome.
Thank you for the good work you done, working when others is on holiday. God bless you all.
So basically we have to submit to criminals in uniform. The police in this country are criminals and not police officers. As a result they have no authority over decent law abiding citizens.
Atleast use the phrase “some” instead of calling all officers criminals. You cannot put everyone in that box….
Agree with you
I realy rely on roadblocks and that they work will be done in a proper manner.due to lot of sosial media videos was proof of bad behavior of police and traffick officers.
This information is somewhat contradiction as it is initially stated the the RTMC officers have a right to search the vehicle in a roadblock and latter indicate that the driver has the right to refuse the searching. Please correct this as it may create confusion.
You lack principle, why don’t you inform drivers that, they cannot be stopped by any law enforcement officers that are not in full uniform?
No cap
No reflector
No name tag.
Being in government does not give officers more power than the constituency, you are a government because of us.
Yet they are allreadt trying to defraud people. I am one of the few who refused to pay them on the spot. They took my keys and licence at a roadblock for outstanding fines on the vehicle I purchased from the previous owner. I have done a change of ownership and provided them all the information they requested of the previous owner but they still refused to hand me my licence and keys. Only after a fight ensued and I threatened to call my lawyer they handed me my belongings. This was in Witbank Mp on the 14th of December 2024 at 09:00am in O.R Tambo drive. I have spoken to a lawyer who deemed their actions illegal and assured me that there is no way for them to hold me liable for any outstanding fines of the previous owner. Yet these fkn thugs tried to force me to pay on the spot, refused to give my keys or licence back and refused to let me go. But no worries I am going after their badges. Hoping all 5 of you have hungry famalies by next year chriatmas and hoping you are in jail where you belong.
Thank you for the heads up
However I would like to know where do we report in case I’m abused or want to point out if something is wrong
I support roadblocks but let it be reasonable meaning the time and the place must be chosen wisely, don’t block freeways, on and off-ramps really.
When it comes to trapping, traffic cops must be visible all the time and not hiding in shady sports, they should also not sit on hills and areas where you can’t see them, it’s unacceptable and those trappings should not be allowed. Period!!
Drive to the rules then they can sit wherever they want to. Simple
I don’t see the rights of the driver’s,it means is the only law that matters
Hi I think 90%of traffic police uphold the law while the other 10% only want to solicit bribes.if only our police and metro weren’t corrupt we would be safer cos if u take a bribe from a drunk driver he could be the 1 to take so many other lives by causing an accident which could be avoided if the police did their job in the first place which is very very sad.i wish that corruption could stop then we will have a beautiful country to live in.kind regards
Yes it’s a good thought, I see… This festive wreck less driving is coming to an end. My view is… keep on surprising our motorists who have forgotten that they share the same Streets with other human beings. Never allow hooligan’s
Big Up!!!!
“Safety means Zero Harm”
(Vhimba Lost Time Injury)
Regards
Regards
There should be a whatsapp line for bad driving and 10111 too.
Define bad driving? Everybody’s perception of driving is different. It’s a paradox to state, we going to prevent an accident. Define accident.
I really appreciate your visibility on our roads more specialy at this time of the year. Keep on doing the good work..
What should I do if a traffic officer wants to arrest me but they can’t produce a previously issued warrant of arrest against me.
The officers will almost not stop you when wearing a seat belt. Ths attracts the one that looks for bribe money. Money speaks volumes at road blocks
Politics come to play as the race ratio of appointment at road blocks is not fair. Out of a 100 i will see 1 koisan and no indian .Therefore i always feel treatened and intimidated. Otherwise im happy with the conduct of officials. As my two graduate sons are still unemployed for over sis years when we see this unfair employment it reminds us of politics at play. A bitter pill to swallow . But God becwith you all till Jesus appears.
Educational and informative. I trust all Peace Officers of RTMC and othet law enforcement agencied are also encouraged to familiarize themselves with this information and practise same.
This good thanks, Are the officers on these check points mandated to request for the Drivers lincence and holding to it before checking the vehicle? This rises concern be ause if the lincence is ok and valid why should an officer get instead of just viewing it.
License Black’s Law book definition
‘A permit to do something illegal ‘
Is it illegal to drive a car on any road in a private capacity. Not to the Supreme Court
In a case where a traffic officer want to make an arrest for the fines you have not been summoned with. What do you in that regard.
Traffic definition, merchandising on the road.
That would be in a commercial capacity?
Peace officers may not charge anybody criminally, that’s what police officers do. Then they must be commercially bonded incase they damage or tort a man. Unfortunately RTMC (corporation, fictional entity, creation may not enforce the creator) does not bond these officers rendering them null and void. So a counter claim to be made on the ‘acting’ officer (definition of officer…. an auditor) so ask for a certified copy of ID and certified appointment copy so one may file a commercial lien at the High Court for tort.
This is in complete contrast with one another. At the top they say that officers may search your vehicle at anytime but at the bottom ot says that you can refuse for them to search. Is this only on uour person or the vehicle as well if so this means that the rights are taken away of a motorist but at the same time you can refuse for them to search your vehicle as well. Please clarify
We hope appropriate roadblocks can reduce excessive and unnecessary accidents that take place every festive season.
The road blocks are there to audit every birth certificate and hold the living man liable for an added tax synonym levy, if they were really interested in your safety they would chauffeur us around, a road block does not determine the judge behind the wheel.
Proven to reduce unnecessary accidents
As we have maximum speed limit and all motorist have to obey them. I think if we can also have minimum speed limit to avoid unnecessary accidents because some are caused by motorist that are driving with 20kph in a 100kph
Are they acting within law when they DEMAND that a motorist pay an old fine that has no enforcement order? Can they hold you at the road block and block you from leaving? What are the obligations and rights of the motorist in such situations?
That is a controversial statement, cannot find ‘speed, speeding ‘ in law books. Some people have died waiting at a stop street.
Keep the roads and users safe
This sounds like we all go out on the road to see if we can make an accident. No officer, police, man can even prevent an accident, be logical. Like someone saying the gonna prevent you from peeing.
Please explain .. or is about to in this this sentence? Are poluce mind readers ?
Traffic officers are also permitted to arrest anyone they suspect has committed, or is about to commit, an offence listed in Schedule 1 of the Criminal Procedure Act,
You comment insensitive to the good work of honest and dedicated officers in blue. You make it sound like your apartheid era police officers were saints, yet they were unapologetic killing machines that chose a particular race to execute their mandate with passion.
Give credit where is due. Not all law enforcement officers are bad.