FAQ: How fast can you go in South Africa without getting a ticket?

So, how fast can you go in South Africa and still be within the bounds of the law? Well, South Africa’s Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) has been refining speeding fine violations. This is ahead of the controversial new AARTO laws rollout.

Granted, AARTO – or the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences to use its full title – appears to be on ice for now. That’s until local municipalities wrap their head around the new system. They warn it is incredibly complicated and it will see local traffic authorities lose millions in revenue annually.

HOW FAST CAN YOU GO IN SOUTH AFRICA LEGALLY?

So, how fast can you go in South Africa before getting a ticket? Well, there are speeding fines to be had through all the speed ranges, depending on what sort of road you’re driving. But you must always factor in a 10 km/h leniency from traffic authorities.

Business Tech says this ‘grace’ window accommodates for minor calibration errors in vehicle speedometers. Likewise, it prevents someone being prosecuted for exceeding the speed limit by a mere 1, 2 or 3 km/h, therefore clogging up the system.

SPEEDING BY ZONE

If you’re caught travelling at these speeds below (note the zones), here’s how hefty your ticket will be:  

Fine	40 km/h	60 km/h	80 km/h	100 km/h	120 km/h
R250	51 to 55	71 to 75	91 to 95	111 to 115	131 to 135
R500	56 to 60	76 to 80	96 to 100	116 to 120	136 to 140
R750	61 to 65	81 to 85	101 to 105	121 to 125	141 to 145
R1 000	66 to 70	86 to 90	106 to 110	126 to 130	146 to 150
R1 250	71 to 75	91 to 95	111 to 115	131 to 135	151 to 155
R1 500	76 to 80	96 to 100	116 to 120	136 to 140	156 to 160
Court	80+	100+	120+	140+	160+

YEARS OF DELAYS

The new AARTO act and its driver demerit system was due to start in July 2022. However, following a High Court ruling that declared the AARTO Amendment Act invalid and unconstitutional, it was sent to the Constitutional Court. And in 2023 it was eventually green-lit.

However, rather embarrassingly, the RTIA and Department of Transport has been unable to implement it as intended. We were told AARTO and the demerit system would be operational by halfway through 2024, but that looks highly unlikely following pushback from local traffic authorities and municipalities.

DEMERIT POINTS

Nevertheless, if and when the system does go ahead, motorists may only receive 15 demerit points on their licences before suspension. Two suspensions and your licence will be revoked and you must start again from the learner’s licence test.

NEXT READ: MUST pensioners reapply for SASSA Old-Age Grants April 2024?

So, how fast can you go in South Africa, legally? There you have it. Be sure to share your thoughts with our audience in the comments section below. And don’t forget to follow us @TheSANews on X and The South African on Facebook for the latest updates.

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