Here’s how you can pay traffic fines under AARTO

Since the AARTO act was approved last week in the Constitutional Court, so much has been made of the controversial driver demerit system, rather than how you’ll pay traffic fines under the new scheme.

ALSO READ: FAQ: Do AARTO fines apply to the vehicle or driver?

There are two elements South African motorists need to be aware when the time comes to pay traffic fines under AARTO. The first is the serving of traffic fines, which takes the form of a three-step process.

PAY TRAFFIC FINES

According to the Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) a violation can either be written and issued to the infringer on the side of the road or affixed to the vehicle at the time of the offence. In the case of a camera-recorded infringement, this can now be served by email.

ALSO READ: 15 of the strictest new AARTO penalties

On the infringement itself, you will note that no court date is set as yet. An admission of guilt fine is uniformly applied throughout the country, and an alternative lesser charge may also be stipulated. The notice will also state the number of penalty points to be incurred.

YOUR OPTIONS TO PAY TRAFFIC FINES

Once received – either in person or by email – you have 32 days in which to do the following:

• You can pay the traffic fine at a discounted rate. Usually 50% off. The applicable demerit points against your license still apply.
• There is the option to pay traffic fines in instalments. In which case the discounted fine falls away. Demerit points still apply.
• You may submit a written appeal contesting violation or refuting liability. Download the relevant form HERE.
• If you’re a juristic person/motor vehicle operator and not the driver, there’s the option to nominate another driver. Download the relevant form HERE.

WHAT IF YOU DON’T RESPOND WITHIN 32 DAYS?

If the infringer/recipient does not respond within 32 days, a courtesy letter will be issued to remind them of the outstanding fine. This is considered received 10 days after it is sent.

ALSO READ: Expired license? Here are all AARTO fines for license violations

The following applies over the next 32 days:

• You are liable for the full fine plus R200. The applicable demerit points still apply.
• If you do not respond before 64 days are up, an enforcement order will be issued.
• If this is the case, the infringer/recipient is blocked from performing any license transactions on eNatis, including getting a new driver’s license, PrDP or new vehicle license disc.
• If this is the situation, you are given a further 32 days to comply. You will have to pay the full fine plus R300. Only then will the enforcement order be removed.
• If this infringement is serious enough to be considered a criminal offence, you will be prosecuted in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act.

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