What happens if you ignore that fine?

In South Africa, many motorists flout traffic laws and simply don't obey the general rules of the road.

In fact, during the Easter period last year, more than 79 000 traffic fines were issued. Over and above this, 1039 licences were suspended, 1024 vehicles were impounded and 864 motorists were arrested for drunk-driving.

Over the same period this year, according to the Department of Transport, 43 433 notices were issued, 1457 vehicles were impounded and 330 motorists were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.


"Due to our busy and financially demanding lives, paying traffic fines are often not a priority. Many people often think that if they ignore a fine or a summons to appear in court, the fine will magically disappear," said Martin Janse van Rensburg, spokesperson for Budget Insurance.

Janse van Rensburg stresses that ignoring a speeding fine could have severe consequences and could result in you not being able to register a new vehicle or even spending time in jail.

The Administration Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (Aarto) is currently in the process of being phased in by the Department of Transport in certain areas. So, if you receive an Aarto 03 infringement notice delivered to you by registered mail only (from the Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department or Tshwane Metro Police Department), you have 32 days to receive a 50 percent discount. However, if you don't pay then you lose the discount and have to pay a further R60 for a letter, which will give you another 30 days to pay your fine.

If you still don't pay your fine, an Enforcement Order will be issued against you, which will cost you an additional R60, and will block all licensing transactions on eNatis. This means that you won't be able to register a new vehicle or renew your license disc or driver's license.

"Aarto also allows for a warrant of execution to be issued which allows the Sheriff to come and take your belongings in order to sell them and recoup the money for your fine," said Janse van Rensburg.

If you receive an "old school" traffic fine under the Criminal Procedure Act by mail and don't pay immediately, a summons will be served to you. If you ignore the summons and fail to appear in court, a warrant of arrest can be issued.

Budget Insurance says you can avoid this happening with its new Fines Protect service, which monitors and checks for fines on a frequent basis and notifies you of any outstanding fines.

Or, if you ask us, simply settle your fines when you receive them. Or, better yet, obey the rules of the road and don't attract any fines at all.
SOURCE IAFRICA