Getting a traffic ticket is a part of driving, but it is one that should be avoided if at all feasible. Aside from the cost, most South Africans – from the City of Gold to the City of Cape Town and everywhere in between – are well aware that paying for traffic violations usually entails an uncomfortably long wait in a very real queue. Traffic fine payments, from the traffic department to the South African Post Office, are downright unpleasant if done in person.
Thankfully, the internet age is gradually allowing us to avoid red tape and antiquated infrastructure by providing a plethora of new options to comply with the law without having to wait in long lines.
Providers of Private Online Services
Many government departments, like the traffic department, are eager to collaborate with the commercial sector to assist digitise systems and reduce the stress on overcrowded systems. It can be as simple as surfing on your phone to acquire peace of mind through private partnerships and other firms that specialize in enabling these types of payments. Viewfines.net, paycity.co.za, paymyfines.co.za, and more websites allow you to view traffic offenses and pay your fines online. Just make sure you’re utilizing a trustworthy provider by reading the reviews first! Make a note of your offence’s 16-digit notification number, as well as your registration and ID numbers.
Plus, there are more convenient offline solutions.
Aside from the South African Post Office and the traffic authority, certain merchants are also stepping in to make it much easier to pay your penalties while doing your usual supermarket shopping. These are some examples:
Spar
Pick ‘n Pay
Shoprite Checkers
Engen Quickshops
Certain Woolworths stores
Types of Penalties
In South Africa, there are two sorts of traffic fines.
The first is a Section 56 notice, which is given to you in person if you are stopped for speeding or driving without a valid license, for example. These have a court date written on them, and you must pay your fine before that date.
The Section 341 Notice is the second sort of fine, which is issued to the driver for offenses such as being caught by a speed camera and those that occur in the motorist’s absence, such as a parking ticket or failing to display a valid license disc. Failure to pay these fines leads in a reminder notice, and if the fine remains unpaid, a court summons is usually issued.
Why Should You Pay Your Fines Online?
Aside from avoiding long, potentially COVID-spreading lines at the traffic department or post office, settling up early also makes financial sense. Most traffic offenses are eligible for a 50% discount if paid within 32 days. And, in the digital era, there’s no excuse to miss out on this grace period, with a variety of online alternatives available to assist you pay your penalties swiftly and efficiently.
How long does a traffic ticket last?
If the summons was not served, regardless of the time of prescription under the Criminal Procedure Act, this sort of fine expires after 18 months.
Is a traffic ticket a criminal offense?
Minor offenses like as speeding tickets, license violations, improper parking, and the like are typically classified as Section 341/Schedule 3 offenses. Following payment by the perpetrator, there is no prosecution and thus no criminal record.
How can I get my South African traffic fine reduced?
Contest your traffic citation.
To contest a fine, send a written representation to the Traffic Manager at traffic.representation@capetown.gov.za. A copy of your fine must be included with this letter. This letter can also be sent to 086 293 8189.
