There are very few South Africans that have been lucky enough to escape a traffic fine, which means that most locals over the age of 18 are guilty of more than one traffic violation. Not only do we get upset with ourselves for disobeying the rules, we are also often left in shock at the steep price of the fine. With the ever-increasing price of petrol, your monthly vehicle insurance premium and your other expenses, a hefty fine is the last thing that anyone needs!
How often do we wonder about the amount for which we are charged? With little to no available literature on the matter, South African motorists are often left wondering about whether or not traffic police simply issue the cost of a fine according to their own discretion. Truth be told, drivers in the Western Cape can now do their research in the event that they are caught. Whether you’re pulled over by a traffic officer or caught on camera, you are able to dispute the amount that is owed by taking a look at the province’s Speeding Fines for Light Motor Vehicles .
Note that these tables are only valid in the province of the Western Cape and apply to light motor vehicles such as family cars and trucks.
However, if you find that you woke up to an unlucky streak, and sped off to work at a sonic speed, you’ll need to understand that, in the event of being fined, you will be liable for something called “admission of guilt fines”. This is when motorists who exceed the maximum speed limit that is punishable by fine are arrested. These offenders will be judged before court and, if found guilty, are liable to five years in prison or a hefty fine of R25 000. Keep in mind that once you’ve been arrested and face a severe traffic penalty, your insurance premium may be at risk. In an effort to increase road diligence and safety, it is important to understand the following:
The Difference between Urban, Road Sign and Freeway Traffic Fines
When it comes to traffic violations, there are three different types of categories – these apply to urban, road sign and freeway areas. If you happen to exceed the speed limit of 60km/h by 30km/h in an urban area, you will face arrest. The severity of traffic fines in urban areas is also marginally less tolerant than that of a freeway. The rule of thumb is to always be aware of the speed limits within urban areas as they are designed to protect children, residents and pets. Despite your diligence when it comes to the speed limit, there are other drivers who don’t have any sense of respect for the rules of the road. Always ensure that your car insurance policy is up to date to avoid any frustration in the event of an accident.
How to Go About Paying for a Fine
When you are issued with a fine, whether by a traffic officer or in the post, you will have a designated time frame in which to pay for the fine. Often, if you are diligent about paying your fine soon after it has been issued, you may be eligible for a discount. You are able to pay your fine at your local police station, at the Post Office, at a Checkers or through your online banking profile.
Can I Dispute the Violation?
If you feel that you were not travelling at the speed at which you were caught or have a justifiable reason as to why you were travelling at such a speed, you are able to dispute the fine. Take a look at the fine – you will notice that a court date is pre-set if the amount is not paid within a certain period of time. You are able to use this as your opportunity to dispute the fine.
To ensure that you’re up to date with South Africa’s driving regulations, take a look at this free e-Book for more information on how to keep yourself protected on local roads.
Summary
When it comes to traffic violations, most South Africans are unsure about the fine severity table. Did you know that travelling over the speed limit by 30km/h in an urban area warrants your arrest? Take a look at the following discussion on the traffic violations’ severity table of the Western Cape.
Company Bio
MiWay is a direct, short-term insurance provider offering a range of value-for-money insurance products. As well as motor, household and homeowners insurance, there are also add-on products such as warranty cover and liability cover.