The revamping of the traffic regulations in South Africa is part of the initiative taken by the Department of Transport to make roads safer and cut down on accidents caused by reckless drivers. The new rules that came into effect on 10th October 2025, incorporate an instant fine system that may go up to R5,000 for various traffic violations.
What Is Changing?
- Mobile phone use while driving – R2,500 to R5,000
- Driving without a valid driver’s licence – R3,000
- Speeding in urban areas by more than 30km/h over the limit – R3,500
- Running a red light or stop sign – R4,000
- Driving under the influence of alcohol (first offense) – R5,000 plus possible arrest
- Driving unroadworthy vehicles (e.g., faulty brakes, bald tyres) – R2,000 to R4,000
Instant Fines: What Is the Procedure Like?
The traffic officers will be able to give a digital fine at once with the new criminal justice system, which will then be entered into the AARTO (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences) platform. The motorist will receive a message about the fine via SMS or email and will then have 32 days to pay or contest the fine before it moves up the ladder.
Not paying may lead to consequences such as:
- Points deducted from your driving record
- Your driving license temporarily suspended
- Possible confiscation of your vehicle
Moreover, the system is equipped with mobile credit card payment machines, thus, if the drivers want, they can easily pay their fines right at the spot.
Why the Tougher Laws?
The implementation of stricter laws is mainly aimed at combating the poor road accident statistics that have been the case in South Africa for a long time and, on average, 12,000 people every year. The government is of the opinion that heavy fines would help keep such road users away from the roads, especially in the case of repeat offenders.
Sindisiwe Chikunga, the Transport Minister, expressing his opinion on the issue, declared:
“There will be no more negotiations with the unsafe drivers. The new regulations are not about income generation; they are about life-saving instead.”
Public Reaction and Legal Concerns
Public opinion is not united on the issue. Some drivers, for instance, see the new fines as a way of encouragement to drive more safely; meanwhile the R5,000 fine is considered by others to be a too harsh punishment especially for the poor. Moreover, the civil rights groups are also concerned that this may lead to bribery and corruption among the police.
The department will not let such problems occur as all the roadside instances where on-the-spot fines are being imposed will be video recorded with body cams and if there is a conflict, an independent investigation will be done.
How to Stay Safe (and Avoid Fines)
To avoid being inadvertently caught by the new laws, road users are advised to:
- Possess a valid driver’s license and have it ready for presentation
- Do not engage in any form of mobile communication while driving
- Stick to the speed limits and obey the traffic signals
- Have their vehicles inspected regularly and keep them in good condition for the roads
- Do not drive under the influence of alcohol.
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