Navigating South Africa’s roads requires adherence to traffic laws. These laws have been implemented to ensure the safety of all road users, and violating these laws can lead to a variety of consequences. Certain violations are more prevalent and can lead to hefty traffic fines or even more severe penalties.  

It’s far better to know precisely what kinds of fines and other penalties are enforced on our roads as understanding these common infractions will help you be a law abiding with a clean record and safety conscious motorist.  

Here is a closer look at the common traffic fines in South Africa and how to avoid them.  

Let’s Talk About Speeding 

Exceeding the posted speed limit is one of the most frequent traffic violations. The simple reality is that speeding reduces a driver’s reaction time and increases the severity of accidents. There’s just no other way of highlighting the dangers of going faster than is posted. 

How To Avoid: 

• Observe Speed Limits: Always be aware of and adhere to the posted speed limits. 

• Use Cruise Control: On highways, this function can help maintain a consistent speed. 

• Plan Ahead: Allocate sufficient travel time to avoid the temptation to speed. 

Ignoring Stop Signs And Traffic Lights 

This violation is alarmingly common, although we wouldn’t say that it incurs as many traffic fines as it should. The fact is, though, failing to come to a complete stop at stop signs or running red lights can lead to severe collisions.  

You should always come to a full stop at stop signs and red lights, even when the intersection appears clear. Added to that, you should slow down when approaching intersections to prepare for potential light changes. 

Using Phones While Driving 

The South African National Road Traffic Act prohibits drivers from using a hand-held communication device while driving, including cell phones. While this violation is not caught and fined as much as it should be, we should all invest in hands-free technology. For really important calls or messages, we urge you to find a safe place to pull over before using your phone. 

The purpose is to avoid distracted driving, which is a significant contributor to road accidents. However, you should also know that the standard fine for using a handheld phone while driving is R1000 and authorities may confiscate your phone. You might even need to pay a fee to retrieve it, which could also come to around R1000.  

Not Wearing Seat Belts 

The fact that seat belts have proven time and time again to save lives should be reason enough to wear one, however you should also be aware that it is actually illegal to not strap up when driving. This includes your passengers.  

Failure to wear your seat belt could incur a R250 fine per person. 

Driving Under The Influence (DUI) 

It will hardly come as a surprise that operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is illegal. In South Africa, DUI fines range from R2,000 to R120,000, with potential for imprisonment up to six years, license suspension, and a criminal record. You may also be required to complete community service and treatment for alcoholism and drug abuse.  

Reckless And Negligent Driving 

This kind of driving includes behaviours like tailgating, excessive lane changing, and aggressive driving. You could be fined R10,000 to R40,000, face imprisonment, and license suspension. The severity of your fine depends on the circumstances of the offence. 

It’s far better to avoid this kind of driving altogether by keeping a safe distance between your vehicle and the one ahead, staying calm, and obeying the rules of the road. 

Driving Without A Valid License Or Expired License Disc 

Operating a vehicle without a valid driver’s license or with an expired vehicle license disc is illegal. Make sure to keep track of expiration dates and renew licenses promptly, and while we all have memory lapses, make it a priority to always have your valid driver’s license with you when driving. 

Illegal Parking 

Parking in unauthorised areas, such as loading zones or handicapped spaces, can result in fines. This is considered a “Section 341/Schedule 3” offence, and typically, the fine comes in at around R500. 

Overloading Vehicles 

How often have we packed one too many bag into the car for that much-needed holiday, or passed a passenger vehicle with at least three more passengers than is safe. However, the fact remains that carrying more passengers or cargo than the vehicle’s capacity is unsafe and illegal. 

The fine for overloading your vehicle ranges from R250 to R1,500, depending on the percentage of the permissible maximum mass exceeded. 

Failure To Yield To Pedestrians 

Our last common fine relates to pedestrians. Often overlooked, pedestrians are protected by our traffic laws, and as such, not giving right of way to pedestrians at crossings can lead to accidents and fines. 

It’s far better to be on the lookout for people, especially at crosswalks, and to give them the right of way as required by law. 

Feeling informed?  

Adhering to traffic laws not only helps you avoid fines but also ensures the safety of all road users. By staying informed and practicing responsible driving habits, you contribute to a safer driving environment in South Africa.  

For more expert motoring advice and safety tips, visit AA Inform, your trusted source for South African driving insights.