How to Pay Traffic Fines in South Africa
Paying a traffic fine in South Africa must be done within 32 days of the infringement notice being issued. The AARTO (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences) system applies in most metropolitan areas. You can pay online, at the post office, at a bank, or at a municipal traffic office. This guide covers all payment methods and what happens if you do not pay.
Payment within 32 days reduces the fine amount by 50% under AARTO. After 32 days, the full amount applies, and after further non-payment, demerit points are recorded and enforcement measures begin.
AARTO Infringement Notice
Under the AARTO Act, a Notice of Infringement (NOI) is sent to the registered owner of the vehicle by the issuing authority (traffic department, RTMC, or municipality). The NOI must be delivered by registered post to the address on the eNaTIS register.
You have 32 days from the date of the infringement notice to pay or elect to be tried in court. Paying within 32 days qualifies for a 50% discount off the full fine amount in many instances.
How to Pay Online
- Visit the AARTO website at www.aarto.co.za.
- Select 'Pay Infringement' and enter your ID number or infringement notice number.
- Verify the fine details including the infringement date, location, and amount.
- Select payment method: credit card, debit card, or EFT.
- Complete payment and save the payment reference and confirmation.
- Check that the fine is marked as paid on your record within 48 hours.
Other Payment Methods
- Post office: take the original infringement notice to any South African Post Office and pay cash or by card
- ABSA, FNB, Nedbank, Standard Bank: some banks offer fine payment via internet banking (enter the correct reference number)
- Municipal traffic department: pay in person at the office that issued the fine
- Via eNaTIS at www.enatis.com: accessible for certain fines linked to your vehicle
- Easypay: reference number from the infringement notice can be used at retail points linked to Easypay
Once an Enforcement Order is issued, the fine amount increases significantly and legal costs are added. Do not ignore infringement notices.
What Happens if You Do Not Pay?
Failure to pay within 32 days results in a Courtesy Letter. Failure to respond to the Courtesy Letter results in an Enforcement Order. Under an Enforcement Order, the following measures may be applied:
- Your vehicle licence disc renewal will be blocked
- Your driver's licence renewal will be blocked
- Your professional driving permit (PDP) renewal will be blocked
- Sheriff of the court may serve a warrant of execution
- AARTO demerit points are recorded against your driving record
Disputing a Traffic Fine
You have the right to elect to be tried in court instead of paying the fine. You must do this within 32 days by completing the election on the infringement notice and returning it to the issuing authority.
You may also apply for a review if you believe the fine was issued incorrectly. Applications for review must be submitted within 32 days to the relevant authority.
Checking for Outstanding Fines
You can check for outstanding traffic fines on the AARTO website (www.aarto.co.za), via the eNaTIS portal (www.enatis.com), or at your municipal traffic department.
It is advisable to check for outstanding fines before renewing your licence disc or driver's licence, as unpaid fines can block the renewal process.