Unusual fines to watch out for

14 November 2011 - 22:33 By AASA
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A Gauteng toll gantry. File photo.
A Gauteng toll gantry. File photo.

We are all aware of the usual traffic offences, such as speeding, drunk driving, no licence and not wearing a safety belt.

But did you know that there are more than 2000 different types of fines in the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) charge book in use in South Africa.

"With more than 2000 fines in the book, it's hard to expect people to know every fine," says Gary Ronald, head of public affairs at the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA). "We have picked just a few random fines that do commonly occur and most people are unaware of.

"We hope that by highlighting them it will help to prevent people facing unnecessary costs and injuries this close to the festive season."

These include:

  • If you run out of fuel and your vehicle is stuck in a position that obstructs traffic you can be fined R500.
  • If you do not have an emergency triangle in your boot you can be fined up to R500.
  • When crossing the border the AA will issue you with a ZA sticker. However, some people display stickers from other countries on their vehicles. Distinguishing signs of foreign countries are not allowed on SA-registered vehicles, only the ZA sticker is allowed. This can land you with a fine of up to R250.
  • If you only have a learner's licence for your motorcycle you can get a R1000 fine if you carry a passenger.
  • Having a souped-up car is all the rage, but did you know if you alter any part of your car, like the suspension, add NOS, increase the power and so on, you have to have the car roadworthy-tested. If you don't, you can get a fine of R1200 for altering the roadworthiness of your car.
  • Although there is a campaign that encourages people to drive with their lights on, it is illegal to drive with your fog lights on when the conditions are clear, and there is good visibility. This can see you getting a fine of R500.
  • You must always keep a safe following distance. You can be fined up to R1000 for following another car too closely.
  • If you fail to give immediate right of way to an emergency vehicle you can be fined R500.
  • If you are a cyclist, you can get a R100 fine for not wearing a helmet.
  • The most random fine of all has to be this: You can be fined R250 for transporting a person or animal on top of your vehicle (strange but true).
  • And as the festive season approaches, consider that you can be fined R1500 for refusing to give a blood alcohol/breath test when asked to.
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