Have a fine time
According to the Automobile Association of South Africa (AA), the Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) should – in theory – post traffic fines via registered mail; that’s the law in South Africa. Of course, we all know that this is not the norm – so what does one do when faced with a fine that has been despatched via regular mail?
Because of the potential implications of NOT handling the matter correctly, WOW has obtained very specific, step-by-step advice from the AA:
Step 1:
Once you have received the fine, log onto the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) website, which is located at http://www.aarto.gov.za.
Step 2:
Download the AARTO 08 form, which you use to plead your innocence or to get your fine removed. State that the reason why the fine should be reversed is because of the illegal manner in which the fine was issued (via ordinary mail). Submit this form within 32 days of receiving the fine.
Step 3:
Check the AARTO website and also via sites such as Payfine.co.za, Viewfines.net and Myfine.co.za to ensure that the fine is no longer reflecting. It is important to bear in mind that the some municipalities do not subscribe to these privately-run portals – so they’re not foolproof.
Ignoring the fine is not an option. First and foremost, the Prescription Act dictates that there is no prescription period on debts to government (national or local), meaning your traffic fines never ever expire. Secondly, although you cannot be arrested for not paying these fines, they do remain on the computer systems at traffic departments – so you won’t be able to renew your car licence and you may be harassed at a roadblock.
Text: Charleen Clarke