Most road users are only aware of the common traffic offences such as speeding, drunk-driving, driving without a licence and not wearing a safety belt, yet there are more than 2000 fines in the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (Aarto) charge book.
Gary Ronald, the AA head of public affairs, said that because it was difficult for people to know every fine, the association intended to highlight a few.
“We have picked just a few random fines that do commonly occur which most people are unaware of. We hope that by highlighting them it will help reduce people facing unnecessary costs and injuries this festive season,” he said
Some of the offences motorists and cyclists may be committing without knowing are:
- If you run out of petrol and your vehicle gets stuck in a position where it 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.
- Having a design/sticker within 150mm of your license plate if it’s not a component of the vehicle may incur you a fine of up to R1000.
- When crossing the border, the AA will issue motorists with a ZA sticker. Displaying sign stickers of foreign countries are not allowed on SA-registered vehicles. This can land you with a fine of up to R250.
- You can be fined R1000 if you carry a passenger on a motorcycle if you only hold a learners’ licence.
- Having a souped-up car is all the rage, but if you alter any part of your car, like the suspension, add numbers, increase the power and so on, you should have the car tested for roadworthiness or risk a fine of R1200.
- Operating a bicycle without a brake on the back wheel can land you a fine of R100.
- It is illegal to drive with your fog lights on when the conditions are clear and there is good visibility. This attracts a fine of R500.
- Placing an anti-theft/anti-hijack device on your steering wheel invites a R750 fine.
- You must always keep a safe following distance behind another car; 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.
- Cyclists can be fined R100 for not wearing a helmet.
- The most random fine of all is R250 slapped on motorists for transporting a person or animal on top of the vehicle.
- One can also be fined R1500 for refusing to undergo a blood alcohol/breath test when asked to.