South Africa’s New Traffic Rules Take Effect Today; Instant Fines Up to R5,000 — What Drivers Must Know

South African drivers now face tougher rules on the roads. The new laws started today and include fines of up to R5000 that must be paid right away. The Transport Department made these changes to make roads safer and stop bad driving habits. They want to lower the number of crashes and traffic rule breaks in South Africa. Drivers who break these new rules will get big fines. They might also lose their cars or need to go to court if they keep breaking the rules. The changes affect many driving laws and drivers should learn the new rules to stay out of trouble. These rules are now much stricter than before & the police will enforce them more strictly. Drivers need to be more careful to avoid problems with the law.

New Traffic Rules Fine
New Traffic Rules Fine

SASSA Grant Amounts for October 2025 – Full List of Payout Values Across All Categories

Common Traffic Violations & Their Instant Penalties Traffic officers can now give you a fine right away if they catch you breaking these rules on the road:

– You must have a valid driver’s license at all times.

– Driving without one will get you in trouble fast.

– Stop at red lights and stop signs.

– The police take this very seriously.

– Don’t use your phone while driving.

– Keep it away until you park. Always wear your seatbelt.

This is a basic safety rule that everyone must follow. Never drive if you’ve had alcohol or drugs. This is dangerous & illegal. Don’t put too many people or things in your car. Stay within the legal limits. Keep your vehicle license up to date. An expired disc will cost you money. Keep emergency lanes and crosswalks clear. These spaces must stay open for safety reasons. Remember these rules to avoid paying fines and stay safe on the road.

New SASSA Payment System Changes in 2025 – What Beneficiaries Must Know Before Collection

Offence Previous Fine (R) New Fine (R)
Driving without a license 1,250 2,500
Skipping red light/stop sign 1,000 2,000
Cellphone use while driving 1,500 3,000
Drunk driving 2,000+ (court case) 5,000 (minimum)
No seatbelt 500 1,500
Vehicle license disc expired 750 1,800
Blocking emergency lanes 1,200 2,500
Dangerous or reckless driving 2,000+ (court case) 5,000 (minimum)
Also read

New Traffic Rules from October 1: Zero BAC Limit and Big Speeding Fines Kick In! New Traffic Rules from October 1: Zero BAC Limit and Big Speeding Fines Kick In!

Keep Your SASSA Profile Secure – Tips to Protect Your Banking & ID Details From Scams

Traffic Police Now Use Modern Ticket Devices Police officers on the roads now have new mobile devices to give out tickets. These devices connect to the main traffic system right away. This means drivers who break the rules will get their fines instantly on the spot. The system also checks if drivers have broken rules before. People who often break traffic laws should be careful. Their bad driving record could make it hard to get a job or a car loan. It might even cause problems when they try to visit other countries. The new system helps police work faster and catches repeat offenders more easily. It’s all part of making roads safer and making sure people follow traffic rules.

Also read

New RTO Fines Take Effect october 10 – SA Drivers to Face Higher Penalties for Violations New RTO Fines Take Effect october 10 – SA Drivers to Face Higher Penalties for Violations

SASSA’s Biometric Enrolment Drive – How Fingerprint Scans Will Help Stop Payment Fraud

When you get a traffic ticket, you can do one of two things:

Pay the Fine:

– You can pay online using the Department of Transport website.

– You can also use banking apps from ABSA FNB or Standard Bank to pay.

– If you prefer to pay in person you can go to any Post Office or traffic department.

Challenge the Fine:

– If you think the fine is wrong you can fight it online at www.enatis.com.

– You’ll need to show proof like pictures or videos to back up your case.

– You must do this within 32 days after getting the ticket.

Remember: If you don’t pay on time you’ll have to pay more money. The police might also issue a warrant to arrest you.

! Instant Fines Up to R5,000
! Instant Fines Up to R5,000

Check Your SRD R370 Status – How to Verify Approval or Rejection Online Instantly

– The new laws will mostly affect bus drivers, delivery workers taxi drivers and people who drive to work each day.

– Police will do random checks in busy areas and places where crashes often happen.

– How to Stay Safe from Fines Make sure you have your license with you and your car papers are current

– Don’t touch your phone while driving even when stopped

– Follow the speed limit at all times Check that everyone wears their seatbelt

– Don’t drink any alcohol before driving as you might get in trouble Keep your car in good shape because you can get fined for bad tires broken lights or signals that don’t work

The text is now simpler and uses basic words. It’s easier to read and understand but still gives the same important information.

Declined for SRD R370 in October? Here’s How to File an Appeal and Get Reconsidered

Department/Entity Contact Number Email/Website
National Department of Transport 012 309 3000 [email protected]
RTMC (Road Traffic Management) 0861 400 800 www.rtmc.co.za
eNATIS Support 0861 400 800 www.enatis.com
Traffic Fine Queries (JHB) 011 490 1600 www.joburg.org.za
Also read

New Traffic Rules from October 1: Zero BAC Limit and Big Speeding Fines Kick In! New Traffic Rules from October 1: Zero BAC Limit and Big Speeding Fines Kick In!

What are some key changes in South Africa's new traffic rules?

Instant fines increased, up to R5,000, effective today.

Share this news:

Author: Ruth Moore

Ruth Moore is a passionate freelance writer from South Africa with extensive expertise in SASSA policies, grants, and beneficiary rights. Over the years, she has earned a strong reputation for breaking down complex social assistance programs into clear, practical insights that everyday readers can trust. Her work is widely valued for being reliable, community-focused, and dedicated to empowering South Africans to navigate government support systems with confidence. Beyond her professional writing, Ruth enjoys exploring the latest technology trends and immersing herself in good books.

🪙 Grant News
Join SASSA Group