Your rights on the road

Make sure the law is on your side. Know your rights when you’re pulled over.

As the Festive Season kicks off, it’s great to see more and more Metro Police officers on the roads. For that reason, it’s important to know the fines you will pay for breaking the laws that govern the roads, as well as the laws that will get you arrested.

On the other hand, it’s important to know when an officer may be pushing his luck. Whatever the case, when it comes to the law, you have the power to make the right choices, especially with Legal&Tax by your side.

Traffic offenses:

A list of offences that will get you a fine, according to the Road Traffic Infringement Agency, can be seen below:

Driving an unregistered vehicle	R500
Driving an unlicensed vehicle	R500
Driving a vehicle with licence plate not visible	R500
Driving without a driving licence	R1,250
Driving without a seat belt	R250
Driving while holding and using a cellphone	R500

Skipping a stop sign (light vehicles)	R500
Skipping a stop sign (buses, trucks)	R750
Skipping a red light (light vehicles)	R500
Skipping a red light (buses, trucks)	R750
Failing to yield to a pedestrian	R500

Overtaking across a barrier line (light vehicles)	R500
Overtaking across a barrier line (buses, trucks)	R750
Overloading a vehicle with max 56,000kg combination mass by 12-13.99%	R1,500

Driving 81-85km/h in a 60km/h zone	R750
Driving 106-110km/h in an 80km/h zone	R1,000
Driving 121-125km/h in a 100km/h zone	R750
Driving 131-135km/h in a 100km/h zone	R1,250
Driving 131-135km/h in a 120km/h zone	R250
Driving 141-145km/h in a 120km/h zone	R750
Driving 151-155km/h in a 120km/h zone	R1,250

Criminal offenses:

When it comes to criminal offenses, under AARTO (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences) regulations, the following acts can result in your arrest:

Driving under influence of intoxicating substance

Driving 100km/h+ in a 60km/h zone

Driving 120km/h+ in an 80km/h zone

Driving 140km/h+ in a 100km/h zone

Driving 160km/h+ in a 120km/h zone

What can’t you be arrested for?

Be aware that, despite what people say, you can’t be arrested for failing to:

Wear a seatbelt
Display a valid licence disc on your windscreen
Have your driver’s licence with you

Remember: With Legal&Tax by your side, you can be sure that if your arrest is unlawful, a lawyer will be there to help you, every step of the way.

With Legal&Tax you’re not alone

Contact us for expert legal advice and assistance.

Criminal law

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This month's newsletter covers youth education opportunities, child protection laws, winter fire safety, and important 2026 tax season dates. Stay informed with practical tips to help protect your family, plan ahead, and navigate key life decisions with confidence.

3 June 2026

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