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How to Check Your Traffic Fines Online

Complete guide to checking your traffic fines online in South Africa. Learn how to check fines by registration number, ID number, or fine number, view fine details, and check payment status.

Traffic Law Expert
March 26, 2026
12 min read
How to Check Your Traffic Fines Online

How to Check Your Traffic Fines Online

Checking your traffic fines online is convenient and helps you stay informed about outstanding fines, payment status, and fine details. Understanding how to check fines using different methods ensures you can access your fine information easily. This comprehensive guide covers all methods to check your traffic fines online in South Africa.

Methods to Check Traffic Fines

Method 1: AARTO Website

AARTO Online System:

  1. Visit AARTO Website:

  2. Enter Search Details:

    • Vehicle registration number
    • Or ID number
    • Or fine/infringement number
    • Enter captcha code
  3. View Fine Details:

    • List of all fines
    • Fine amounts
    • Payment status
    • Due dates
    • Fine descriptions

Advantages:

  • Official AARTO system
  • Comprehensive fine information
  • Payment options available
  • Detailed fine breakdown

Method 2: Provincial Traffic Department Websites

Provincial Websites:

Gauteng:

  • Visit www.gauteng.gov.za
  • Navigate to traffic fines section
  • Enter vehicle registration or ID number
  • View fines

Western Cape:

KwaZulu-Natal:

Other Provinces:

  • Check provincial traffic department websites
  • Fine inquiry sections
  • Enter required details
  • View fine information

Method 3: PayCity Website

PayCity Online System:

  1. Visit PayCity:

  2. Search for Fines:

    • Enter vehicle registration number
    • Or ID number
    • Search fines
  3. View Results:

    • All outstanding fines
    • Fine details
    • Payment options
    • Due dates

Features:

  • User-friendly interface
  • Multiple payment methods
  • Fine history
  • Email notifications

Method 4: SMS Service

SMS Fine Check:

SMS Format:

  • Send SMS: FINE [Registration Number] to designated number
  • Or: FINE [ID Number]
  • Receive fine information via SMS

SMS Numbers:

  • Check AARTO or provincial websites for SMS numbers
  • May have service charges
  • Not available in all areas

Information Required

What You Need

To Check Fines, You Need:

  • Vehicle registration number
  • Or ID number
  • Or fine/infringement number
  • Internet access
  • Valid email (for some services)

Optional:

  • AARTO account (for detailed access)
  • Phone number (for SMS service)
  • Fine reference number (if checking specific fine)

Understanding Fine Results

Fine Information Displayed

Fine Details Show:

  • Fine number/infringement number
  • Date of infringement
  • Location of infringement
  • Offense description
  • Fine amount
  • Payment status (paid/unpaid)
  • Due date
  • Discount period (if applicable)
  • Demerit points (if applicable)

Payment Status

Status Types:

  • Unpaid: Fine not yet paid
  • Paid: Fine has been paid
  • Pending: Payment processing
  • Disputed: Fine is being disputed
  • Written Off: Fine written off (rare)

Checking by Registration Number

Vehicle Registration Search

Using Registration Number:

  1. Enter vehicle registration number
  2. Select search option
  3. View all fines for that vehicle
  4. See fine details and amounts
  5. Check payment status

Best For:

  • Checking fines for specific vehicle
  • Multiple drivers of same vehicle
  • Vehicle-specific fine inquiry

Checking by ID Number

ID Number Search

Using ID Number:

  1. Enter your ID number
  2. Search for fines
  3. View all fines linked to your ID
  4. See fine details
  5. Check payment status

Best For:

  • Personal fine inquiry
  • Checking all your fines
  • ID-linked fine search

Checking by Fine Number

Fine Number Search

Using Fine/Infringement Number:

  1. Enter fine or infringement number
  2. Search for specific fine
  3. View detailed fine information
  4. Check payment status
  5. View fine breakdown

Best For:

  • Checking specific fine
  • Verifying fine details
  • Fine reference lookup

Regular Fine Checks

Recommended Frequency

Check Schedule:

  • Monthly: Check fines monthly
  • After Travel: Check after long trips
  • Before Payment: Check before paying fines
  • Regular Monitoring: Set reminders

Why Regular Checks:

  • Avoid accumulating fines
  • Catch fines early
  • Take advantage of discounts
  • Avoid penalties
  • Stay compliant

Common Issues

Issue: No Fines Found

Possible Reasons:

  • No outstanding fines
  • Fines not yet loaded to system
  • Incorrect search details
  • Fines in different system
  • Check alternative methods

Issue: Cannot Access Website

Solutions:

  • Try different browser
  • Clear browser cache
  • Check internet connection
  • Try alternative website
  • Contact traffic department

Issue: Fines Not Showing

If Fines Not Showing:

  • Fines may not be loaded yet
  • Check different search method
  • Contact traffic department
  • Allow time for system update
  • Check alternative websites

Tips for Checking Fines

Best Practices

  1. Check Regularly: Check fines monthly
  2. Use Official Sites: Use AARTO or official provincial sites
  3. Keep Records: Save fine information
  4. Verify Details: Verify fine details are correct
  5. Check Multiple Methods: Use different search methods if needed
  6. Set Reminders: Reminders for regular checks

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check my traffic fines online?

Check fines online via AARTO website (www.aarto.gov.za), provincial traffic department websites, PayCity website, or SMS service. Enter vehicle registration number, ID number, or fine number to search.

What information do I need to check fines?

You need vehicle registration number, ID number, or fine/infringement number. Internet access is required for online checks.

Can I check fines by registration number?

Yes, you can check fines by entering vehicle registration number on AARTO website, provincial websites, or PayCity. This shows all fines for that vehicle.

How often should I check my traffic fines?

Check fines monthly, after long trips, and before paying fines. Regular checks help you stay informed and avoid accumulating fines.

What if I can't find my fines online?

If fines don't appear, try different search methods (registration, ID, fine number), check alternative websites, allow time for system updates, or contact traffic department for assistance.

Conclusion

Checking your traffic fines online is convenient and helps you stay informed about outstanding fines. Use AARTO website, provincial traffic department websites, PayCity, or SMS service to check fines by registration number, ID number, or fine number. Check regularly (monthly), use official websites, keep records, and verify fine details. Regular fine checks help you manage fines, take advantage of discounts, and maintain compliance with traffic laws.

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About the Author
Traffic Law Expert

Traffic Law Expert

Specializing in South African traffic laws, driver's licenses, vehicle registration, AARTO system, and traffic compliance with extensive knowledge of provincial traffic departments.