How to Use the Traffic Fine Calculator 2026 - SA Fines and Demerit Points

Traffic fines in South Africa range from a few hundred rand for minor infringements to over R5,000 for serious offences — and under the AARTO (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences) system, each infringement also carries demerit points that accumulate against your licence. The Traffic Fine Calculator helps you estimate the fine amount for specific offences and understand the associated demerit implications before you decide whether to pay or dispute.

How SA Traffic Fines Are Structured

South African traffic fines are issued under two overlapping systems:

1. Schedule 3 Fixed Fines (Pre-AARTO)

Most fines issued at roadblocks, by traffic officers, or via speed camera are based on Schedule 3 of the Road Traffic Act. The fine amount is fixed per offence — there is no discretion in the field. Fine amounts for common offences (2025/2026 rates) include:

Offence	Fine Amount
Exceeding speed limit by 10-19 km/h	R500
Exceeding speed limit by 20-29 km/h	R1,000
Exceeding speed limit by 30-39 km/h	R1,500
Exceeding speed limit by 40-49 km/h	R2,500
Exceeding speed limit by 50+ km/h	Mandatory court appearance
No valid licence disc	R500
Using cell phone while driving	R1,000
Not wearing seat belt	R500
Running a red traffic signal	R1,500

2. AARTO Infringement Notices

Under AARTO, traffic offences attract both a fine and demerit points:

• Motorists start with zero demerit points
• Each infringement adds points to your record
• If demerit points reach 12 or more, your licence is suspended (3 months per point over 12)
• Points are reduced by 1 point for every 3 months with no infringements recorded

AARTO is being phased in nationally. Currently active in Tshwane and Johannesburg metro areas; rolling out to other provinces.

How to Use the Traffic Fine Calculator

Step 1: Open the Calculator

Navigate to the Traffic Fine Calculator.

Step 2: Select the Offence Category

Choose from the main offence categories:

• Speeding (enter the posted limit and your recorded speed)
• Mobile phone use
• Licence/documentation (expired disc, no PrDP, etc.)
• Traffic signal violations
• Seat belt
• Other defined Schedule 3 offences

Step 3: Enter the Offence Details

For speed-related offences, enter:

• The posted speed limit on that road
• The speed at which you were travelling as recorded by the instrument

Step 4: Review the Output

The calculator shows:

• The applicable fine amount under Schedule 3
• Whether the offence carries AARTO demerit points and how many
• Whether the offence requires a mandatory court appearance rather than a fine
• The early-settlement discount window (if applicable)

Discount Window: Pay Within 32 Days

For infringements where the fine can be paid directly (no court appearance required), paying within 32 days of the issue date typically qualifies for a discount of approximately 50% on the fine amount. After 32 days, the full fine applies. After 64 days, an enforcement order may be issued adding additional costs.

Check your specific infringement notice for the exact dates — the discount period is printed on the notice.

Payment Methods for SA Traffic Fines

• Online: Via the PayCity portal (Johannesburg), ePayment portal (Cape Town), or the national payatraffic.co.za system where available
• Easypay / Checkers / Pick n Pay: At the till, using your infringement reference number
• Traffic department: In person at the issuing traffic authority
• Bank EFT: Some municipalities accept EFT with the infringement number as reference

Always keep proof of payment. Fines occasionally remain active on the system despite payment if not correctly receipted.

Checking Fines Online

You can check outstanding traffic fines against your vehicle or ID number at:

• www.payatraffic.co.za — national AARTO system
• www.ecitizen.joburg.co.za — City of Johannesburg
• www.capetown.gov.za — City of Cape Town
• Various provincial traffic department portals

Some municipalities are not yet on centralised systems. If you cannot find a fine online, contact the issuing authority directly.

What Happens If You Ignore a Traffic Fine

Ignoring a fine is not a viable option under the SA traffic enforcement system:

1. Enforcement order: After the payment window closes, the registrar can issue an enforcement order adding significant additional costs
2. Warrant of execution: An outstanding enforcement order can result in a warrant being issued for your arrest at a roadblock
3. Licence disc blocked: An outstanding fine can block your vehicle licence renewal — your new disc will not be issued until outstanding fines are cleared
4. Drivers' licence renewal blocked: Unpaid fines can block renewal of your driving licence card
5. AARTO court appearance: Repeated non-payment can result in a mandatory court appearance

Disputing a Traffic Fine

You have the right to dispute a fine before the payment deadline by:

1. Attending the traffic court listed on the infringement notice on the date specified
2. Submitting a written representation to the issuing authority
3. Under AARTO: filing a representation with the RTIA (Road Traffic Infringement Agency)

Common grounds for dispute: incorrect vehicle details, calibration certificate not current for the speed measuring device, or incorrect recording of the offence.

Related Guidance

• Explore related guides: Blog hub
• Use our free tools: Traffic Fine Calculator

Official References

• Road Traffic Infringement Agency (AARTO) - www.aarto.gov.za
• Road Traffic Management Corporation - www.rtmc.co.za

Last Reviewed

Last reviewed: 2026-03-03. This article is informational only - verify requirements with official sources before acting.