Motorists in Pretoria are preparing for a sharp rise in traffic fines, which are expected to be enforced starting November 1, 2025, as part of a new nationwide initiative aimed at reducing road deaths and improving driver conduct. This still comes hot on the heels of the new AARTO system which was put into place at the start of this year, and certainly marks the City of Pretoria’s most aggressive initiative in traffic fine enforcement. comninoslaw.co
Tshwane and the Metro are looking to increase fines as the new proposed AARTO system aims to target the more common violations, with a projected fine increase of 50 percent. Pretoria zau city is projected to experience the highest increase or fines, with the more common violations expected to be (70 percent of those factors by twenty percent) in point by the gove which has been kidi.
Fines For Mobile Phone Usage While Driving Have Increased
The usage of mobile phones while driving or whilst at a traffic light will now incur a fine of R1,000, a steep increase from the R500 fine. This change aims to address the very dangerous habit of a growing number of drivers who seem to check their messages or scroll through social media while waiting at traffic lights.
The Sharpest Increases for Fines Have Been Spedning
The increases stated above seem to have been on the spending violations as well. With the new proposed the shifts will now be:
Over the set limit of 16 – 20k/h: R500 – now R750
Over the set limit of 21 – 25k/h: R750 – now R1,250
Over the set limit of 26 – 30k/h: R1,000 – now R1,750
Over the set limit of 31 – 35k/h: R1,250 – now R2,250
Over the set limit of 40km/h: court appear with a 5000 fine
Tougher Enforcement of The Demerit Points System
The new spending have been coinciding with the the AARTO regulations which have been placed in effect. Minister of Transport Barbara Creecy has pointed out that with the increase of spending, the demerit points on the license will be far more severe.
“While it’s annoying for a person, a license is a privilege, so it can be lost, people are willing to spend more for it, even when there is clear an intent to revoke the license. There is a change to be made in spending behavior during driving, i for one am baff.”
Putting Cameras on the Road
Pretoria s also planning to increase their electronic enforcement which aims to install 75 new traffic cameras within the bordering areas of the city by the end of the month.
These high-definition cameras can identify a range of violations, including speeding, red light infractions, and illegal lane changes, which facilitates automated issuance of fines. comninoslaw.co
Payment Enforcement Linked to License Renewals
The new motor vehicle and driver license system incorporates a new fines enforcement feature. Motorists with fines will not be able to renew their vehicle or driver’s licenses until all relevant fines are paid. This change addresses the previously low collection rate of traffic fines. businesstech.co
Rate hike or not, the announcement has received mixed responses from Pretoria residents. Advocates for road safety are, of course, in support of the increased fines, noting that the penalties need to be harsher in order to discourage dangerous driving. On the contrary, some residents suggest that the increase in prices will only serve to hurt low-income drivers and do little to improve safety on the roads. businesstech.co
Pretoria drivers now have only a few weeks to adjust before the window closes, so changes to driving and a proper increase to traffic violations will have to be employed.