Be warned fines galore for traffic violations

The municipal Traffic Department and Law Enforcement Unit have adopted a zero tolerance attitude towards drivers not adhering to traffic laws.

Not withstanding being under-resourced for this size municipality and fully acknowledging that should and need to be addressed, the following stats for October 1 to December 31 were made available by Mr Theo van Vuuren, city’s administrator: Notices issued totalled 3 171. For defects on vehicles 238 drivers received fines, speed-freaks also got the end of the whip as 1 120 fines were issued for speeding.

For numerous other traffic violations 1 017 fines were issued. Altogether 365 driver received fines for driving without a necessary license.
“This represents on average 1 060 notices per months or 35 per day,” Van Vuuren said.

Earlier this month Van Vuuren published Schedule 3 Mpumalanga Administrative Region Fine structure on his Facebook page.
The full schedule can be viewed at the Directorate Community Services.

Here are a few fines drivers can expect if they fail to comply with traffic laws.

• You can expect a R500 fine if your vehicle’s number plate is not clearly visible or if it is obscured or illegible, a trailer without a number plate, indicators not working, operating a vehicle without displaying a license disk or your vehicle’s stop lights are obscured or not working.
• Worn tyres will also cost you R500 in fines, so will driving without a seatbelt or failing ensure that a child uses a restraint or seat belt.
• Failing to notify authority of change of address within 21 days will cost you R750 in fines, as will failure to report stolen vehicle within 24 hours and drivers of vehicles not fitted with at least one number plate lamp can rest assured if they are pulled over, a R750 fine will be issued to them.
• Failing to have a license disk on your vehicle also calls for a R750 fine, failing to switch on lights in conditions warranting it and a gas outlet excessive or silencer not working sufficiently can also cost you R750.
• Do not lift a passenger on your motorcycle when you only have a learner’s license as you will be fined R1 000.
• If a traffic officer finds you failing to dim lights to oncoming traffic you can also expect a R1 000 fine.
• The holder of learner’s license driving without supervision will be fined R1 500 and if you allow someone to drive without a valid license you will be fined R3 000.
• Driving without an applicable license will made a huge dent in your wallet as a fine can cost you R2 000.