Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions
Why should I use Fines SA to pay my traffic fines?
There are a multitude of online services available that offer similar features to Fines SA, but not all are reliable and not all offer comprehensive reports. Some websites may only connect to certain service providers or municipalities, which means that they may not pick up all your outstanding traffic fines.
At Fines SA, we connect to all service providers as well as the Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) to ensure that you receive the most comprehensive report available in South Africa.
Furthermore, unlike many other sites where you have to pay one fine at a time, on our site you can pay multiple fines at the same time. Please select the fines you wish to pay or pay all at the same time. You will also automatically get access to up to 50% discounts where applicable and you are able to earn credits through referrals.
Why are your services free?
We’re frequently asked why we offer our services for free. It’s a valid question, considering that many people are accustomed to paying extra fees for similar online payment services. Fines SA is able to offer our services at no cost due to the bulk discounts negotiated on behalf of our customers.
While we don’t charge fees for our services, it’s important to note that there may be additional fees associated with individual fines or payment methods. These fees are set by the government and other organizations, and Fines SA has no control over them.
How do discounts work?
Where applicable, discounts of up to 50% are offered on traffic fines. The discount percentage is determined by the value of the fine, the status of the fine, the municipality it falls under, the date of the offence and the date of payment. The sooner you realise “I need to pay my fine” and take action on our platform, the higher the discount (if applicable.)
Can your service handle the fine management needs of my entire family and business?
Yes, Fines SA is equipped to manage fines for both your entire family and business. You should choose the individual and business option when you sign up.
For a business, if the vehicles are registered under different names, it’s important to add each proxy ID and BRN (Business Registration Number). This will ensure that Fines SA can effectively manage and monitor all outstanding fines for each individual and business.
Do traffic fines expire in South Africa?
No, they don’t expire as the fine system is a legal process.
How can I dispute a traffic fine?
Fines SA is unable to assist with any traffic fine disputes or representations as this is solely and exclusively handled by the municipality.
Is it possible to clear my traffic fines without paying?
No, it is not possible. All fines need to be paid otherwise they stay linked to your name indefinitely.
How can I view my fines?
Viewing your fines is easy on the Fines SA platform. Simply SIGN UP and then SIGN IN to your account to check for any fines. Sometimes the images are not displayed, but if you request an image via the Fines SA call centre, they will check with the municipality and send you a copy if available. Images are only available for speeding fines.
How long does it take for a fine to arrive?
There is no fixed timeline. But if you sign up on the Fines SA platform you will receive a monthly report which will include any new fines.
Does Fines SA remind me of any new fines?
Fines SA sends a monthly statement via email and WhatsApp to our users, which includes information on any new traffic fines that have been allocated to you during the month.
In addition to the monthly statement, Fines SA also provides a notification service for any critical fines via our call centre. If you receive a fine that requires urgent attention, such as a court appearance, we will notify you immediately. This ensures that you don’t miss any important deadlines or appointments and can avoid any additional penalties.
It’s important to note that while Fines SA does provide a reminder service, it’s still your responsibility to pay your fines on time and in full. You can check for new fines on the portal 24/7/365.
Can Fines SA settle my fines if I have a warrant out for my arrest?
Fines SA can assist you in settling all outstanding fines, including those that have led to a warrant being issued. However, it’s important to note that settling your fines in this way may still result in charges of contempt of court.
To avoid further legal complications and consequences, it’s recommended that you pay fines timeously so that your rights are protected.
What is AARTO?
There are currently two traffic fine systems operating concurrently in South Africa, namely:
1. CPA (Criminal Procedure Act) and
2. AARTO (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences)
The CPA system handles traffic violations as criminal offences with the possibility of court trials and criminal records, but does not use a demerit points system.
On the other hand, AARTO focuses on the administrative handling of traffic offences and offers a streamlined process for dealing with fines. From September 2025 onwards, it will include a demerit points system. The AARTO system is currently only being used in Gauteng, specifically in the municipalities of Johannesburg and Tshwane (Pretoria), but it will be implemented nationwide in time.
What is an AARTO infringement notice?
An infringement notice is the same as a traffic fine offence.
Can I get a national report on all my fines, including both fine systems?
Fines SA exclusively displays all fines from both systems on our portal. Our reports are comprehensive and cover traffic infringements throughout South Africa in real time.
What is an Admin Block against my name?
If you have outstanding traffic fines or warrants, you may be subject to an Admin Block. An Admin Block is a restriction placed on your record on the eNaTIS system (National Traffic Information System), which is used by the South African government to manage vehicle and driver information.
An Admin Block is essentially a red flag on your record that indicates that you have outstanding fines or warrants. This means that you will be unable to renew your car or driver’s licence until the fines have been paid or the warrants have been resolved. The block is usually applied by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) or the South African Police Service (SAPS).
How can I resolve an Admin Block?
To resolve an Admin Block, the first step is to check your fines and warrants when you SIGN IN to your account on the Fines SA website or app. Once you have identified any outstanding fines or warrants, it’s important to pay them as soon as possible. You can pay for your fines via the Fines SA portal which supports multiple payment options.
After you have paid your fines, you should receive a receipt that you can use to prove that your fines have been settled (if you do not receive a receipt, check your spam/clutter folders). You can then request that the Admin Block be lifted.
What does NAG mean on a traffic fine?
A (Non-Admission of Guilt) NAG fine is the most serious fine offence in South Africa.
A NAG fine is issued when a driver is caught speeding at more than 30 kilometers over the speed limit. This is considered a serious offence, resulting in a correspondingly severe fine.
The NAG fine is different from a normal traffic fine, as it requires the driver to appear in court and admit guilt before the fine can be determined. This is because the court takes into account the severity of the offence and the potential danger it posed to other road users.
What is the consequence of receiving a NAG fine?
The consequences of receiving a NAG fine can be significant. Not only will you have to appear in court, but you will also have to pay a much higher fine than you would for a normal traffic violation. Additionally, your driver’s licence may be suspended or revoked, and you may even face criminal charges if your speeding resulted in an accident that caused injury or death.
Do you charge any fees for dealing with NAG fines?
We charge a monitoring fee to track the status of NAG fines to ensure that they do not progress to a summons. We are also able to apply to have the fine rescinded or withdrawn on your behalf.
What should I do if a summons is issued?
Should a summons be issued, we strongly advise paying the fine immediately, to remove all liability for the owner and / or company proxy.
What happens if I don’t pay a traffic fine?
If you receive a traffic fine, it’s essential to pay it on time and in full. Failure to do so can result in additional penalties, vehicle impoundment, or even imprisonment.
Here’s what can happen if you don’t pay a fine:
Late Payment Penalties: If you fail to pay your fine by the due date, you may be charged late payment penalties.
Licence and Registration Suspension: If you have outstanding fines, your driver’s licence and vehicle registration may be suspended. This means that you will not be able to drive legally until you pay the outstanding fines and any associated penalties.
Legal Action: If you ignore your fine and fail to pay it, legal action may be taken against you. This can include a summons to appear in court, where you will be required to represent yourself. If you do not attend your court date, a warrant for your arrest will be issued, and you will be charged with being in contempt of court.
Imprisonment: If you are charged with contempt of court, a warrant will be issued for your arrest. This means that if you are stopped at a roadblock or pulled over by a traffic officer, you may be arrested and taken to jail and will be required to present yourself to a prosecutor.
What should I do if I can’t pay my fines?
If you are struggling to pay your fines, it’s recommended to use either Mobicred or TymeBank for a payment plan which are both supported by PayFast on the Fines SA portal. You can also encourage friends and family to sign up with Fines SA and you will receive a referral commission when they pay their fines.
Can I pay my traffic fine after the due date?
Yes, but we strongly advise that you pay your fines on time.
If you pay your fine after the due date, there are various consequences:
- You may incur additional late fees and administrative penalties.
- Under the AARTO system, if you delay payment, demerit points may be added to your driving record. Accumulating too many points can lead to the suspension or cancellation of your driver’s licence.
- You will lose the 50% discount offered for fines paid on time.
- If the fine remains unpaid for an extended period, you might receive a summons to appear in court. Ignoring a court summons can result in more severe consequences, including a warrant for your arrest.
- Unpaid fines can lead to a block on renewing your vehicle licence. This can create additional inconvenience and potentially lead to fines for driving an unlicensed vehicle.
Can I pay my traffic fine after the court date?
Yes, you can pay fines at any time as long as they appear on the Fines SA portal.
I have forgotten my password, how do I reset it?
Simply click the “SIGN IN” button, enter your email address and click on the “Set/Forgot password” link in the right-hand corner. After clicking on the “Reset Password” button, an email will be sent to your registered email address. Click on the reset password link in your email and it will redirect you to a page where you can enter and confirm your new password.
I am no longer using my email address, how do I update it?
If you need to update your email address, simply contact our help desk using any of the communication channels listed under the “Contact Us” tab or email us at help@finesSA.co.za or call 0861 999 333
Can I earn a credit on my account if I refer friends?
Yes, it’s very quick and easy to refer friends. All you need to do is SIGN IN to your account and then look for the “Referrals’ tab on the top bar. Click the link and add the names and emails of all your referrals. Once they have signed up and paid for at least one of their fines, a R100 credit will be shown on your profile which you can then use to settle your own fines. Happy days!!!
Can you assist with my licence disc renewal?
Yes, Fines SA has a sister company, Mekaish Vehicle Administration, which can assist with renewals within the City of Cape Town and Gauteng Province. Contact Mekaish at info@mekaish.co.za or visit http://www.mekaish.co.za
How do I apply for a personalised number plate?
Our sister company, Mekaish, can also assist with this. You can apply at http://www.plates.co.za
Do you offer any business solutions?
Simply click the “SIGN IN” button, enter your email address and click on the “Set/Forgot password” link in the right-hand corner. After clicking on the “Reset Password” button, an email will be sent to your registered email address. Click on the reset password link in your email and it will redirect you to a page where you can enter and confirm your new password.
Do you offer fleet management solutions?
If you need to update your email address, simply contact our help desk using any of the communication channels listed under the “Contact Us” tab or email us at help@finesSA.co.za or call 0861 999 333
Why use FinesSA fleet services?
Yes, it’s very quick and easy to refer friends. All you need to do is SIGN IN to your account and then look for the “Referrals’ tab on the top bar. Click the link and add the names and emails of all your referrals. Once they have signed up and paid for at least one of their fines, a R100 credit will be shown on your profile which you can then use to settle your own fines. Happy days!!!
Why must a company pay their fines?
Yes, it’s very quick and easy to refer friends. All you need to do is SIGN IN to your account and then look for the “Referrals’ tab on the top bar. Click the link and add the names and emails of all your referrals. Once they have signed up and paid for at least one of their fines, a R100 credit will be shown on your profile which you can then use to settle your own fines. Happy days!!!
