There is a sinking feeling every South African driver knows well. You are driving along the highway, singing along to the radio, when you suddenly spot a blue uniform stepping into the road.
A Roadblock.
Your heart races. You check your seatbelt. You check your license disc. But then you worry: “Do I have outstanding fines I don’t know about?”
In South Africa, traffic fines have a nasty habit of disappearing from your mind until they come back to haunt you at the worst possible time. Even worse, if you ignore them for too long, they can turn into Enforcement Orders, which will block you from renewing your car license disc.
Gone are the days when you had to wait for a summons in the mail (which rarely arrives thanks to the Post Office issues). Today, checking your status is instant and digital.
In this guide, we will show you the fastest, safest ways to check and pay your traffic fines online in 2026. We will also explain the confusing AARTO system and what to do if you think a fine is unfair.
The Two Types of Fines: AARTO vs. Standard
Before you pay, you need to know what you are dealing with. South Africa currently has a split system depending on where you got caught.
1. AARTO Fines (JHB & Tshwane)
If you drive in Johannesburg or Pretoria (Tshwane), you fall under AARTO (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences).
- How it works: It is a demerit system. You don’t just pay money; you might lose points on your license.
- The Discount: If you pay within 32 days, you get a 50% discount.
- The Danger: If you ignore it, it becomes an “Enforcement Order”. This blocks your ID on the eNaTIS system.
2. CPA / Standard Fines (Rest of SA)
If you get caught in Cape Town, Durban, or rural areas, you usually fall under the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA).
- How it works: You get a Section 341 notice (first notice) and then a Summons to appear in court.
- The Danger: If you miss the court date, a Warrant of Arrest can be issued.
Method 1: PayCity (The Most Popular Option)
PayCity is the easiest way to view fines for most municipalities (except AARTO/JHB specific ones sometimes). It covers Cape Town, Durban, and many smaller towns.
Website: paycity.co.za
How to Check:
- Register a free account.
- Go to “Traffic Fines”.
- Enter your ID Number and Vehicle Registration Number.
- Click “Search”.
How to Pay:
- You can pay directly on the site using a Credit/Debit Card or Instant EFT (OZOW).
- Bonus: They often allow you to view the camera photo of your speeding offence so you can verify it was actually you.
Method 2: AARTO / NaTIS (For Gauteng Drivers)
If you drive in Gauteng, checking PayCity isn’t enough. You must check the AARTO portal.
Website: aarto.gov.za
How to Check:
- Click on “Query my Fines”.
- Enter your ID Number and Driving License Card Number.
- The system will show you the status: Infringement Notice, Courtesy Letter, or Enforcement Order.
Why this is critical:
If you have an Enforcement Order, you cannot renew your car license anywhere (not at the Post Office, not at FNB, not at Checkers). You MUST pay this first to clear the block.
Method 3: Banking Apps (FNB, Standard Bank, Capitec)
Most major banks have integrated fine payments into their apps. This is super convenient because you don’t need to register on a new website.
FNB App
- Open the FNB App.
- Go to nav-igate life > Car.
- Tap on “Fines”.
- It scans various databases for fines linked to your ID.
- Pay with one tap using your account balance or eBucks.
Standard Bank
Standard Bank partners with a service called “MyTrafficFine”. You can search using your ID number directly on their digital platforms.
Method 4: Pick n Pay / Checkers (In-Store)
If you are not comfortable paying online, you can pay at the till.
- What you need: You usually need the 16-digit Notice Number printed on the fine.
- The Problem: If you lost the paper fine, the cashier cannot always “search” for it. You need the reference number first (which you can find by checking PayCity or AARTO online).
“I Have a Warrant of Arrest!” – What Now?
If you completely ignored a summons (outside AARTO areas), a warrant might be issued for your arrest.
- Can I pay this online? Usually, NO.
- What to do: You typically have to go to the specific Traffic Department or Court mentioned on the summons. You will have to pay the fine PLUS a “Contempt of Court” fee.
- Do not wait: If you are stopped at a roadblock with an active warrant, the officer has the right to arrest you on the spot.
How to Dispute a Fine
Do you think the camera was faulty? Or was your car stolen when the speeding happened? You have the right to dispute.
For AARTO Fines:
- Download the AARTO 08 Representation Form.
- Fill in your details and your reason.
- Submit it via the AARTO website or email.
- Note: While the dispute is being reviewed, the “32-day discount timer” pauses.
For Standard Fines:
- You must write a letter to the Public Prosecutor at the traffic court listed on the fine.
- Explain your case clearly.
- The prosecutor can decide to withdraw the fine or reduce the amount.
Common Scams to Watch Out For
Criminals love using fear to steal money. Watch out for:
Fake SMS
You have a warrant of arrest for an unpaid fine. Deposit R1000 into this bank account to stop police coming to your house.”
Reality: Police will NEVER ask you to deposit money into a personal bank account via SMS.
Phishing Emails
Emails looking like “PayCity” asking you to click a link and enter your banking PIN.
Reality: Only pay on the official website or app.
Conclusion
Ignoring traffic fines doesn’t make them go away; it just makes them more expensive. With AARTO’s strict rules and the linking of fines to your license disc renewal, staying compliant is essential in 2026.
Make it a habit to check PayCity or your Banking App once every 3 months. It takes 2 minutes and saves you from the stress of roadblocks and blocked licenses.
Is your License Disc already blocked? Once you have paid your fines, read our guide on How to Renew Your Car License Online to get your new disc delivered to your door.
(Disclaimer: The Mzansi Post provides this information for educational purposes. We are not a legal firm. For serious legal matters regarding warrants, please consult an attorney.)