‘You DO NOT have to pay traffic fines at roadblocks!’ – JMPD

Anele and the Club on 947 chats to JMPD spokesperson Xolani Fihla, and OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage.

Listen below.

Despite the mini caravan parked beside the road, you do not have to pay your traffic fines at a roadblock. 

Fihla says motorists may be provided with a list of their fines but are not required to pay roadside and will not face any action by refusing.

“We use the AARTO system, so you are not forced to pay traffic fines immediately at the roadblock and you won’t be arrested for any outstanding traffic fines.”

- Xolani Fihla, Spokesperson – JMPD

Duvenage recommends motorists regularly check their fines and the dates they are issued.

“You have to be notified of a fine within 30 days. If that is not the case, you don’t have to pay those fines… [and] if it is not your car and you were not there, you must object to the fines.” 

- Wayne Duvenage, CEO – OUTA

Luxury Roadblocks

The Johannesburg Metro Police has recently come under fire for what citizens call ‘luxury roadblocks’ – targeting luxury vehicles and upmarket areas. 

Fihla says roadblocks are often done in concentrated areas across several regions as motorists frequent their roads, for example in Region E this would be Sandton Drive or Winnie Mandela Drive.

“Officers have the discretion of which vehicle they want to stop. It’s not necessarily that there is a target that you need to stop luxury vehicles.” 

- Xolani Fihla, Spokesperson – JMPD

If motorists suspect foul play by any officers, report it to the JMPD Anti-Corruption hotline on 080 020 3712 (also listed on the side of every JMPD vehicle) or the City of Johannesburg’s emergency line on 011 375 5911.

“We don’t tolerate [bribes] at all. That’s why it is advised that if officers attempt to do that or they do that, it is important that you report it as soon as possible.” 

- Xolani Fihla, spokesperson – JMPD