Know your rights at a roadblock!
With the easter weekend around the corner, it is important to know your rights at roadblocks.
Traffic officers conduct checks at a roadblock. Picture: @Dotransport/Twitter
702 and CapeTalk’s Aubrey Masago speaks with Kirstie Haslam of DSC Attorneys.
Listen below:
Roadblocks are crucial to law enforcement.
Officials may check that you have a valid driver’s license, that your vehicle is licensed and compliant, and that you are not transporting illicit goods.
“We have a big problem in our country with the non-enforcement of traffic laws. Only about 30% or less of infringements are prosecuted and we have one of the highest fatality and road crash rates in the world.”
– Kirstie Haslam, Partner – DSC Attorneys
RELATED: Why South Africa's roads are among the most dangerous in the world
If you approach a roadblock, be cooperative, pull your car over safely, stay calm and present your license, says Haslam.
Your vehicle and person can be searched at these roadblocks without a warrant if officers have reasonable grounds to do so.
If contraband is found, an infringement notice can be issued or you can be arrested.
“[If] there are outstanding warrants, for traffic fines, for example, to detain you at the scene the officials have to present you with the warrant.”
– Kirstie Haslam, Partner – DSC Attorneys
RELATED: ‘You DO NOT have to pay traffic fines at roadblocks!’ – JMPD
You also do not have to pay any traffic fines at a roadblock.
If you're unsure if you are being pulled over by an actual officer, ask for identification or communicate with your hazards that you feel unsafe and would prefer to drive to the nearest police station.
“Being pulled over in an unmarked car, anyone has reasonable cause for suspicion that there might be something illegitimate going on. It is exactly in that scenario that I would advise you to just drive to your nearest police station and surrender yourself.”
– Kirstie Haslam, Partner – DSC Attorneys
Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the discussion.