While uncertainty remains around AARTO’s implementation timeline, South African motorists are being warned that unpaid traffic fines are becoming harder to ignore due to advances in enforcement technology.

With the growing use of speed cameras, average-speed monitoring systems, and digitally integrated enforcement platforms, traffic offences are now detected, recorded, and tracked with far greater accuracy than in the past. As a result, excuses about not receiving fines or assuming they have “fallen away” are becoming a thing of the past.

According to Fines SA, this shift is fundamentally changing what motorists experience at roadblocks, where enforcement is no longer limited to visible offences such as speeding or vehicle defects. Increasingly, officers are able to verify a driver’s full compliance history in real time through connected national and municipal systems.

“Roadblocks have evolved,” says Barry Berman, CEO of Fines SA. “It’s no longer just about what an officer can see. Digital systems now allow law enforcement to instantly check for unpaid fines, expired licences, and missing documentation. If there’s an issue, it’s flagged immediately.”

Motorists are reminded that officers are entitled to request key documents, including a valid driver’s licence and vehicle licence disc. Outstanding fines or incomplete paperwork can result in delays, summonses, and further legal action.

“Understanding your rights and responsibilities at a roadblock is critical,” Berman explains. “Compliance isn’t about arguing your case on the side of the road. It’s about being informed, organised, and in control of your driving record long before you’re stopped.”

The increasing integration of enforcement systems means infringements are now followed up more consistently and escalated more efficiently than ever before, with fewer gaps for offences to go unnoticed.

“Many motorists still believe fines will simply disappear,” says Berman. “That is becoming far less likely. Today, offences are logged, tracked, and escalated automatically. Ignoring a fine rarely makes it go away, it usually makes it more expensive.”

One of the most effective ways to avoid roadblock stress and unnecessary disputes is proactively checking for outstanding fines. Late notification remains common, with many motorists only becoming aware of infringements after early settlement periods have expired.

“Checking regularly helps drivers avoid last-minute panic, unnecessary delays, and on-the-spot disputes,” Berman says. “In many cases, early payment discounts are available, the earlier a fine is settled, the greater the discount. As payment is delayed, penalties and administrative costs are added, causing the amount to escalate. Paying early remains the most effective way to avoid unnecessary extra costs.”

In major metros such as the City of Cape Town, unpaid fines can escalate quickly into summonses and legal action, adding legal costs, administrative burden, and the risk of further penalties.

“Once a summons is issued, the opportunity to resolve the matter simply and affordably is usually gone,” Berman warns. “What could have been a discounted fine becomes a far more time-consuming problem.”

Staying compliant does not require specialist legal knowledge or hours of administration. It starts with knowing your status, understanding what documents are required, and taking early action when issues arise..

“Compliance isn’t complicated,” concludes Berman. “It’s about staying informed, staying organised, and not waiting for enforcement technology to catch up with you, because increasingly, it will.”

Motorists can check their compliance status via the Fines SA portal at FinesSA.co.za or the Fines SA app on iOS, Android, and Huawei, helping them prepare for the implementation of AARTO in 2026.