Fleet managers often face unexpected vehicle delays at weighbridges and roadblocks due to unpaid traffic fines. These disruptions can affect operations, result in urgent payments, and lead to increased costs.
Understanding the different types of fines and how they escalate can help prevent delays and avoid penalties.
Why Are Vehicles Held?
A common misconception is that these are “spot fines”, requiring immediate payment at a roadblock. However, under South African law, fines only need to be settled on the spot if an official presents a valid warrant of arrest.
There are two main types of fines that fleet managers should monitor:
- Section 56 Notice (Issued in person)
- Mostly issued to drivers at roadblocks or weighbridges for offenses like overloading or vehicle compliance issues.
- Includes a court date by which the driver must either pay the fine or appear in court to contest it.
- If unpaid, it can escalate to a warrant of arrest. This results in additional contempt of court penalties, ranging from R100 to R1,000, depending on the jurisdiction.
- Section 341 Notice (Mailed fine)
- Typically issued for camera or parking violations.
- Sent by post and does not immediately require a court appearance.
- If unpaid, it may eventually escalate to a summons or warrant and further legal action.
Because Section 56 fines are issued to the driver’s ID number, not the company proxy or BRN, fleet managers are often unaware of them. Some drivers also fail to report fines, fearing personal liability.
If a warrant is issued and the driver is stopped at a roadblock, the vehicle may be held until the fine is settled – causing unplanned delays and financial loss.
How to Prevent Vehicles from Being Held at Weighbridges
- Implement a system for drivers to report fines immediately, such as via WhatsApp.
- Submit fines to Trafico for tracking and possible reductions before court deadlines.
- Ensure fines are settled on time to prevent escalation to warrants of arrest.
What to Do If a Vehicle Is Already Held
- Contact Trafico immediately for assistance.
- Provide fine details and the driver’s information.
- Trafico will verify the fine’s status and liaise with authorities for a quick resolution.
Why Fleet Managers Trust Trafico
Trafico has been managing vehicle fines and license renewals since 2014, serving over 110,000 vehicles monthly. Led by Fred Bezuidenhout, a legal expert with 27+ years of experience, Trafico helps businesses reduce their financial and operational risks by offering:
- Proactive fine management – We track fines before they escalate, preventing disruptions.
- Fast vehicle release assistance – We work directly with authorities to minimize downtime.
- Transparent reporting – Know exactly what’s outstanding and what’s been resolved.
- Single point of contact – Trafico offers a streamlined solution with a single bank account for settling weighbridge fines nationwide.
- Established weighbridge relationships – Our connections with weighbridges across the country allow us to negotiate and reduce large fines on behalf of our clients.
- Legal fine rescission – Trafico identifies invalid fines and facilitates rescission, with an AARTO rescission success rate of approximately 98%.
- Cost savings – We secure discounts of up to 50% for valid fines, depending on status and issuing district.
Keep Your Fleet on the Road
Managing fines proactively helps prevent vehicle delays, reduce financial risks, and keep your fleet running efficiently.
Avoid costly fleet delays – let Trafico handle your fines efficiently. Contact us today for a free consultation with no obligation.
