Question

I am trying to pay a fine that I got in Umtata. There are no valid numbers for a traffic department in Umtata and the people working at the municipality are totally unprofessional and incompetent. According to them there is no way of paying fines electronically and there is nobody in the traffic department to speak to (apparently there is no one in charge traffic for the area). I have been trying for days to do the right thing and pay my fine, but it is pretty clear why the roads and vehicles are in such condition in that area because the officials and systems are so pathetic.

Answer

Apologies for the late reply. Unfortunately all traffic fines have to be paid in the magisterial district where it was issued. Some municipalities have gone the electronic route with FNB and EasyPay but these are limited to the larger centres. Others have also made the facilities available to send payment via the postal system. All this information should be displayed on the notice that was issued to you. Once the AARTO Act has been fully implemented it will be possible to make payments via various electronic means and at any post office but till then you will have to make payment in the district that issued the fine.

Question

What is the law for a person operating a business from home in a residential area regarding parking facilities for their staff and visitors?

Answer

The Road Traffic Act does not deal with this issue. The local municipality will have by-laws regarding the operation of businesses in residential zoned areas as well as the provision of parking, loading space, etc. you will need to approach your local municipality / town council.

Question

Could you please notify me if there is a website I could access to find out if there are any traffic fines outstanding on my name? I lent a vehicle to a family member for a period, and have received a few fines.

Answer

There is no national database / facility for this yet

Question

I would like to know: if you put something on a bakkie's canopy, how far can it go over?

Answer

Regulation 246: Manner in which goods to be carried No person shall operate on a public road a motor vehicle carrying any goods (a) in such a manner as to come in contact with the surface of the public road on which the vehicle is being operated but a chain, known as a static chain, may be carried in contact with the surface of such road; (b) in such a manner as to obscure the drivers view of traffic to the front or on either Regulation 227: Projections in case of vehicle other than motor cycle, motor tricycle, motor quadrucycle or pedal cycle No person shall operate a vehicle on a public road (a) carrying any goods or fittings which project (i) either side of the longitudinal centre-line of the vehicle by more than (bb) 1,25 metres, 300 millimetres beyond the front end of the vehicle and 1,8 metres beyond the rear end of the vehicle.

Question

Please can you clarify for me the situation as to passing multiple vehicles. If you can provide me with the details of the Act containing to this matter. It will be dearly appreciated.

Answer

Regulation 298: passing of a vehicle No mention is made regarding the passing of multiple vehicles. The regulation refers to safely passing a vehicle only. Can you give more detail in terms of what you are looking for?

Question

May a driver with a learners license transport passengers whilst driving

Answer

Yes, provided that the a licensed driver for the same class of vehicle is seated either next to or behind the learner driver. Regulation 99 (2) (a) only states that the passengers may not be conveyed for reward. (2)(a) The holder of a learner's license shall, except where such license relates to a motor vehicle having no seating accommodation for a passenger or to a motor cycle, when driving the vehicle concerned, be accompanied in or on that vehicle by, and be under the direct personal supervision of a person seated next to him or her, or immediately behind him or her, where such person cannot be seated next to him or her, and who is in possession of a license, other than a learner's or similar license, authorizing him or her to drive that class of motor vehicle. (b) A learner's license in respect of a motor cycle shall not authorize the holder of it to drive a motor cycle on a public road while carrying another person. (c) A learner's license shall not authorize the driving of a motor vehicle while carrying persons for reward, other than a person accompanying the holder of a learner's license in terms of paragraph (a).

Question

I need to know what paperwork is required when I need clearance on a new engine fitted to my vehicle. This is urgent please.

Answer

You will need your original vehicle registration papers, id book and receipts for the new engine. Take this, together with the vehicle to the nearest SAPS Vehicle Branch Centurion is very organised and get an engine clearance certificate from the police. Then take the clearance certificate, together with ID, registration papers to your Traffic Dept and have them amend the engine number on the registration document.

Question

I need information on legislation for road safety outside schools. I understand that KZN has strict policies around speed humps and traffic calming around schools and would like to know more. A grade one learner and his transport driver from my children's school were killed recently crossing the road. We are all sad and angry and want to know what legislation exists to protect children on roads specifically around schools. thank you

Answer

The MEC of a province has the authority to proclaim speed limits on various roads (including those around schools, etc). This would be the first step. Secondly, the local council would be the best authority to approach (or the province if on a provincial road) to implement speed calming devices (speed humps, etc). Approach the local branch of road safety education (offices in Durban and Pietermaritzburg) numbers in the telephone book under Road Safety or Traffic Safety. They will assist with Scholar Patrols and activating traffic police support for studies, etc

Question

I was involved in a car accident in 2004 in which all the details where given to the lawyers for my road accident fund, the thing is it is going for five years now I am not working because I was shoot on my left leg and I was a taxi driver so that leg is giving me a problem. So if in any case you can be able to help please do because I do not know what to do anymore!

Answer

The simple way to establish if a claim has been paid or not is to phone the Road Accident Fund (Claims Department) directly. You must have the identity number, details of accident and lawyers at hand. The contacts for RAF are: 38 Ida Street Menlo Park 0081 Tel: (012) 429 5000.

Question

Hi, I'm not sure if you'll be able to help but I don't know who else to contact. How do you go about applying for a traffic circle or traffic light in Arcadia, Pretoria? Hope you can point me in the right direction.

Answer

You need to approach the Tshwane metro Police in this regard. They will send a team to do research to see whether a traffic light is necessary and then proceed as directed. Contact any local metro Police office or 012 358 9999