It’s that time of year again for motorists with unpaid fines in Cape Town. Every December, authorities allow road users to pay their outstanding fines and clear infringement orders … no questions ask. And in some cases, smaller fines may even be reviewed, reduced and possibly squashed.
It will be hosted at the Cape Town Civic Centre from Monday 8 December to Friday 12 December 2025. According to the city’s mayco member for safety and security, JP Alderman Smith, he’s confident motorists with unpaid fines in Cape Town motorists will come forward in large numbers.
MOTORISTS WITH UNPAID FINES IN CAPE TOWN
According to the City of Cape Town, you can report to the 2nd Floor, Podium Block, Civic Centre, Cape Town CBD. The resource opens from 08h30 in the morning next week. And only 600 motorists with unpaid fines in Cape Town will be assisted per day.
It operates on a first-come, first-serve basis. The city says extra staff have been assigned to the roadshow to reduce bottlenecks. You will be able to transact the following business at the roadshow:
- Apply for traffic fine reductions.
- Traffic fine enquiries.
- Traffic fine payments.
- Traffic warrant enquiries.
- Warrant payments and finalisation.
Don’t forget to bring the following documents with you:
- Valid SA identity document (RSA ID)
- South African Driving Licence
- Any relevant fines, infringement orders or warrants
- Traffic Register Certificate
USUAL MECHANISMS FOR SETTLEMENT
Furthermore, motorists with unpaid fines in Cape Town, must remember there are still all the usual payment mechanisms to settle infringements. You can pay all fines online and at major retailers. Moreover, there’s a common misconception that motorists can be asked to settle outstanding fines at festive-season roadblocks. This is legally incorrect …
Authorities will typically have licence-plate recognition cameras in operation at roadblocks. Likewise, you may have the option to pay your fines on the spot. But as The South African reported recently, you are under no legal obligation to settle unpaid fines at one of these roadside stops.
According to the National Road Traffic Act (93 of 1996) and the Criminal Procedure Act (51 of 1977), there is no legislation empowering traffic officers to demand payment of fines at a roadside. Never mind keeping your taking and/or withholding your driver’s licence until they are paid. According to Stanley SB, a transport and insurance investigation expert, traffic fines are administrative matters that must be handled through a written notice and summons process.
But what do you think? Have you been asked to settle outstanding fines at a roadblock before? If so, did you know it was unlawful for officers to do that? Be sure to let us know in the comments section below …
