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If you’ve recently received a traffic fine via email or SMS, take a second look as it could be a scam. The Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) is warning motorists about a surge in fake AARTO fine notifications, with fraudsters targeting unsuspecting drivers across the country.
How the scam works
You receive an SMS or email about an outstanding traffic violation. These messages often look convincing, but there are a few red flags:
- Threats that your licence will be blocked if you don’t pay urgently
- ‘Discounted’ fines (often 50% off) if paid immediately
- Links directing you to unofficial payment websites
Here’s the key detail many scammers are banking on: The Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act (AARTO) system has not yet been fully implemented nationwide.
That means that traffic fines are not officially issued via email or SMS, but rather, legitimate notices are still served in person or via registered mail. If you receive a digital fine demanding urgent payment, double-check it before paying.
(This is not to say you shouldn’t pay fines, just ensure it’s a legitimate fine first!)
How to verify a traffic fine
Never click on links or make payments unless you’ve verified the fine directly. If you’re unsure whether a fine is legitimate, always check through official channels:
- Website: aarto.gov.za
- AARTO Call Centre: 086 122 7861
KZN tackles road safety
This warning comes at a time when authorities are tightening road safety across the province. The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport is ramping up efforts to crack down on fraudulent driver’s licences, including a proposed amnesty-style process to expose corruption linked to testing centres and driving schools.
Officials say illegally obtained licences will be revoked, with investigations, arrests, and prosecutions already underway.
Between scam crackdowns and stricter enforcement, KZN’s roads are becoming safer for residents and visitors.
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