A report by Business Tech earlier this month indicated that South Africans can be arrested at roadblocks if they had outstanding traffic fines on their name. The limitation on this is that the fine needed to be personally handed to the individual or a summons was to be properly served on them, when it comes to a fine for speeding, or other similar fines as only these documents will have a court date.

When you receive these documents, you have the option to settle the fine or you can approach the prosecutor of the court prior to the court date or attend the court on the date itself to state your case. When none of these options are opted for, a warrant of arrest is issued under the Criminal Procedure Act for failure to appear in court.

Once this happens, you can be arrested anywhere. The purpose of the warrant is not to settle your fine but to get you to appear before the court. Should you be arrested or detained, you will be given the option to either pay the admission of guilt fine or appear before the relevant court, should the time of day allow for it, alternatively you will be detained until such a time as the courts are open. 

Depending on the infringement, the best course of action may differ, however, it is advisable to speak to an attorney before making any decisions.