Question:
What will be the outcome if I fail to report an accident within the legally required time? What does the law say -Will I be fined?
Answer:
A driver of a vehicle which has been involved in a road accident must report the accident within 24 Hours of its occurrence to any metropolitan, municipal or city police department, traffic department in South Africa or police station of the South African Police Service(SAPS). This must be done in terms of the National Road Traffic Act, Act 93 of 1996.
Yes, there can be a fine for reporting a crash late, but not always.
It depends on the circumstances.
If a crash is reported late at a police station, the police official must inquire into the circumstances of the late reporting. An affidavit might have to be made, hospital records produced, etc.
The circumstances will determine whether an official will issue a Written Notice to Appear in Court (with the option of paying an admission of guilt fine), or not.
The fines vary between magisterial districts.
In respect of the Johannesburg and Tshwane Metropolitan Municipal areas, AARTO is in place, and SAPS don’t issue Infringement Notices. The Joburg and Tshwane Metro Police and Gauteng Provincial Traffic Police can be called upon to assist the SAPS with the issuing of an Infringement Notice.