Gary Ronald, the AA head of public affairs, said the association intended to highlight a few.
"We have picked just a few random fines that do commonly occur which most people are unaware of. We hope that by highlighting them it will help reduce people facing unnecessary costs and injuries this festive season," he said
Some of the offences motorists and cyclists may be committing without knowing are:
- If you do not have an emergency triangle in your car or boot, you can be fined up to R500. If your motor car was first registered on or after 1 July 2006. Older motor cars do not have to have one, but it is a good idea to have one
- Having a design/sticker within 150mm of your license plate if it's not a component of the vehicle may incur you a fine of up to R250.
- When crossing the border, the AA will issue motorists with a ZA sticker. Displaying sign stickers of foreign countries are not allowed on SA-registered vehicles. This can land you with a fine of up to R250.
- You can be fined R1 000 if you carry a passenger on a motorcycle if you only hold a learners' licence.
- Having a souped-up car is all the rage, but if you alter any part of your car, you should have the car tested for roadworthiness or risk a fine of R1 200.
- Operating a bicycle without a brake on the back wheel can land you a fine of R100.
- It is illegal to drive with your fog lights on when the conditions are clear and there is good visibility. This can get a fine of R500.
- Placing an anti-theft/anti-hijack device on your steering wheel invites a R750 fine.
- You must always keep a safe following distance behind another car or you can be fined up to R1 000.
- If you fail to give immediate right of way to an emergency vehicle, you can be fined R500.
- Cyclists can be fined R100 for not wearing a helmet.
- Motorists can be fined R250 for transporting a person or animal on top of the vehicle.
- One can also be fined R1 500 for refusing to undergo a blood alcohol/breath test when asked to.
All the fines can be viewed on the Justice Project South Africa website - http://aarto.co.za
