There will be an increase of roadblocks across the country to target drivers who do not adhere to road rules this festive season.
The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has shared information on what to do when police officers stop you during the festive period.
According to RTMC spokesperson Simon Zwane, this is when most motorists will be pulled over at roadblocks conducted by law enforcement officers at checkpoints around the country.
While these checkpoints are intended to ensure road safety, Zwane advised motorists to also know their rights when pulled over.
He said officers are not allowed to solicit a bribe or gratification of any kind from a motorist.
He urged motorists to immediately report such conduct to their anti-corruption agents.
“Motorists have a right to demand to see the officers’ certificate of appointment – a card authorising him or her to act as a peace officer.”
Zwane added that motorists can also demand to see proof of a warrant of arrest. You can also refuse to submit to arbitrary searches of your person or property at a “roadside check” unless reasonable grounds exist.
He said physical or verbal abuse of traffic officers or damage to their property is strongly discouraged.
“No one can refuse to provide a breath alcohol or blood sample, resist arrest or offer to pay a bribe,” said Zwane.
He added that traffic officers are empowered to issue infringement notices, seize unroadworthy vehicles and arrest individuals with outstanding warrants.
He said roadblocks are used to identify vehicles that might have been involved in the commission of a crime.
Zwane said law enforcement officials have the right to search any person without a warrant at a properly authorised roadblock.
“Officers can search any person at a roadside checkpoint without a warrant if you consent to a search or they have reasonable grounds to do so. They may also seize any contraband or evidence without a warrant at a roadblock,” he said.
“Traffic officers are empowered to issue an infringement notice or fine in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act or the Aarto Act, as applicable in respect of vehicle or driver fitness, in compliance with provisions of law.”
Zwane said they are also permitted to issue a notice to discontinue the use of a motor vehicle if it is suspected of being unroadworthy or impounded if it poses a danger to other road users or is being used in violation of public transport permit regulations.
“Police may arrest any person who has been, or they reasonably suspect has been involved in, or is about to commit an offence contemplated in Schedule 1 of the Criminal Procedure Act, without obtaining a warrant of arrest.”
He added that during a roadblock officers can arrest any person in respect of whom a warrant of arrest has been issued by a court.
Emergency numbers to keep handy:
112 – All emergencies (cell phone)
10111 – Police
10177 – Ambulance
0800 055 555 – Childline
083 293 7989 – Traffic anti-corruption WhatsApp line
012 999 5407 – Bad driving and anti-corruption
012 846 4590 – The Hawks.
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