Rights and responsibilities of motorists at roadblocks

During the festive season, many motorists will be travelling to their holiday destinations and may be requested to pull over at roadblocks conducted by traffic officers.

Roadblocks are conducted mainly to capture drunken drivers, speeding motorists, and remove unroadworthy vehicles from the roads.

Traffic officers also identify motorists with outstanding fines, warrants of arrest, and vehicles commissioned in crimes.

“Law enforcement officials have the right to search any person without a warrant at a properly authorised roadblock,” said the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) in a statement issued on Thursday.

An agency of the Department of Transport (DoT), the RTMC says traffic officers have the right to:

· Seize any contraband
· Issue a fine for unroadworthy vehicles or unfit drivers
· Issue a notice to discontinue use of a vehicle
· Arrest a person suspected of a crime or court-issued warrants

“Traffic officers are not permitted to physically or verbally abuse you, or damage your property. Officers are not allowed to solicit a bribe or gratification of any kind from a motorist. Motorists are to immediately report such conduct to our anti-corruption agents,” said the RTMC.

Motorists have a right to request to see an officer’s card; see proof of a warrant of arrest, and refuse arbitrary searches.

“Physical or verbal abuse of traffic officers, or damaging their property are strongly discouraged. No one shall refuse to provide a breath alcohol or blood sample; resist arrest; or offer or pay a bribe,” added the RTMC.

Contact the Traffic Anti-corruption WhatsApp line on 083 2937989 and Bad Driving line on 012 9995407.

Keep the following emergency numbers to hand:

112 – all emergency from a cellphone
10111 – police
10177 – ambulance
0800 055 555 – Childline
083 293 7989 – Traffic Anti-corruption WhatsApp line
012 999 5407 – Bad Driving and Anti-corruption line
012 846 4590 – Hawks

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