Traffic Fine Reference Number in South Africa: Find & Pay

Your traffic fine reference number is the unique code printed on your fine notice, usually at the top, in a box marked “Notice Number” or “Reference”. You need it to pay, check, or dispute the fine. This guide shows exactly where to find it, what the format means, and how to use it correctly when you pay.

If you've received a traffic fine and are wondering where to locate the reference number, it's typically displayed prominently on the fine notice, usually at the top or in a designated section. The format may vary depending on your location, but it generally follows a specific pattern that helps authorities categorize and identify the violation.

What Is a Traffic Fine Reference Number?

The reference number is a critical identifier printed on your traffic fine notice. It helps authorities and motorists:

Payment Processing

When paying a fine, the reference number ensures your payment is correctly attributed to the specific violation. Without this number, your payment might be misallocated, potentially leading to complications such as additional penalties or legal actions.

Tracking and Inquiries

If you need to make inquiries about your fine or wish to contest it, providing the reference number allows authorities to quickly access the relevant details, facilitating efficient communication and resolution.

Fine Management

For those with multiple fines, reference numbers help distinguish between different violations, making it easier to manage and track the status of each fine separately.

Where to Find Your Traffic Fine Reference Number

1. On the Fine Notice

The reference number is usually located:

• At the top of the notice (Section 56 or 341 fines).
• In a box labeled “Notice Number” or “Reference.”
• For camera fines (e.g., speeding tickets), check the top-right corner or footer.

2. Online Platforms

If you’ve misplaced the notice, retrieve your reference number via:

AARTO Website

1. Visit AARTO's “Query My Fine” portal.
2. Enter your ID number and driving license number.
3. View all fines linked to your profile, including reference numbers.

payCity Portal

1. Go to payCity’s traffic fines page.
2. Search by ID number or vehicle registration.
3. Access reference numbers and fine details.

Municipal Websites

• Cape Town: Use the City of Cape Town’s online portal.
• Johannesburg: Visit Joburg Metro Police’s e-services.

Format of Traffic Fine Reference Numbers

The format of traffic fine reference numbers varies by jurisdiction, but they typically follow specific patterns. For example:

Camera Fines

In some areas, camera-generated traffic fines may have reference numbers in formats like "HU/80/XXXXXXX/630", where the X's represent unique identifiers specific to your violation.

Roadside Fines

Fines issued by officers on the road might use formats such as "V51/XXXXXX/630", with a different prefix to distinguish them from camera-generated fines.

How to Use Your Traffic Fine Reference Number

When paying your traffic fine, the reference number must be included to ensure proper processing. Here's how to use it for different payment methods:

1. Paying Fines

Online Payments

When paying through official online portals, the system typically guides you through entering the reference number correctly, often auto-formatting it or allowing you to select from your listed fines.

Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) (Kouga Municipality):

Many payment systems limit the length of reference numbers. If your traffic fine reference number exceeds this limit, you may need to modify it according to local guidelines. For example:

• For camera fines with format "HU/80/XXXXXXX/630", use "80XXXXXX63TRAFFICFIN" (removing the HU, last 0, and all forward slashes).
• For roadside fines with format "V51/XXXXXX/630", use "51XXXXXX630TRAFFICFIN" (removing the V and forward slashes).

2. Disputing a Fine

You can dispute or scrap the traffic fine completely. To do so, you must include the traffic fine reference number or attach the ticket to your appeal letter. Include the reference number in:

• AARTO 08 Representation Forms (under the AARTO system).
• Formal appeal letters to your local traffic department.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where do I find my traffic fine reference number?
It's on the fine notice, usually at the top in a box marked “Notice Number” or “Reference”. On camera fines, check the top-right corner or the footer. If you've lost the notice, look it up online using your ID number.

How do I check my traffic fines by ID number?
Use AARTO's “Query My Fine” portal at online.aarto.gov.za, or an aggregator like payCity, and enter your ID number and driving-licence card number. payCity shows both CPA and AARTO fines. These services only work from South African IP addresses.

Can I pay a traffic fine by EFT?
Yes — use the fine's reference number as your payment reference. Some banking systems limit the reference length, so you may need to shorten it (for example, a camera fine “HU/80/XXXXXXX/630” becomes “80XXXXXX63TRAFFICFIN”). Where it applies, paying within 32 days can earn a 50% discount.

What does a traffic fine reference number look like?
The format varies by municipality. Camera fines often look like “HU/80/XXXXXXX/630”, while roadside fines issued by an officer look more like “V51/XXXXXX/630”, with a different prefix.

Do I need the reference number to dispute a fine?
Yes. Quote the reference number (or attach the notice) on your AARTO 08 representation or your letter to the traffic department so they can identify the fine. See our guide on how to dispute a traffic fine for the full process.

Whether you're paying a fine, contesting a violation, or simply checking your infringement status, the reference number serves as your key to accessing and managing your traffic fine information.