How to handle e-toll roadblocks

The link to the JPSA roadblock FAQ is very informative. The highlights are that it's extortion to force you to pay at the roadblock, but that SANRAL and the cops presence are not illegal. They mainly happen at on-ramps, so if you're avoiding eTolls completely, you'll be fine.
 
tl;dr version:

Be nice and polite
Accept what ever the officer has to give (ticket, or otherwise)
Don't argue.
Don't pay anything.
Only worry if they serve you a summons.
Smile and wave as you leave.
 
2012 said:
tl;dr version:

Be nice and polite
Accept what ever the officer has to give (ticket, or otherwise)
Don't argue.
Don't pay anything.
Only worry if they serve you a summons.
Smile and wave as you leave.
Click to expand...

Sounds like good advice.
 
When it comes to the civil side of things, the SANRAL Act makes provision for a civil penalty of R1,000 to be imposed for failure and refusal to pay toll.
Click to expand...
Cheaper than the tolls then. :D
 
It is a very bad idea to whip out your cell phone, iPad, camera, etc. and point it at a traffic officer,
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Seriously this.

Had a SMG in my face and a police officer snatch my cell out of my hands. (Was taking a pic of a protest on campus...police van happened to be on it).

Other African nations are even worse...there I had a AK47 in my face and ended up being interrogated at the police station...
 
2012 said:
tl;dr version:

Be nice and polite
Accept what ever the officer has to give (ticket, or otherwise)
Don't argue.
Don't pay anything.
Only worry if they serve you a summons.
Smile and wave as you leave.
Click to expand...

Tks for this. Appreciate it.
 
Thanks for this. I decided a time ago Im going to record events like this if it happens to me, I can start voice recording with 6 movements of my fingers, but I was not sure how legal this was.

Wherever possible and without making it obvious, try to get photographs and record any traffic stops.
It is a very bad idea to whip out your cell phone, iPad, camera, etc. and point it at a traffic officer, etc. Whilst it is not illegal in any way, it leads to flared tempers and can result in abusive behaviour being directed at you. There is nothing in law to prohibit you from making an audio (or video) recording and this can prove invaluable in the event of a dispute. You do not have to and should not tell the officer concerned that you are recording.
Click to expand...

Please guys like the answer say: don't whip out anything :D
 
So in a nutshell, If I refuse to pay my Etoll bill the following will happen:

1. They cant force you to pay your bill when stopped, BUT
2. They can issue you with a court summons if you have an outstanding account.
3. Once this summons has been issued, you will have to appear in court withing 14 days.
4. If you ignore this summons and dont appear in court an warrant for arrest will be issued
5. If you get stopped again they will arrest you on site and take you to holding sells where you can apply for bail.

Do I understand it correctly?
 
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