
Johannesburg – The Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has announced that more than 7,400 drivers were apprehended for violations such as driving under the influence, excessive speeding, and attempts to offer bribes.
The arrests took place from December 1, 2024, until New Year’s Day (January 1, 2025).
In a statement issued on Saturday (January 4, 2024), the RTMC reported that a total of 7,448 individuals were detained on South African roads during the festive season for a variety of offenses, including drunken driving, speeding, and bribery attempts.
“The peak breath alcohol concentration recorded was 2.47mg/1000ml on the R61 on December 27,” the RTMC advised.
The Eastern Cape province witnessed 455 arrests for suspected impaired driving throughout December.
“The highest speed recorded was in Limpopo, where a motorist was clocked at 209km/h in a 120 km/h zone on December 17,” the RTMC noted.
“By January 1, a total of 1,157,032 vehicles had been stopped and examined by traffic officials as part of the festive season enforcement initiative aimed at improving safety on national roads.
“Officers issued 408,783 citations for various traffic violations, and 6,034 vehicles were discontinued.”

The RTMC has urged motorists to drive carefully during rainy weather.
Drivers are reminded to follow these guidelines while navigating wet conditions:
- Switch on headlights
- Slow down
- Increase following distance
- Avoid distractions, including cell phones
Moreover, the RTMC stressed the need for vigilance, patience, and compliance with traffic regulations as the festive season draws to a close and travelers get ready to head home.
“We expect heavy traffic on roads leading out of coastal areas and bordering states over the weekend, and law enforcement officials will be on hand to monitor driver behavior to prevent accidents and fatalities,” the RTMC affirmed.
Additionally, the South African Weather Service (SAWS) has warned motorists, pedestrians, and the public of heavy and disruptive rainfall forecast for the central and eastern regions of South Africa from Sunday until at least Wednesday (January 5 to 8, 2025).
“The anticipated continuous rainfall, accompanied by potential hazards, underscores the importance of caution and preparedness for all road users and the general public,” SAWS detailed.