The new fines list for taxi drivers has SA in stitches
A taxi association’s new fine list is making drivers pay for smelling bad and beating up passengers. Although, reckless driving is still fine.
If there’s one thing that’s as South African as pap and chakalaka, it’s our taxis.
Love them or hate them, they’re a core part of the culture. If we’re being honest, though… It’s usually for the wrong reasons.
Most of us have experienced it: the ruthless driving skills that turn the highway into a 'Fast & Furious' audition, the unspoken (and frankly terrifying) taxi maths that determines your fate for the week, and drivers whose attitude could leave even your ancestors questioning your life choices.
Well, buckle up (if your taxi even has seatbelts) because there’s a new plot twist.
ALSO READ: A queue at the drive-thru? Not for this taxi
A taxi association has officially introduced a fine system for their drivers. Yup, it’s like traffic court, but for taxi drivers.
A picture of the Carltonville Taxi Association’s “Drivers Fine List” recently went viral, and let’s just say… It’s giving both bizarre and relatable.
The fine list features 13 offences, and some of them? Wild.
Here are a few gems:
R1,500 for swearing at passengers (finally, our ancestors’ prayers answered)
R1,500 for not bathing (I have questions about enforcement, but okay)
R1,500 and a six-month suspension for beating up passengers (Six months? Not immediate dismissal? Hectic)
R3,000 for drinking at the taxi rank (I mean… fair)
Carltonville Taxi Association will fine their drivers R1500 for not bathing. pic.twitter.com/cB4sKpQMSP
— Kasi Economy (@KasiEconomy) April 24, 2025
Now, while this might sound absolutely bonkers to anyone who’s never set foot in a taxi, it’s a breath of fresh air to regular commuters.
That 6 am taxi ride is already a gamble.
Will I get to work on time? Will my driver obey traffic laws today? Will he smell like last night’s tavern? The daily struggle is real.
And of course, when this list hit social media, the comments section turned into pure comedy gold:
@letha_official raised an eyebrow: “Why would you fine someone for risking lives by driving drunk? Shouldn’t that be an automatic dismissal?”
Fair point, Letha. Very fair.
@ecohappyfeet spotted the loophole: “So you can drive drunk, but just don’t swear at the passengers. Bye bye…”
@donnydunn was shook: “You can beat up passengers and drive drunk, but not pitch up at the office? That’s where we draw the line? 😂”
@philomazibuko had wardrobe concerns: “Short pants, vest and push-ins… does it have to be that exact combo? Or will I get fined if I rock a vest and Brentwoods?”
@theonly_vk suggested a solid addition: “We also need a fine for scary looking taxis = R5000.”
Valid. We’ve all seen that one taxi held together by prayers, cable ties, and masking tape.
@c0mm3nsense nailed it: “No rules about actual driving behaviour though???”
As much as this list is being celebrated (and ridiculed), there are still a lot of unanswered questions.
Like, who’s doing the bathing inspections? Is there a sniff test before every shift?
How are passenger beatings being counted? Will there be CCTV in taxis now?
Why is drinking on duty a fine, but not reporting for duty gets you fired?
Priorities, gents.
Look, it’s a step in the right direction.
Any attempt to regulate the madness that is our taxi industry is worth noting.
However, as Mzansi knows, when it comes to taxis, logic doesn’t always catch a ride.
HOW TO LISTEN TO EAST COAST RADIO
1. Listen to East Coast Radio on the FM (frequency modulation) spectrum between 94 and 95 FM on your radio.
2. Listen live to ECR by clicking here or download the ECR App (iOS/Android).
3. Listen to East Coast Radio on the DStv audio bouquet.
4. Switch to the audio bouquet on your OpenView decoder and browse to channel 606.
5. Listen to us on Amazon Alexa
Follow us on social media:
· TikTok
MORE ON EAST COAST RADIO
Have a similar story or something unique to share? Email us at [email protected], we would love to hear from you!