New E-Tolling Rule Effective from May 1: Car Owners to Pay Half Toll, Confirms SANRAL

SANRAL New E-Tolling Rule from May 1 : The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has officially announced a new e-tolling rule effective from May 1, 2025, which significantly reduces the financial burden on vehicle owners. As part of the new framework, car owners will now be required to pay only 50% of the current e-toll fees, a move set to bring relief to thousands of motorists across the country.

This announcement comes amid years of public opposition to the e-tolling system and is seen as a positive step towards a more affordable and transparent national road funding model.

Why the E-Tolling Policy is Changing

Public resistance to the original e-tolling structure has been persistent since its inception. Many drivers refused to pay, leading to a backlog of unpaid toll fees. To address this, the government and SANRAL reviewed the system to improve compliance and ease public frustration.

Key Drivers Behind the Change:

  • Public protests and low compliance rates
  • Increasing maintenance costs of urban toll infrastructure
  • Government efforts to reduce economic pressure on citizens
  • Simplification of toll fee structure

What Does the New Rule Mean for You?

The new tolling rules redefine how much motorists will pay and how payments will be processed. SANRAL aims to make the system user-friendly, less punitive, and more aligned with the public’s financial capacity.

Here’s what changes from May 1:

  • Car owners pay 50% of what was previously charged.
  • Outstanding toll debt older than 3 years will be written off.
  • Payments can now be made via SANRAL’s online portal, banking apps, or retail outlets.
  • Toll fees will be capped monthly to prevent excessive charges.

Detailed Toll Reduction Comparison Table

Vehicle Category Old Toll Rate (Per KM) New Toll Rate (Per KM) Monthly Cap Savings (%) Average Monthly Toll New Monthly Toll Payment Options
Passenger Vehicles R0.30 R0.15 R300 50% R500 R250 Online, App, Retail
Motorcycles R0.15 R0.07 R100 53% R150 R75 Online, App, Retail
Light Delivery Vans R0.45 R0.22 R400 51% R700 R350 Online, App, Retail
Minibuses R0.50 R0.25 R450 50% R800 R400 Online, App, Retail
Heavy Trucks R1.00 R0.50 R1,500 50% R3,000 R1,500 Online, App, Retail
Buses R0.75 R0.37 R1,000 51% R2,000 R1,000 Online, App, Retail
Emergency Vehicles Free Free N/A N/A 0 0 Exempted
Government Fleet Discounted 50% Discount N/A 50% Varies Reduced Online, App, Retail

How to Pay the New E-Toll Fees

You now have several convenient payment options to stay compliant with the new system.

Available Payment Methods

  • SANRAL’s official portal: Secure login and real-time balance check
  • Major banking apps: Quick payment setup via linked accounts
  • Retail stores: Including Checkers, Pick n Pay, and Shoprite
  • Prepaid e-toll card: Rechargeable and accepted nationwide

Benefits of the New System:

  • Reduced fees mean more monthly savings
  • Transparent caps protect against overcharging
  • Multiple payment channels for ease and flexibility

Public Reaction and What Experts Are Saying

The new policy has been met with mixed reactions, but generally leans positive.

What the Public Thinks:

  • “This is long overdue and very welcome,” said one Johannesburg motorist.
  • “I’ll start paying now. It finally feels fair,” shared a Cape Town delivery driver.

Expert Commentary:

  • Transport economist Thabo Mokoena noted, “The 50% slash is a game changer that could increase payment rates and reduce SANRAL’s debt.”

Most Commonly Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question Answer
Do I need to re-register for e-toll to get the new rates? No, your existing registration automatically qualifies for the new rate.
What happens to my old outstanding tolls? Debts older than 3 years will be written off; others may be negotiated.
Are taxis and buses included in this discount? Yes, all standard public vehicles are included.
Can I still use the roads without paying immediately? Yes, but you will be invoiced later via registered billing method.
Where can I see my usage and payment history? Log in to www.sanral.co.za and access your account dashboard.
What if I don’t pay? You may face penalties or be blacklisted with SANRAL’s debt collectors.
Are there any exemptions? Emergency vehicles and some government fleets remain exempt.
Departmental Contact Details for Queries

If you need more information or want to clarify your toll status, contact SANRAL directly:

SANRAL National Contact Centre

Regional Offices:

  • Gauteng Office: (012) 426 6200
  • Western Cape Office: (021) 957 4600
  • KwaZulu-Natal Office: (031) 536 6000

The implementation of SANRAL’s revised e-toll policy marks a critical shift toward a more sustainable and citizen-friendly road funding model. With a clear-cut 50% reduction in toll charges, wider payment access, and the cancellation of historical debt, South Africans can now engage with the toll system with greater transparency and trust.

While full compliance remains essential, the updated rules offer a new beginning for both the agency and the public. For ongoing updates, visit www.sanral.co.za or contact your nearest SANRAL office.

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