E-tolls have become a major point of controversy for Gauteng road users, even resulting in the validity and future of e-tolls being questioned by the national government. The result of those questions hasn’t led to the answers many road users were hoping to hear. Instead, it seems like e-tolls are here to stay. So, whether you agree with the system or not, paying your e-tolls is unavoidable. This guide should make complying easy.
How Do I Pay my ETAG Bill Online?
There aren’t many options to pay your ETAG in person. So, if you aren’t particularly cheerful about spending time at a Customer Service Centre or a retailer, paying your ETAG bill online is far more convenient.
If You Do Not Have An ETag:
To pay your E-Toll bill online, you will first need an ETAG. To get an ETAG, you can visit a Pick n Pay, Checkers, or Shoprite. These are the only retailers that provide ICASA-approved ETAGs.
You can also visit a SANRAL Customer Service Centre at a mall or along Gauteng’s e-roads.
You can also call 0800 726 725 between 06:00 and 22:00 to be able to pick up your ETAG at a Customer Service Centre or to have it delivered to you at an additional fee of R60.
Once you have an ETAG, you can follow the steps below that outline the procedure for those who have an ETAG.
If You Have An ETag:
Once you have an ETAG, registering to pay your e-Toll bill online is easier. You have two options: register as a top-up account or a credit card settlement account.
Register as a Top-Up Account:
If you prefer to prepay your account, you can register as a top-up account with a tag.
- Start by visiting sanral.co.za/etolls.
- Navigate to the Register SANRAL Account tab on the left side of the screen.
- Choose the option that best describes your use for the account: business, individual, or exempt user.
- Select “register as a top-up account with a tag.”
- Complete the registration process using valid information. SANRAL will send you a verification email with a verification code.
- Follow the instructions in the email. You will need to return to the previous screen and input your username and verification code.
- Select your top-up amount and pay online.
Register as a Credit Card Settlement Account:
If you don’t want to be a top-up user, you can also create a settlement account.
- Visit Sanral.co.za/etolls.
- Select Register SANRAL Account on the left side of the screen.
- Select if you’re registering as an individual, business, or exempt user.
- Then click the third option (Credit Card Settlement Account)
- Fill in your email, username, password, and validation code.
- Follow the instructions contained in the verification email sent to the email address you’ve input.
- Pay with your credit card online.
SANRAL ETAG EFT Banking Details:
If you decide to prepay your account by EFT, you should use the following information or navigate to your bank’s list of public beneficiaries and select SANRAL.
Bank: FNB
Beneficiary: SANRAL (TCH)
Branch: Corporate Banking
Branch code: 250655
Account number: 62280212607
Reference: Your customer identification card number
How To Pay An Overdue ETAG Bill
The Violations Processing Centre (VPC) is responsible for processing and collecting overdue e-toll bills. If you have not paid your e-tolls in the seven day grace period, you will become an alternative user. An alternative user doesn’t benefit from any discounts – time of day, frequent user, etc. – and cannot apply for any exemptions.
To make it easier for these users to make payments and avoid additional penalties, SANRAL has created an online portal to view and pay your e-toll arrears. So, if you have been travelling through Gauteng’s e-tolls but have failed to register an ETAG or have an ETAG but have not maintained payments, you will need to pay your overdue fees. To pay these fees, follow the guide below.
Visit The VPC Portal
If you know you have an overdue e-toll bill, start by visiting the VPC Website.
Login or Create An Account
You will then be required to log in to an existing account or create a new one. If you’ve accessed the VPC before, use your VPC Account number and password to log in. If you haven’t accessed the VPC before, select “Create Login Details” on the left side of the screen.
You will then be required to input your Vehicle License Number, ID number, passport number, or business registration number, and either your email address or cell phone number.
You will be sent a validation code via email in addition to instructions. Follow those instructions and input the validation code when necessary.
Make a Payment Using Your Reference Number
Once you have created an account and logged in, you will see the most recent statement of account according to the VPC. If you don’t want to dispute these charges, you will be able to use the payment reference number found on the Violations Processing Centre invoice or statement.
Using that reference, you can either pay your account at an FNB ATM, EFT, or online using the VPC website.
If you’re paying online, you can navigate to the payment section and enter your credit card details. However, if you choose to pay by EFT, you can use the details below to make a payment.
VPC EFT Details:
Account Name: SANRAL (VPC) [violation fees]
Bank: First National Bank
Account Number: 62280209167
Branch Code: 250655
Branch: Corporate Banking
Reference: As indicated on your VPC Invoice or Statement
What Happens if I Don’t Pay E-Tolls?
If you’re hesitant or resistant to paying e-tolls, you may want to reconsider that stance. The penalties for non-payment are harsh, and the discounts offered are more significant if you decide to pay on time or within the seven day grace period.
According to SANRAL, if you don’t pay your e-tolls – and don’t make arrangements to pay arrears – you will go through the legal process for non-payment, which may result in criminal prosecution.
After receiving notice from the VPC of overdue e-toll bills, the VPC will begin the debt collection process. If you do not respond or make arrangements during this time, you will receive a final demand notice, and the VPC will hand your account over to the prosecuting authority. From there, you will either be prosecuted according to the Criminal Procedure Act or the AARTO.
If you have any additional questions regarding e-tolls, you can contact SANRAL’s e-toll department on 0800 726 725 or consider emailing info@sa-etoll.co.za. You can also use this online calculator to determine how much you should prepay on your account to ensure you’re benefiting from discounts.
