What Happens if an Accident is Not Reported Within 24 Hours?
If you are involved in a road accident, it is important to report it to the police within 24 hours. If the road accident is not reported within the mentioned period, and the driver fails to give a reasonable explanation for the late-reporting, he or she must be issued with a Written Notice to Appear in Court (J 534) or an Infringement Notice in terms of Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act (AARTO).
In some cases, the driver may be charged with a criminal offence, such as reckless or negligent driving, if the accident was caused by his or her negligence. The driver may also be charged with failing to report the accident within the required time period.
It is important to note that failure to report an accident within 24 hours can result in a fine of up to R500 or imprisonment for up to six months. Furthermore, if the driver is found guilty of a criminal offence, he or she may face a fine of up to R2,000 or imprisonment for up to two years.
It is also important to note that failure to report an accident within 24 hours can also result in a driver’s license being suspended. This is because the driver’s license is a privilege, and not a right. As such, the driver must abide by the rules and regulations of the road, and failure to do so can result in the suspension of the license.
In addition, if the driver is found guilty of a criminal offence, he or she may be required to pay a fine or face imprisonment. Furthermore, the driver may also be required to attend a court hearing, which can be a lengthy and expensive process.
Finally, if the driver is found guilty of a criminal offence, he or she may be required to pay compensation to the victims of the accident. This is because the driver may be held liable for the damages caused by the accident.
In conclusion, it is important to report an accident within 24 hours. Failure to do so can result in serious consequences, such as fines, imprisonment, suspension of the driver’s license, and even compensation to the victims of the accident. Therefore, it is important to take all necessary steps to ensure that the accident is reported within the required time period.