How to Become A Traffic Officer In South Africa

Traffic officer means any person employed by a city, county, or city and county to monitor and enforce state laws and local ordinances relating to parking and the operation of vehicles.

What is the job of a traffic officer?

Traffic Officers help to manage incidents by: coordinating the resources of the emergency services. managing traffic to reduce incident related congestion. clearing debris from the carriageways.

Can a traffic officer take your phone?

However, in the Western Cape, there is also a bylaw which was first introduced in 2012, that allows road officials to confiscate a motorist’s phone for 24 hours if they are caught driving while using their phone (talking or texting). This could even apply in situations where the other driver was at fault.

Can a traffic officer take your license disc?

According to the Road Traffic Act, a traffic officer has the right to ask to see your driver’s license. You are supposed to have it with you all the time, or in your car, so this should not be a problem. Traffic officers are entitled to remove a license disc from the vehicle and declare the vehicle not roadworthy.

Below are steps to Become A Traffic Officer In South Africa

Earn your high school diploma or GED

The first step toward becoming a traffic cop is typically to complete your high school diploma or to earn a GED equivalent. This is because the minimum education requirement for most police departments is a high school diploma or GED. While in high school, it can be helpful to take part in any opportunities that could prepare you for work as a traffic cop.

For example, you might look for the chance to shadow a traffic cop on the job or visit a police department to discuss their application process so that you’re prepared to apply once you’re ready.

Consider pursuing a college degree

Earning a college degree is usually voluntary for traffic cops. However, some police departments might ask for candidates to have completed some college-level coursework in criminal justice or law enforcement.

While you can often find colleges that allow you to enroll in only the courses you need to qualify for work as a traffic cop, it can be beneficial to consider earning a degree in order to receive a complete education in advanced subjects that relate to job duties you might have later.

Apply to a police department

Because a traffic cop is a member of the police force, interested candidates can apply to the police department they want to work for in order to start the process of becoming a traffic cop.

When applying to work at a police department, candidates need to be at least 21 years, be S.A. citizens and have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Police departments also typically consider a candidate’s criminal background, including driving records, to make sure they have no criminal record.

Complete a police academy training program

Undergoing training at a police academy is often considered one of the most important steps in becoming a traffic cop, as this is where you can learn the specific details and skills you need to succeed in the position.

In a police academy training program, recruits can complete tasks like classroom lessons about best practices in policing, training in driving police vehicles and using firearms and coursework in subjects like law and human relations.

Traffic cop skills

Here are a few skills that can be essential for traffic cops:

Reading speed-measuring apparatuses

Using and interpreting equipment, such as breathalyzers and mass-measuring apparatuses

Rapid response time

Strong reflexes

Physical fitness

Attention to detail

Communication skills

How many years does it take to become a traffic officer In South Africa?

Required Qualification/s

To officially qualify as a Traffic Officer, you will need to acquire the certificate through doing the one year of studies through one of the 14 abovementioned approved colleges.

How much does traffic school cost in South Africa?

The Traffic Officer Course Fee is R14, 000 excluding uniform, accommodation and travelling.

How long does it take to become a police officer in South Africa?

The duration of the Learning Programme will be 24 months, of which 12 months will be at the Academy and 12 months in the workplace. It will consist of two phases at the academy and one phase in the workplace. Foundational phase – will mainly focus on acquiring necessary knowledge and skills.

How much is a drivers license in South Africa?

The R250 is the cost currently paid when applying for a new card,” the RTMC said, adding that all bookings for driver licences are done online, and no walk-ins are permitted. NOTICE!!! The civil society groups also took aim at the entire licence application and renewal system, calling for changes.

Where can I study to become a traffic officer in Cape Town?

Gene Louw Traffic College in Brackenfell, Cape Town offers training in road traffic law enforcement for Traffic Officers (TO), Examiner for Driving Licences (EDL), Examiner of Vehicles (EOV), and various other Short Courses.

How long does it take to get a South African drivers licence?

four to six weeks

Your driving licence should be ready within four to six weeks. A temporary driving licence is issued immediately.

How much do police in South Africa earn?

South African Police Services Jobs by Salary

Job TitleRangeAverage
Police or Sheriff’s Patrol OfficerRange:R99k – R380kAverage:R241,334
ConstableRange:R116k – R211kAverage:R172,047
Police CaptainRange:R198k – R466kAverage:R323,884
PolicemanRange:R70k – R366k

How long is traffic officer training In South Africa?

A Traffic Officer’s course takes one year.