South African Drivers Can Now Pay Traffic Fines in Bitcoin

[CryptosapienZA]

https://news.bitcoin.com/south-african-drivers-can-now-pay-traffic-fines-in-bitcoin/

A traffic fines administrator from the city of Alberton, South Africa has started accepting payments in bitcoin. Drivers from all over the country who wish to pay their tickets with the cryptocurrency can now do so via this new service.

Cornelia van Niekerk, the owner of Fines 4 u, serves about 500 businesses and 8,000 individuals for whom she manages the restitution of traffic violations. She told local media that she has been interested in bitcoin since June this year, and wanted to offer people who share her interest another opportunity to use their bitcoin in South Africa.

The service allows clients to get a price quote in bitcoin for paying the fines which are denominated in South African rand by the traffic police. The transfer to the authorities will be done in fiat, just as any other fine payment, with Van Niekerk making the exchange. She believes that the value of bitcoin will rise with time so she is not afraid of short term depreciation during the process. It is promoted as a faster and lower cost option compared to bank transactions.

Pay Fines or HODL?

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[kueyen]

Although it's good that the use of bitcoin is becoming more widespread, I don't know how practical this is. I don't know how much the average traffic fine costs in South Africa, but considering the high transaction fees of bitcoin, it may not make sense to use bitcoin to pay them. But of course it's good in terms of exposure, like I said.

[AlwaysJanuary]

That is a creative thing to do, looks like it is a private party.

[alphie.bangas]

That's amazing! bitcoin has been recognize on some country's. I'm also hoping that my country will recognize also bitcoin as a digital currency in the future.

[seizetehday5]

Everyday bitcoin gains international acceptance this story is no different. Long live Bitcorns

[avikz]

Although it's good that the use of bitcoin is becoming more widespread, I don't know how practical this is. I don't know how much the average traffic fine costs in South Africa, but considering the high transaction fees of bitcoin, it may not make sense to use bitcoin to pay them. But of course it's good in terms of exposure, like I said.

Yes, that's the same thing that I see here. A government agency accepting bitcoin is a good news for the community as it increases the adaptability as well as the visibility of bitcoin in the socio-economic perspective, but citing the transaction fees and the time for confirmation make this decision impractical. While many people consider bitcoin as an investment asset, I doubt any people will be actually using bitcoin for making the payment for penalty. They would invest the money instead.

[Anonylz]

That is not good at all, they are not smart enough. They are living on a 3rd country, maybe they can make a good living with $2 or $3 a day, and they are spending around three or four dollars per transaction?

It does not make any sense, maybe each taxi costs $1 in there (as an example) and they are paying $4 worth of fees for each taxi that they take?

What is the point with that? Can anyone explain it to me? There are losing a bunch of money, where is the notice in all this thing?

[CrackedLogic]

That is not good at all, they are not smart enough. They are living on a 3rd country, maybe they can make a good living with $2 or $3 a day, and they are spending around three or four dollars per transaction?

It does not make any sense, maybe each taxi costs $1 in there (as an example) and they are paying $4 worth of fees for each taxi that they take?

What is the point with that? Can anyone explain it to me? There are losing a bunch of money, where is the notice in all this thing?

I don't think citizens of RSA will experience low value transactions if they're driving cars bud

maybe they can make a good living with $2 or $3 a day

Not true. The cost of living is moderate in South Africa.

[ari.nielsson]

https://news.bitcoin.com/south-african-drivers-can-now-pay-traffic-fines-in-bitcoin/

A traffic fines administrator from the city of Alberton, South Africa has started accepting payments in bitcoin. Drivers from all over the country who wish to pay their tickets with the cryptocurrency can now do so via this new service.

Cornelia van Niekerk, the owner of Fines 4 u, serves about 500 businesses and 8,000 individuals for whom she manages the restitution of traffic violations. She told local media that she has been interested in bitcoin since June this year, and wanted to offer people who share her interest another opportunity to use their bitcoin in South Africa.

The service allows clients to get a price quote in bitcoin for paying the fines which are denominated in South African rand by the traffic police. The transfer to the authorities will be done in fiat, just as any other fine payment, with Van Niekerk making the exchange. She believes that the value of bitcoin will rise with time so she is not afraid of short term depreciation during the process. It is promoted as a faster and lower cost option compared to bank transactions.

Pay Fines or HODL?

I am really impressed to read this news. Thank you for letting us know about it. I'm expecting way more from South Africa.

[reingelz09]

Interesting..africans i heard africans are so people minded, they will accepting anything as long its for their success..just a wow for them!

[Kingofbitcoin12345]

I feel good to hear this kind of news that the adaptation of bitcoin on this services is now much more opened to public.. Even I have doubts that this will work smoothly as the bitcoin price is unstable and fluctuations may be a big factor to its success.. In the end it’s better to try implement something like this means a lot and the country start this is not the country that I expected.. Maybe the admin himself is a bitcoin enthusiast that is possible..

[zombie6]

This is the last thing for which I would have to pay bitcoins) bitcoin is not at all created for everyday expenses, unless you are one of the Winklevoss brothers

[bitart]

Although it's good that the use of bitcoin is becoming more widespread, I don't know how practical this is. I don't know how much the average traffic fine costs in South Africa, but considering the high transaction fees of bitcoin, it may not make sense to use bitcoin to pay them. But of course it's good in terms of exposure, like I said.

Yes, that's the same thing that I see here. A government agency accepting bitcoin is a good news for the community as it increases the adaptability as well as the visibility of bitcoin in the socio-economic perspective, but citing the transaction fees and the time for confirmation make this decision impractical. While many people consider bitcoin as an investment asset, I doubt any people will be actually using bitcoin for making the payment for penalty. They would invest the money instead.

Just imagine:
You pay the fine with bitcoin. You have 'lost' those bitcoins. Let's say you don't buy it back in a short period of time. Some months later, you notice that bitcoin price has multiplied by 1,5 (or 2x). It's not the best purpose for spending bitcoins for traffic fines. If you buy a house or something that's really an investment, it is much more practical spending.

[Yakamoto]

https://news.bitcoin.com/south-african-drivers-can-now-pay-traffic-fines-in-bitcoin/

A traffic fines administrator from the city of Alberton, South Africa has started accepting payments in bitcoin. Drivers from all over the country who wish to pay their tickets with the cryptocurrency can now do so via this new service.

Cornelia van Niekerk, the owner of Fines 4 u, serves about 500 businesses and 8,000 individuals for whom she manages the restitution of traffic violations. She told local media that she has been interested in bitcoin since June this year, and wanted to offer people who share her interest another opportunity to use their bitcoin in South Africa.

The service allows clients to get a price quote in bitcoin for paying the fines which are denominated in South African rand by the traffic police. The transfer to the authorities will be done in fiat, just as any other fine payment, with Van Niekerk making the exchange. She believes that the value of bitcoin will rise with time so she is not afraid of short term depreciation during the process. It is promoted as a faster and lower cost option compared to bank transactions.

Pay Fines or HODL?

I'd HODL, knowing SA the city would probably get the fine payment and then hold it themselves, it's not like there's anything they would really need to sell the Bitcoin for if they have enough revenue to surpass their operating expenses, and if they surpass their operating expenses they're going to sell it and miss out on the potential value. Just scrounge up some fiat and pay them in that form of wealth instead. They won't be missing the Bitcoin that they could be receiving. For now, anyways.

[Mad7Scientist]

SA is the most westernized country in Africa!

[LTU_btc]

It doesn't sounds like a good idea. I wouldn't choose to pay traffic fine with Bitcoins. First of all, let's say you have to pay $10 fine. But by looking how Bitcoin price is growing, after some time these Btc that you paid may be worth $15-$20. Meh, I would prefer to buy something that I need with these BTC, instead of paying fine with. Another obvious thing - big transaction fees. I don't want to pay more money than I was fined.

[razzbee]

Interesting..africans i heard africans are so people minded, they will accepting anything as long its for their success..just a wow for them!

hahaha, I am sure not everything, imagine, it could be a test case, who knows , they might change it to BTG or a crypto with less fees, besides South Africa is one of the most advanced countries in Africa and maybe in the world..

[razzbee]

Although it's good that the use of bitcoin is becoming more widespread, I don't know how practical this is. I don't know how much the average traffic fine costs in South Africa, but considering the high transaction fees of bitcoin, it may not make sense to use bitcoin to pay them. But of course it's good in terms of exposure, like I said.

Yes, that's the same thing that I see here. A government agency accepting bitcoin is a good news for the community as it increases the adaptability as well as the visibility of bitcoin in the socio-economic perspective, but citing the transaction fees and the time for confirmation make this decision impractical. While many people consider bitcoin as an investment asset, I doubt any people will be actually using bitcoin for making the payment for penalty. They would invest the money instead.

Just imagine:
You pay the fine with bitcoin. You have 'lost' those bitcoins. Let's say you don't buy it back in a short period of time. Some months later, you notice that bitcoin price has multiplied by 1,5 (or 2x). It's not the best purpose for spending bitcoins for traffic fines. If you buy a house or something that's really an investment, it is much more practical spending.

am impressed with your answer

[flippener]

I think this makes sense - in Africa people have access to bitcoin on their phone, but may not own a bank account.

[trynewline]

It's a really good sign that bitcoin is starting to gain more respect from the public. For sure this will change the way we spend money soon.

[NABILA AKTER SHILA]

When I heard the news, I was very happy. Bitcoin is now open to all types of services. I think Bitcoin will provide a better service to the people. Bitcoin prices are high and this is basically the reason for success. It has to be implemented. In this way, Bitcoin can be recognized in every country of the country. So good luck for Bitcoin.

[Herbert2020]

it is interesting to see how these countries which most of them are actually under developed countries are adopting bitcoin so much faster than some of the bigger developed countries in the world. they see the potential of bitcoin and this new technology so much better without all the drama and they want to be in the front row of it.
i wonder how their economy will change in a few years compared to others.

[KingScorpio]

I think this makes sense - in Africa people have access to bitcoin on their phone, but may not own a bank account.

so did they fixed finally the high tx fee,

[Kayj55]

This is a welcome development for blockchain, this clearly shows blockchain is here to change the world for better. I wish other countries can emulate this.

[Veterock]

South Africa? Apparently America now doesn't set trends for the whole world) Trump, wake up!

[Ankhesenamun]

his is very good news and a good example for many countries. This gives the development of cryptocurrency and bitcoin. Perhaps, other countries will introduce cryptocurrency on a par with the national currency.

[Catch-22]

Another sign that bitcoin is fast gaining acceptance from governments everywhere. There may be some issues about the transaction fees but it’s a good start. Good job, South Africa!

[carlisle1]

https://news.bitcoin.com/south-african-drivers-can-now-pay-traffic-fines-in-bitcoin/

A traffic fines administrator from the city of Alberton, South Africa has started accepting payments in bitcoin. Drivers from all over the country who wish to pay their tickets with the cryptocurrency can now do so via this new service.

Cornelia van Niekerk, the owner of Fines 4 u, serves about 500 businesses and 8,000 individuals for whom she manages the restitution of traffic violations. She told local media that she has been interested in bitcoin since June this year, and wanted to offer people who share her interest another opportunity to use their bitcoin in South Africa.

The service allows clients to get a price quote in bitcoin for paying the fines which are denominated in South African rand by the traffic police. The transfer to the authorities will be done in fiat, just as any other fine payment, with Van Niekerk making the exchange. She believes that the value of bitcoin will rise with time so she is not afraid of short term depreciation during the process. It is promoted as a faster and lower cost option compared to bank transactions.

Pay Fines or HODL?

How cool was that,violation in traffic paid by bitcoin?seems like that KFC accepting bitcoin as payment for their chicken lol.

Well this is the future cryptocurrency,this is how satoshie looks while hes creating this ,qnd now starting the world domination,maybe this will take some time but i know not that long

[squatz1]

Although it's good that the use of bitcoin is becoming more widespread, I don't know how practical this is. I don't know how much the average traffic fine costs in South Africa, but considering the high transaction fees of bitcoin, it may not make sense to use bitcoin to pay them. But of course it's good in terms of exposure, like I said.

I mean who knows, the bitcoin fees at the moment aren't even that high so I wouldn't think that it'd be much of a problem. Though I do think that the fees are HIGHER then other methods such as paying with cash, by check, credit card, etc.

I just don't know if people are ACTUALLY going to use this, it's something that could easily be done another way -- bitcoin seems like a nusiance unless adoption is high in South Africa.

[israfil]

You do not know Monacarine, but I am very happy with Monacar Bitcoin, because it is a good sign for the daily living of Bitcoin, Bitcoin gets international recognition every day, a government organization accepting Bitcoin is a good news for society. Because it is an addition to Bitcoin in the socio-economic perspective,,

[A Feeder]

https://news.bitcoin.com/south-african-drivers-can-now-pay-traffic-fines-in-bitcoin/

A traffic fines administrator from the city of Alberton, South Africa has started accepting payments in bitcoin. Drivers from all over the country who wish to pay their tickets with the cryptocurrency can now do so via this new service.

Cornelia van Niekerk, the owner of Fines 4 u, serves about 500 businesses and 8,000 individuals for whom she manages the restitution of traffic violations. She told local media that she has been interested in bitcoin since June this year, and wanted to offer people who share her interest another opportunity to use their bitcoin in South Africa.

The service allows clients to get a price quote in bitcoin for paying the fines which are denominated in South African rand by the traffic police. The transfer to the authorities will be done in fiat, just as any other fine payment, with Van Niekerk making the exchange. She believes that the value of bitcoin will rise with time so she is not afraid of short term depreciation during the process. It is promoted as a faster and lower cost option compared to bank transactions.

Pay Fines or HODL?

Wow. This is a very good news. But, I would rather stay innocent than pay with my bitcoins. Holding bitcoin this year would be much greater since you have the possibility to gain profit. I hope this raises the price of bitcoin.

[Olalomi]

This is a good innovation by the South African driver administrators, taxes can be easily paid at a go by any defaulter  using their mobile phones while copying the wallet address of the administrator this will ensure more adoption of bitcoin by the drivers while newbies drivers in cryptos will hurriedly learn how to use it.

[bajingluncat]

meaning bitcoin in Africa has started to be considered as a legitimate payment instrument to pay fines for traffic violations? I think it's great faster and practical. I feel very happy that the positive judgment of the world community on bitcoin will be strengthened. Trust and reputation will increase demand and market supply to mine and invest bitcoin

[hollowdoor]

amazing news, this will helps bitcoin to be more strong.

[hollowdoor]

meaning bitcoin in Africa has started to be considered as a legitimate payment instrument to pay fines for traffic violations? I think it's great faster and practical. I feel very happy that the positive judgment of the world community on bitcoin will be strengthened. Trust and reputation will increase demand and market supply to mine and invest bitcoin

In africa bitcoin is more stablished then any other country or region. I know so many peoples from Africa who involved in crypto-currency. This helps to reduce economical struggle we have seen in African countries in decades.

[elachious123]

African countries are rapidly adopting Cryptocurrency in general, Nigeria Government recently proposed on adoption of Blockchain technology into some parastatals

[1Referee]

Though I do think that the fees are HIGHER then other methods such as paying with cash, by check, credit card, etc.

It depends on how you look at things. In most cases every payment service requires you to pay a fee of some sort. Credit card fees, depending on the service you are using, charge either the sender or the receiver (in some cases both). These fees are usually like 2-3% in total. If we take the average of that (which is 2.5%) and calculate the fee over an amount of $1000, then it means your fee is $25.

Bitcoin's current fee is like $0.05-$0.10 regardless of the amount. Lightning fees can be as low as zero (0).

I just don't know if people are ACTUALLY going to use this, it's something that could easily be done another way -- bitcoin seems like a nusiance unless adoption is high in South Africa.

For you Bitcoin might not be that much of a convenient way to settle these transactions, but for others it might be. SA and other countries in that region are dealing with high numbers of unbanked households. I can definitely see it working there. We probably won't ever find out with how authorities likely aren't going to release any data regarding this.

amazing news, this will helps bitcoin to be more strong.

It will help the government become wealthier, potentially.

[weiweianll]

This has a positive impact on the promotion of BTC!
Many do not know BTC began to accept BTC! However, due to the slow transfer rate of BTC, high transfer fees will affect people's payment experience to BTC!

[dupee419]

I don't even need to take some research out of this one, Africa is bitcoin-friendly one of the best countries to invest your bitcoin in, also one of the best countries to buy and sell bitcoin, Africa has made a great decision, I think that their economy would boost in the upcoming years and especially since you can now pay your traffic fines in bitcoin here in Africa I'd definitely see the growth of this country in the next 5 years as bitcoin develops I am also sure that Africa will develop also.

[12tribes]

That's a wonderful initiative and a diversification from the traditional method of using fiat to pay for goods or services or fines (lol). In the event a person is fined, my take is that fiat is a better way of payment as using the bitcoin currency may eventually prove to be a move that is not smart as the value of bitcoins may grow to becoming many times the current value.
Pay via FIAT.

[konomi]

But Bitcoin's price fluctuations are so great that traffic fines are part of the state's fiscal revenue. It must be stable. If Bitcoin is used to pay traffic fines, does it need to refer to the current Bitcoin market price?

[samiul12]

If South Africa can so other countries should come forward too. I South Africa had made a revolutionary choice by doing so. It is not far that their economy will rise above their hope. Bitcoin is a door to go a better place and now many government have known that and I am sure that they will succeed.

[damsix]

maybe Bitcoin first transfer to Fiat in South Africa, then Fiat money is paid to pay taxi. because on the basis of its Bitcoin up and down within a few seconds. And who became the benchmark payment there is the Fiat.

and this becomes a vast discourse for Bitcoin da to be a great News.

[kalstarzz]

it is good news for us crypto users, it can raise the good name of bitcoin, and hope the steps undertaken by african is also followed by another country.

[cr7]

Already on the African continent, new technologies are being introduced. I think this will benefit, because the continent is not very rich.
I heard that the price of bitcoin in Africa is different. Is it so?

[Kakmakr]

The problem with this is that these services operate for a while and they are centralized. The moment when they seize operation, then people will have to resort to paying with traditional payment options. We need these traffic offices to make a decision to accept Bitcoin directly and not through some third party services.

They also say that they are cheaper, but they have to add their "admin" cost for their services and that might nullify the cost associated with normal payment options. 

[franky1]

A government agency accepting bitcoin is a good news for the community

its not a government agency adopting bitcoin.
its not a countries public officials adopting bitcoin

its a private individual accepting bitcoin and then that private individual paying the fine on your behalf using fiat.

damn these word twisted stories trying to confuse the reality, just to make things sound better..
the problem is when people do the research and find the truth they start to see all the gimmicks and lack of a "real revolution"

[franky1]

I don't even need to take some research out of this one, Africa is bitcoin-friendly one of the best countries to invest your bitcoin in, also one of the best countries to buy and sell bitcoin, Africa has made a great decision, I think that their economy would boost in the upcoming years and especially since you can now pay your traffic fines in bitcoin here in Africa I'd definitely see the growth of this country in the next 5 years as bitcoin develops I am also sure that Africa will develop also.

maybe you should do some research
many places in africa, the wage is the equivelent of 5cents an hour. meaning just for bitcoins tx fee is an hours labour..

however, other currencies have peeked the interest of africans. where the fee's are negligable/non existant, thus more beneficial for the unbanked/low pay communtities over there.
i have personally sen it how africans liked bitcoin early on and i sen some good adoption occuring. but then 2013+ those same people started to hate what bitcoin was becoming and adoption declined. now they are looking into other coins.

also as my other post said. this topic is not about a government agency adopting bitcoin but a individual middleman grabbing peoples bitcoin and then him paying off a fine. the government agency probably has no idea bitcoin is involved at all

[titocrypto]

for one of African country to accept bitcoin in there domain,this is a welcome development to the bitcoin investor.long life bitcoin

[jcemos9bt]

Nice move from Cornelia van Niekerk a Good awareness and education for the people Teaching and educating them about Bitcoin, Cornelia van Niekerk has make a Great move and have down well for the people, South African Drivers can now know what is Bitcoin.
All other countries or agencies should do the same as Cornelia van Niekerk, Bitcoin inspired.

[MUSFIKAR]

If my opinion this is a good innovation by South African driver administrators, the tax can be easily paid anytime.Africa is a friendly country Bitcoin one of the best countries to invest Bitcoin we are also one of the best countries to buy and sell Bitcoin Africa has made a decision great, this is good news and good for many countries by providing development of cryptocurrency and Bitcoin. Maybe other countries will introduce cryptocurrency.

[stayeduptolate]

https://news.bitcoin.com/south-african-drivers-can-now-pay-traffic-fines-in-bitcoin/

A traffic fines administrator from the city of Alberton, South Africa has started accepting payments in bitcoin. Drivers from all over the country who wish to pay their tickets with the cryptocurrency can now do so via this new service.

Cornelia van Niekerk, the owner of Fines 4 u, serves about 500 businesses and 8,000 individuals for whom she manages the restitution of traffic violations. She told local media that she has been interested in bitcoin since June this year, and wanted to offer people who share her interest another opportunity to use their bitcoin in South Africa.

The service allows clients to get a price quote in bitcoin for paying the fines which are denominated in South African rand by the traffic police. The transfer to the authorities will be done in fiat, just as any other fine payment, with Van Niekerk making the exchange. She believes that the value of bitcoin will rise with time so she is not afraid of short term depreciation during the process. It is promoted as a faster and lower cost option compared to bank transactions.

Pay Fines or HODL?

I feel like very great if I heard something in progress of bitcoin, bitcoin is very sustainable and versatile crypto currency but now a days going into controversy because of its volatile nature that its frequently flactuating valution and that is why people are not finding it much trust worthy now but still there is a lot to go with bitcoin, it has always made a tremendous progress since when it was introduced and now even countries are also getting the real potential of bitcoin and working over it.

[gosha18]

https://news.bitcoin.com/south-african-drivers-can-now-pay-traffic-fines-in-bitcoin/

A traffic fines administrator from the city of Alberton, South Africa has started accepting payments in bitcoin. Drivers from all over the country who wish to pay their tickets with the cryptocurrency can now do so via this new service.

Cornelia van Niekerk, the owner of Fines 4 u, serves about 500 businesses and 8,000 individuals for whom she manages the restitution of traffic violations. She told local media that she has been interested in bitcoin since June this year, and wanted to offer people who share her interest another opportunity to use their bitcoin in South Africa.

The service allows clients to get a price quote in bitcoin for paying the fines which are denominated in South African rand by the traffic police. The transfer to the authorities will be done in fiat, just as any other fine payment, with Van Niekerk making the exchange. She believes that the value of bitcoin will rise with time so she is not afraid of short term depreciation during the process. It is promoted as a faster and lower cost option compared to bank transactions.

Pay Fines or HODL?

Bitcoins are making their way further into the economy and are winning our lives.  Soon in medical institutions will take bitcoins and on.

[hodl_news]

This is absolutely not surprising, since the African government is very actively implementing blockchain technology. I think very soon such news can be seen anywhere in the world. Crypto currency is needed by people 100%.

[prehisto]

This indeed is cool feature.
In essence tough, I believe that they do it only to try to get more people to pay their fines.

Nevertheless I hear that South Africa is very welcoming country when it comes to  cryptos and i hope they will keep expanding such services.

Edit. Just saw that the topic is a bit different.
It seems that some guy is just using the situation and starting a business. Why not. Grabbing the opportunity.

[lissandra3612]

That's a good news. it's good in terms of exposure. While many people consider bitcoin to be an investment property, I suspect anyone would actually use bitcoin to make a payment for the penalty. They will invest money instead.

[digroske]

https://news.bitcoin.com/south-african-drivers-can-now-pay-traffic-fines-in-bitcoin/

A traffic fines administrator from the city of Alberton, South Africa has started accepting payments in bitcoin. Drivers from all over the country who wish to pay their tickets with the cryptocurrency can now do so via this new service.

Cornelia van Niekerk, the owner of Fines 4 u, serves about 500 businesses and 8,000 individuals for whom she manages the restitution of traffic violations. She told local media that she has been interested in bitcoin since June this year, and wanted to offer people who share her interest another opportunity to use their bitcoin in South Africa.

The service allows clients to get a price quote in bitcoin for paying the fines which are denominated in South African rand by the traffic police. The transfer to the authorities will be done in fiat, just as any other fine payment, with Van Niekerk making the exchange. She believes that the value of bitcoin will rise with time so she is not afraid of short term depreciation during the process. It is promoted as a faster and lower cost option compared to bank transactions.

Pay Fines or HODL?

If this is not a joke, then this is good news. The extension of the boundaries of the users is pleasing. I did not think that I would hear such news from this region. With faith in bitcoin! Good luck to all of us)

[Nolimitz84]

I'm unfamiliar with the laws and life in Africa but what they use to use bitcoin as a means of payment is very good.Such practice can not boast of any country