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.