WATCH: The toll booth change you won’t want to miss this holiday season
The South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has announced that magnetic swipe cards will no longer be accepted at toll booths.
Image: Doctor Ngcobo Independent Newspapers
As South Africans continue to prepare for the holidays, the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL) has announced that magnetic swipe cards will no longer be accepted at toll booths.
SANRAL said that all toll plazas will now support Tap & Go, a contactless payment system that allows motorists to pay using a bank card or mobile device with EMV technology. The move is aimed at reducing fraud at toll booths, where criminals have previously used skimming devices to steal card information.
"From 1 December 2025, magnetic swipe cards will no longer work at toll booths. But don’t worry, SANRAL is rolling out Tap & Go, letting you pay with your bank card or mobile device using quick, secure EMV contactless technology." SANRAL said,
Motorists are being advised to use Tap & Go or electronic tag payments to ensure faster and more secure transactions, especially as many South Africans prepare to travel during the holiday season.
IOL previously reported that the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), said the rollout of tap-to-pay is a positive step that will make toll payments faster, safer, and more convenient for motorists.
"We believe it is very necessary and an enhancement that will allow for real-time contactless transactions," said Stefanie Fick, Executive Director of the Accountability Division.
"Definitely more convenient for motorists and will include card and smart devices payment, and payments with digital wallets like Apple, Google, Samsung and Garmin. It is also faster and provides efficiency and security. Another step toward digital transformation."
Fick added that contactless payments offer significant security benefits compared to traditional card swipes.
“Tap-to-pay dramatically reduces transaction times, helping motorists move through toll gates more quickly and reducing congestion.”
IOL Business
mthobisi.nozulela@iol.co.za