Pastor quotes forgiveness verse after alleged drunk driving arrest

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport says it will enforce the law equally after a pastor arrested for allegedly driving under the influence responded by quoting a Bible verse about forgiveness.

The pastor, from Mtubatuba, was travelling with a convoy of congregants to a baptism and cleansing ceremony on the R618 over the weekend when Road Traffic Inspectorate (RTI) officers stopped his vehicle.

Officials said they detected a strong smell of alcohol during the stop. They also alleged that a breathalyser test showed his blood alcohol content exceeded the legal limit.

Department says the law applies to everyone

Department spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya said authorities would not make exceptions when enforcing road traffic laws.

He also reminded motorists that the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) demerit point system is expected to take effect in September.

How the demerit point system punishes drunk driving

Sibiya explained that authorities will add demerit points to a driver’s record when a motorist pays a fine, receives an enforcement order or is convicted by a court.

He said minor traffic offences, such as using a cellphone while driving or failing to stop at a stop sign, carry one demerit point.

More serious offences, including driving under the influence of alcohol, can attract up to six demerit points.

Drivers risk losing their licences

Sibiya said fully licensed drivers may accumulate a maximum of 15 demerit points.

Authorities will suspend a driver’s licence for three months for every point above the 15-point limit.

He added that every motorist will begin the new system with a clean slate.

Drivers may only have their licences suspended twice. A third suspension will result in the permanent cancellation of the driver’s licence, the department said.