Easter weekend drunk driving arrests jump 39% across South Africa

Drunk driving arrests surged sharply across South Africa over the Easter weekend, with law enforcement officers recording a 39% increase in arrests as authorities intensified efforts to make the country’s roads safer.

According to a media release issued by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) on 6 April 2026, a total of 934 motorists were arrested for allegedly driving under the influence of alcohol between Thursday and Saturday.

That is 263 more arrests than during the same period last year, underlining what authorities described as a major road safety concern over one of the busiest travel weekends on the calendar.

The Easter long weekend is traditionally marked by heavy traffic volumes as holidaymakers, churchgoers and families travel across provinces. This year, officials say drunken driving remained one of the biggest headaches on the roads.

The RTMC also reported a sharp rise in the number of vehicles impounded during the same period. A total of 1,215 vehicles were impounded, compared with 923 over the corresponding period last year. That marks an increase of 31.6%.

Authorities said the rise in impounded vehicles points to more motorists using vehicles to transport passengers without the necessary permits, or in violation of permit conditions, as some attempted to profit from the busy Easter travel rush.

While the figures around drunk driving and impounded vehicles climbed, there was a notable drop in the number of unroadworthy vehicles taken off the road.

A total of 688 vehicles were discontinued between Thursday and Saturday, down from 979 during the same period last year. That represents a decline of nearly 30%.

The RTMC said law enforcement operations will continue as the long weekend draws to a close, with officers maintaining a strong presence on national roads and alternative routes to monitor traffic and enforce compliance.

Motorists have been urged to work with officials and obey the rules of the road as return traffic builds.

The corporation repeated its road safety warning, saying it is better for road users to arrive home late than not arrive at all.

The latest figures highlight the intense pressure facing traffic authorities over the Easter period, when high volumes of traffic, fatigue, speeding and alcohol-related offences often combine to increase the risk of serious crashes.

With many travellers still expected to be on the roads, officials are likely to keep a close watch on major routes across the country in a final push to reduce accidents and save lives.

The RTMC issued the appeal under its ongoing road safety campaign message: #ItStartsWithMe, #RoadSafety, and #SaferRoadsForAll.