According to the Arrive Alive website, the proposed system has been delayed for many years and for many reasons due to a feasibility study, law enforcement criteria, technological requirements, and the analyses of human resources needed towards the insurance of a successful implementation of the system. 

According to the Free State Roads and Transport spokesperson, Hillary Mophethe, the system is meant to ensure that road users comply with the system as well as road rules and acts. She says the system is meant for people who commit infringements on South African roads by fining them, and for every fine there are demerits. 

According to DSC Attorneys, this is how the AARTO point-based system will work.

A driver (owner, operator or “juristic person”) will start with zero points. For each offence, the driver will be allocated between one and six points – depending on the seriousness of the offence.

A person who collects more than 15 points will have his or her driver’s licence suspended for up to three months.

For each demerit point over the threshold of 15, a three-month suspension will be incurred. A driver with 19 points, for example, will lose his or her licence for a year.

Three suspensions will result in a licence being cancelled. The driver will then have to retake the learner’s licence and driving tests. Driving or operating a vehicle during suspension is a criminal offence subject to a fine or imprisonment (plus a further six demerit points on conviction).

If a driver who has incurred points has a clean record for three months, one point will be deducted from his or her record.

Mophethe says when you go through this programme, it sensitises and reminds you about important road rules. 

OFM News/Blaine Jones