The new system is expected to significantly change how traffic offences are managed, with repeat offenders facing licence suspensions and, ultimately, the cancellation of their driving licences.

The administrative adjudication of road traffic offences (Aarto) demerit system officially came into effect across South Africa on Wednesday, 1 July, marking a major change in the way traffic offences are managed. The rollout includes municipalities such as Mangaung, Ekurhuleni, Nelson Mandela Bay, eThekwini, and Buffalo City.

“Aarto is now a compliance obligation for all South Africans,” said Motor Industry Staff Association spokesperson Phakamile Hlubi-Majola. “By encouraging responsible driving and accountability, the system aims to improve road safety and reduce fatalities on our roads.”

“Repeated traffic infringements could have serious consequences, including licence suspension and the potential loss of employment for those who depend on driving for work. 

“Motorists should recognise Aarto as a permanent compliance requirement aimed at improving road safety and reducing fatalities on South Africa’s roads.”

Aarto replaces the traditional criminal court process for most traffic infringements with an administrative process managed by the Road Traffic Infringement Authority. One of its key features is a 50% discount on traffic fines that are paid within 32 days of receiving an infringement notice.

The demerit system operates on a points-based model. Photo: AboutAARTO

The demerit system operates on a points-based model. Every driver begins with zero demerit points, with each traffic offence carrying between one and six points depending on its severity. Fully licensed drivers may accumulate a maximum of 15 points, while learner drivers are limited to six. 

Drivers who exceed the threshold face a licence suspension of three months for every point above the limit. Demerit points are reduced by one point every three months, provided no further traffic offences are committed during that period.

If a licence is suspended three times, it will be permanently cancelled, requiring the motorist to restart the licensing process by obtaining a learner’s licence and completing all driving tests again.

The Aarto process follows three stages. Motorists first receive an infringement notice and have 32 days to pay the fine at a 50% discount. Failure to pay results in a courtesy letter, cancellation of the discount and an additional penalty fee.

If the matter remains unresolved after another 32 days, an enforcement order is issued, further fees are added, and the motorist is blocked on the eNATIS system from renewing a driver’s licence, professional driving permit or vehicle licence disc until the matter is resolved.

Under the new framework, each penalty unit is valued at R100, with total fines calculated according to the number of penalty units assigned to a specific offence.

OFM News/Zenande Mpame dg

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