The Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) has officially confirmed the new rollout schedule for South Africa’s long-anticipated AARTO demerit points system. The administrative enforcement framework will begin implementation in December 2025 in select cities, and demerit points will start being issued from September 2026.
In this article, we explain what the AARTO system is, why it matters for drivers and transport operators, and how you can prepare before it becomes law nationwide.
1. What Is AARTO and Why It Matters
AARTO stands for the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences. It’s a legislative framework introduced to decriminalize minor traffic violations and manage them through an administrative process instead of lengthy court cases.
The AARTO system will be managed by the RTIA (Road Traffic Infringement Agency) and will include a national demerit points system to encourage safer road behavior. The goal is to simplify enforcement, reduce court backlogs, and penalize frequent violators more effectively.
The system is based on assigning demerit points to drivers, operators, and vehicle owners when they commit traffic infringements. Accumulating too many points may lead to the suspension or cancellation of a driver’s licence.
2. New Timeline for AARTO National Rollout
The rollout will happen in four phases:
- Phase 1 (Ongoing): Administrative setup, training, testing, and IT systems integration began years ago, focused on pilot metros like Johannesburg and Tshwane.
- Phase 2 (Starting December 2025): Rollout to 69 major municipalities.
- Phase 3 (Early 2026): Expansion to the remaining 144 municipalities.
- Phase 4 (September 2026): National implementation of the demerit points system and rehabilitation programs.
This updated timeline replaces earlier speculations that the system would launch in June or October 2025. According to RTIA spokesperson Monde Mkalipi, only administrative aspects will go live in 2025, while demerit enforcement starts in 2026.
3. How the AARTO Demerit Points System Works
Every driver in South Africa will start with a clean record—zero demerit points. When a traffic offence is committed and the fine is paid or adjudicated, points are added to the driver’s record.
Here’s how the system functions:
- Minor violations (e.g., slightly over-speeding, no seatbelt): 1–2 points
- Serious violations (e.g., red-light skipping, driving unlicensed): 4–6 points
- Very serious violations (e.g., drunk driving, reckless driving): 6 or more points
Once a driver accumulates 15 points, their licence will be suspended for three months for each point over the limit.
For example:
- 16 points = 3 months suspension
- 18 points = 9 months suspension
If a licence is suspended three times, it will be cancelled and the driver will need to reapply from scratch.
Points will be reduced by one every three months, provided the driver does not commit any new infractions during that period.
4. Penalties, Suspensions, and Rehabilitation
Once a driver reaches the threshold of 15 points, their licence (or professional driving permit) will be suspended, and they must physically surrender the licence card.
Suspension periods increase with more points. Repeat offenders could face long-term bans or complete licence cancellation.
AARTO will also include a rehabilitation programme, which drivers can attend to restore their status and reduce their risk of future penalties.
5. Benefits of the AARTO System
The AARTO demerit system aims to improve road safety in South Africa by introducing the following benefits:
- Better compliance with traffic rules
- Administrative enforcement, which removes the need for courts to handle minor offences
- Deterrent effect for habitual offenders
- Accountability for both individual drivers and fleet operators
- Support for road safety goals in line with Vision Zero and UN Road Safety targets
Transport Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga emphasized that the system is part of a broader plan to reduce road fatalities and promote responsible driving.
6. Concerns and Criticisms
Despite its objectives, the AARTO system has not been without controversy. Several concerns have been raised:
- Technical infrastructure: Many municipalities lack the systems to manage AARTO cases.
- Enforcement capacity: Traffic authorities may struggle with the administrative workload.
- Communication: Many drivers are unaware of their rights or how the system operates.
- Legal challenges: AARTO was previously declared unconstitutional by a High Court in 2022, but that decision was later overturned by the Constitutional Court in July 2023.
Fleet owners and logistics companies also worry about losing multiple drivers to licence suspensions, which could affect supply chains.
7. What About Traffic Fines and Appeals?
Under AARTO, fines are handled through a notice-based process:
- Infringement notice issued to the offender
- 32-day period to either pay, contest, or apply for representation
- Failure to act leads to an enforcement order
- Accrued demerit points only apply after the enforcement order is finalized
Appeals can be made to the AARTO Tribunal, and later through the courts if needed.
Drivers can also nominate another person if they weren’t driving the vehicle when the offence occurred (e.g., in company fleets).
8. How to Prepare for AARTO
With full implementation only a year away, it’s essential to get ready:
- Check the RTIA website regularly for updates and your current point status.
- Educate yourself about which offences carry points and how many.
- Fleet managers should implement internal tracking for drivers and assist them in complying.
- Avoid common infractions like illegal parking, missing licence discs, or speeding.
Also, ensure that you update your contact details with the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS) so you receive notifications and infringement notices.
9. FAQs About AARTO
Q: Does every traffic fine now carry points?
A: No. Only selected offences carry demerit points. Others are still handled through fines without points.
Q: What happens if I’m wrongly accused?
A: You have the right to contest the fine within 32 days through the AARTO representation process.
Q: Can I lose my licence permanently?
A: Yes. If your licence is suspended three times, it will be cancelled.
Q: What is the AARTO Tribunal?
A: It’s an independent body where drivers can appeal decisions made by RTIA.
Q: Can companies lose their operator’s licence?
A: Yes. AARTO also applies to juristic persons, meaning companies can accumulate demerit points on their fleet.
10. Conclusion
The AARTO system represents a major shift in how South Africa handles road safety enforcement. While delays and legal challenges have pushed back its implementation, the system is now on track for national rollout in late 2025, with full demerit enforcement by September 2026.
Drivers, employers, and municipalities must all begin preparing for the changes. With the right understanding and proactive adjustments, the transition can help reduce road deaths and improve overall compliance with traffic laws.
Whether you’re a commuter, a professional driver, or a fleet manager, staying informed about AARTO will be essential in the months to come.
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