South Africa’s government has officially pushed back the nationwide rollout of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act to July 1, 2026. This decision gives drivers, municipalities, and enforcement agencies extra time to prepare for the demerit points system aimed at improving road safety.
Reasons Behind the Postponement
The Department of Transport assessed readiness in key municipalities and found gaps that needed fixing before launch. Major issues included incomplete training for traffic officers and back-office staff, plus challenges in syncing local law enforcement systems across different areas.
Funding shortfalls for these upgrades also played a role, as some cities lacked resources to fully integrate with the national AARTO framework. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa made the call after this review, scrapping the old December 1, 2025 start date.
Key Features of AARTO
AARTO shifts traffic fines from criminal courts to an administrative process, making it faster and more consistent. Drivers get demerit points based on offense severity—minor ones like not wearing a seatbelt add fewer points, while serious violations like drunk driving rack up more.
Points apply to the driver’s license, not the vehicle, holding individuals accountable even if they switch cars. Accumulate 12 points as a regular driver or 15 as a professional, and your license gets suspended; hit 24 or more, and it could be canceled permanently.
Demerit Points Overview
Here’s a breakdown of sample demerit points for common infringements under AARTO:
| Infringement | Demerit Points | Fine Range (ZAR) |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding (1-10 km/h over) | 1 | 500-750 |
| Using phone while driving | 2 | 1,000-1,500 |
| Running red light | 4 | 2,000-3,000 |
| Drunk driving | 6-12 | 10,000+ |
| Reckless driving | 8 | 5,000-10,000 |
This table shows how points scale with risk, pushing habitual offenders toward consequences.
Benefits for Road Safety
The system targets repeat violators who cause most accidents, with data showing South Africa has one of the world’s highest road fatality rates. By linking points to licenses, AARTO discourages risky habits like speeding or distracted driving, potentially saving thousands of lives yearly.
Fleet operators and companies face liability too, as points on employee-driven vehicles could halt business operations. Early pilots in Tshwane and Johannesburg proved the concept works, reducing violations by up to 30% in tested zones.
Phased Rollout Plan
Implementation stays staggered: pilot cities like Tshwane continue prep work, while others join in waves leading to full national coverage by late 2026. The government plans a new proclamation soon outlining exact timelines for each phase.
This approach lets authorities iron out tech glitches and train over 10,000 officers nationwide. Organizations like OUTA praise the delay as smart, arguing rushed launches would breed chaos and court backlogs.
What Drivers Should Do Now
Motorists have seven more months to clear old fines, update licenses, and install dash cams or apps for compliance tracking. Businesses should audit driver records and set internal policies to avoid point accumulation surprises come July.
Experts recommend registering on the AARTO portal early to monitor points and pay fines online, avoiding escalation to blacklisting or wheel clamping. Safe driving habits pay off—AARTO rewards clean records by letting points lapse after three years.
Stakeholder Reactions
Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku called the extension a chance for proper coordination across government levels. Critics like OUTA’s Wayne Duvenage say it exposes long-standing flaws but supports a polished system over hasty errors.
Overall, the delay builds confidence in AARTO’s potential to transform South Africa’s dangerous roads into safer paths for all.
FAQs
Q1 When does AARTO start nationally?
July 1, 2026.
Q2 Who gets demerit points?
The driver, not the vehicle owner.
Q3 Can points be removed?
Yes, they lapse after three years if no new offenses.
Disclaimer:
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