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South Africa is preparing for one of its biggest changes in traffic law enforcement with the nationwide rollout of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act. The reform introduces a demerit points system that will apply to all motorists from 1 September 2026, changing the way road offences are penalised and enforced across the country.
Why the Change Is Coming
According to the Department of Transport, human error contributes to more than 80% of road crashes in South Africa. Authorities believe the new system will help improve driver behaviour, reduce accidents, and replace the inconsistent municipal-based enforcement structure with a single, uniform national framework.
Transport Minister officials have described AARTO as a “behaviour-focused” system, aimed not only at punishment but also at creating long-term improvements in road safety.
Phased Rollout Before Full Implementation
The system will not be switched on overnight. Instead, government has announced a gradual rollout to allow municipalities, traffic officers, and digital systems to adapt:
- 1 December 2025 – Initial rollout in 69 municipalities, including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, and Pretoria
- February 2026 – Expansion to additional municipalities
- April 2026 – Inclusion of all remaining municipalities
- 1 September 2026 – Nationwide activation of the demerit points system
This step-by-step approach is designed to prevent administrative backlogs and ensure that both motorists and municipalities are ready for the transition.
How the Demerit Points System Will Work
Every traffic offence will carry a certain number of demerit points, depending on its severity. These points will accumulate on a driver’s record. Once a driver reaches the limit, their licence will be suspended.
- Learner’s licence holders: Maximum of 6 points before suspension (3 months)
- Fully licensed drivers: Maximum of 15 points before suspension (3 months)
If a driver continues to break the law after serving a suspension, their licence could be cancelled entirely, forcing them to reapply for a new one from scratch.
On the positive side, points will decrease over time for drivers who avoid further offences, giving motorists a chance to clear their record through good behaviour.
What Motorists Need to Know Before 2026
From December 2025, motorists will already need to use AARTO’s elective options when handling traffic fines. These options include:
- Paying the fine within 32 days to qualify for a 50% discount
- Submitting a formal representation to dispute the charge
- Nominating another driver if someone else was using the vehicle
- Redirecting fines to a relevant company, such as a rental agency
- Applying for an instalment plan for high-value fines
Failure to act on a traffic fine can lead to serious consequences, including blocked licence renewals a penalty that could heavily impact commercial operators.
Towards a Unified National Enforcement System
Currently, traffic enforcement differs from one municipality to another. With AARTO, penalties will become standardised nationwide. The system will also rely heavily on technology:
- Real-time electronic recording of offences by officers
- Uniform penalty schedules across all provinces
- Digital delivery of infringement notices via email and online portals
- A reduction in manual paper tickets, which is expected to cut corruption
Some municipalities that piloted digital enforcement have already reported faster processing times and improved accuracy.
Preparing for the Change
Experts recommend that drivers begin preparing for the new rules well in advance. Some steps to take include:
- Learning how to use the elective options process
- Monitoring your infringement record regularly
- Paying fines early to avoid penalties and save money
- Following official updates from the Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) and municipalities
Outlook
Supporters of AARTO believe it could mark a turning point in South Africa’s fight against reckless driving and road accidents. However, critics warn that the system’s success will depend on effective administration, transparent processes, and widespread public awareness.
What is certain is that from September 2026, every driver in South Africa whether in a private car, taxi, or truck will be subject to the same rules under a single, nationwide system that is set to redefine traffic law enforcement.