AARTO Rollout South Africa’s New Era of Road Safety Enforcement

After more than two decades of debates, delays, and court challenges, South Africa is finally set to implement the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) system nationwide. The Act, passed in 1998, was designed to usher in a modern traffic enforcement regime built around a points-based demerit system.

Pilot projects in Johannesburg and Tshwane, which began in 2008, gave policymakers and road users a glimpse of its potential and pitfalls. Yet for motorists across the country, the idea of a demerit system remained more theory than practice. Now, following constitutional clearance and firm dates gazetted by government, AARTO is poised to move from pilot to practice.

“We are entering a new chapter in road safety enforcement, one that prioritises accountability and fairness,” said Transport Minister Barbara Creecy. “AARTO has been long overdue, but its time has come.”

Understanding AARTO: More Than Just Points

At its core, AARTO aims to improve road safety by introducing a demerit points system that holds motorists accountable for repeated infringements. Unlike the traditional traffic fine model, which often relied on lengthy court processes, AARTO takes an administrative approach.

Matsemela Moloi, Registrar and CEO of the RTIA, emphasised: “AARTO is not about punishment for its own sake. It’s about changing behaviour and instilling respect for the rules of the road. The lives lost daily on our roads demand nothing less.”

The system allows traffic authorities to issue fines, allocate demerit points, and - where necessary - suspend or cancel licences without the courts being the primary avenue of enforcement.

Supporters argue that this shift will help decongest South Africa’s overburdened judicial system while strengthening deterrence against reckless driving.

“AARTO is not about punishment for its own sake. It’s about changing behaviour, creating a culture of compliance, and ultimately saving lives.”- Matsemela Moloi, RTIA CEO

The Rollout Roadmap

The Department of Transport has structured the rollout into four (4) clear phases:

Pilot Phase (2008): Johannesburg and Tshwane served as early testing grounds, helping shape the refined system now ready for national deployment.

Phase Two - National Rollout Begins (01 December 2025): AARTO will expand to 69 municipalities, including major metros - Cape Town, eThekwini, Nelson Mandela Bay, Mangaung, Buffalo City, Polokwane, Mbombela - and important secondary towns such as Stellenbosch, George, and Beaufort West.

Phase Three - National Expansion (01 April 2026): AARTO will extend to a further 144 municipalities, completing geographic coverage across South Africa.

Final Phase - Demerit Points Nationwide (01 September 2026): The demerit points system will be fully active nationwide.

“By the end of August 2026, every motorist in South Africa will be subject to the same system, the same rules, and the same accountability,” Minister Creecy confirmed.

How the Demerit System Works

Clarity and fairness are central to AARTO’s demerit system. Here’s what motorists need to know:

Points and Penalties (demerits)

• Drivers start with zero points.

• Each infringement incurs 1 to 6 points depending on severity.

• Accumulating 15 points triggers a three-month licence suspension for each excess point.

• Two suspensions result in licence cancellation, requiring reapplication from a learner’s licence.

Examples of Infringements

• Exceeding the speed limit by 11 - 15 km/h: R250 fine, 0 points

• Exceeding the speed limit by 21 - 25 km/h: fine plus 2 points

• Failing to keep left: R1 000 fine, 3 points

• No number plate: fine plus 3 points

• Driving under the influence: 6 points, and criminal offence, court process

Rehabilitation of Points

Every three-month period without further violations reduces 1 point - encouraging responsible driving.

Fines and Discounts

When an infringement is recorded, motorists will receive a notification and have 32 days to pay.

in improving road safety. In these countries, the allocation of points for infringements, together with strict follow-through on suspensions, has helped reduce dangerous behaviour such as speeding and drunk driving, while encouraging a culture of compliance over time.

“Every infringement recorded is a chance to correct behaviour before tragedy strikes. AARTO is a safety project, not a revenue project.”

- Matsemela Moloi, RTIA CEO

South Africa’s model builds on this international experience but adds its own distinctive element through enforcement orders, which prevent motorists from renewing licences or conducting other transactions until outstanding fines and points are resolved. This integration of demerit points with administrative enforcement tools creates a more robust framework than simple fines alone.

If applied consistently, fairly, and transparently, this system has the potential not only to improve driver behaviour but also to strengthen public trust in road safety governance. By combining international best practice with tailored enforcement suited to local conditions, AARTO could become a uniquely effective mechanism for lasting behavioural change on South African roads.

Looking Ahead >>>

As 01 December 2025 approaches, government will usher in the next phase of road safety enforcement, with municipalities at the forefront of implementation.

The months ahead will be critical. Effective training, public communication, and seamless integration of systems will determine whether AARTO achieves its purpose: safer roads, fewer fatalities, and greater accountability.

Minister Barbara Creecy captured the urgency of the moment: “We cannot normalise the carnage on our roads. AARTO is a tool to help us save lives.”

The rollout is more than a technical exercise - it is a shared national commitment to road safety and reducing road fatalities. With government providing leadership, the RTIA ensuring administrative integrity, municipalities implementing on the ground, and motorists embracing responsibility, AARTO has the potential to reshape South Africa’s driving culture.

If this collaborative approach is realised, AARTO can redefine South Africa’s driving culture and place safety at the centre of every journey - turning compliance into a shared commitment to save lives!