South African drivers can breathe a little easier: the new Aarto driving laws will include a built-in leniency on speed limits.
This will mean that motorists will only face fines if they exceed the speed limit by more than 10km/h.
The tolerance will account for things like slight speedometer errors, and to avoid clogging the courts with trivial cases.
Speeding fines and how they will work
Under Aarto, speeding fines will only kick in once you’re driving 11km/h or more over the limit. The penalty system is structured in brackets, as follows:
- 11–15km/h over: R250 fine
- 16–20km/h over: R500 fine
- 21–25km/h over: R750 fine
- 36–40km/h over: R1,500 fine
- More than 40km/h over: Arrest and a court date
It’s important to note, though, that this speeding fine 10km/h grace does not apply to average speed-over-distance traps, where every kilometre counts
The demerit point system, where repeat offenders risk licence suspension, will only be introduced in September 2026. Until then, fines are the main enforcement tool.
Were you ever caught driving over the limit? What was the highest fine you ever received?
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