We’ve been reporting on the AARTO traffic fine system for several years already. Now, the controversial driver demerit system is just two months’ away from rollout nationwide. But many are expecting teething issues …
Principal among which will be the first metros the AARTO traffic fine system is rolled out in. According to the department, 69 major metros and municipalities are rushing to be ready for the start day of Monday 1 December 2025, with another 144 municipalities being primed for a Wednesday 1 April 2026 start.
AARTO TRAFFIC FINE SYSTEM
The Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO traffic fine system) has allegedly been in operation in Pretoria and Johannesburg for years. However, rollout has been beset with delays and legal challenges in various courts.
As such, FinesSA.co.za is calling the AARTO traffic fine rollout the biggest systemic law change ever in South Africa. However, it will come with a host of administrative challenges for both motorists and city officials.
SWIFT PUNISHMENT
Currently, fines are issued under the Criminal Procedure Act (CPA) and offences are prosecuted in the lower courts. However, key to the new AARTO traffic fine system is government’s ability to take swift action against motorists.
Essentially, ignoring AARTO traffic fines, like you may have done previously, will mean losing your driving licence and/or not being unable to renew your vehicle licence. Both motorists and fleet managers must act quickly to resolve unpaid fines or face harsh penalties.
AARTO TRAFFIC FINE VIA E-MAIL
Perhaps the most significant change is the introduction of ‘electronic service’ of fines via e-mail:
- First, an infringement notice is sent to the offender electronically. It provides 32 days to pay the fine at a 50% discount.
- If the deadline is missed, another ‘courtesy’ e-mail is sent. The discount falls away and an administrative penalty is added. Another 32 days is provided to pay the full amount.
- Then an enforcement notice follows. Another administrative penalty is added, and AARTO demerit points (when officially operational) are applied.
- When the enforcement notice is in effect, motorists will be blocked from using the NATIS portal. This means you won’t be able to renew driver’s or vehicle licences.
DRIVER DEMERITS STILL ONE YEAR AWAY
Of course, the big change to the AARTO traffic fine system will be the driver demerit system. This is slated for introduction on Tuesday 1 September 2026, barring any further delays. As you know, fines carry penalty points, and these accumulate on a driver’s licence. Reach 15 demerit points and your licence is suspended.
Plus, for businesses and fleet managers (juristic persons), AARTO traffic fines introduce a bigger burden of compliance. Fines and demerit points are linked not only to the driver but the owner of the vehicle, too. An enormous administrative undertaking for any company running a large fleet of vehicles. Do you think South Africa will benefit from such a driver demerit system to improve our driving standards?
