It’s been two years since we last discussed AARTO traffic fines in South Africa. For those who are unfamiliar or who have simply forgotten, AARTO traffic fines work on a points-based demerit system. Essentially, instead of motorists only being fined for traffic indiscretions, they will also start to accrue demerit points on their licence.
Rack up enough demerits against your name (the maximum is 15) and you’ll have your licence suspended for three months. Do this twice and the department will revoke your driver’s licence and you will have to reapply from scratch and recomplete the learners’ and drivers’ tests.
WHY THE BIG DELAY TO AARTO TRAFFIC FINES?
In theory, AARTO traffic fines sound like a good way to reform motorists from repeat offences. And now, the system that’s taken nearly a decade to come into action nationwide, has finally been given a start date – Wednesday 1 October 2025.
This is according to the Department of Transport Deputy Minister, Mkhuleko Hlengwa. Speaking in Parliament, Hlengwa confirmed that AARTO traffic fines will go live in all 69 major municipalities – including Cape Town and Johannesburg in just 75 days’ time, reports TopAuto.
PHASED APPROACH
Key to the implementation of AARTO traffic fines is municipal readiness. As The South African covered previously, the new centralised AARTO system promises to take money out of the pocket of local municipality law enforcement efforts. The IT system alone, to track and coordinate fine issuance nationwide is a huge undertaking.
Moreover, the deputy minister confirmed that there will also be a phased approach to the current rollout. First major metros, then phase 2 and 3, which will commence on 1 February and 1 October 2026 across another 144 municipalities.
HOW TO CHALLENGE TRAFFIC FINES UNDER AARTO
From 1 October 2025 onwards, motorists should note the new system for challenging AARTO traffic fines. Infringements can be issued to motorists on the side of the road or affixed to the vehicle (parking violations). Likewise, camera-recorded infringements (speeding), can be legally served to the infringer by email.
Upon receipt of AARTO traffic fines, an admission of guilt fine is uniformly applied, giving you a 50% discounted rate. The notice will also state the number of penalty points incurred due to the infringement. You then have 32 days in which to do the following:
- Settle the traffic fine immediately at the discounted rate. Demerit points still apply.
- Pay the traffic fine in instalments, in which case the discounted rate falls away. Demerit points still apply.
- You may appeal the violation. Download a form HERE.
- If you’re not the motor vehicle owner/operator (a juristic person), you may nominate another driver for the fine. Download a form HERE.
- If the AARTO traffic fines are not settled after 64 days, a R200 late fee is added on top of the existing fine. Demerit points still apply.
- Thereafter, if there’s still no action, an enforcement order will be issued. And the infringer is blocked from performing any transactions on the NATIS system (vehicle licence renewals, etc).
- Certain serious infringement may be considered criminal offences, and you can be prosecuted under the Criminal Procedure Act.
DO YOU THINK AARTO TRAFFIC FINES ARE A WASTE OF GOVERNMENT RESOURCES?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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