This month, start dates for the long-awaited AARTO Act were announced by the Department of Transport (DOT). These will take place in phases between December 2025 and September 2026. The countrywide roll out of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) attaches penalty points to an infringer’s vehicle.
However, used-vehicle sellers are concerned AARTO will have an adverse and unintended impact on their business. The act could stop motorists from transferring ownership of their cars (personally or to a dealer) in the event of unresolved fines.
AARTO HEADACHE FOR FLEETS
AARTO fines and demerit points are linked to the vehicle’s owner – also known as a ‘juristic person’ – not only the driver at the time of the infringement. Therefore, if anyone tries sell a car with unresolved AARTO infringements, you could be prevented from doing so, reports BusinessTech.
As such, private sellers and businesses will need to ensure all AARTO fines are cleared before they can transfer ownership. Of course, this will create headaches for corporate fleet owners if fines are left unresolved. Moreover, AARTO could stop unsafe/reckless drivers from being able to sell-on their personal vehicles if demerits have accrued.
COUNTRYWIDE BY 2026
Therefore, motorists should familiarise themselves with the new AARTO regulations. The first stage of the countrywide rollout begins on 1 December 2025 in 69 major metros. 144 more municipalities come online on 1 April 2026. With the remainder launching on 1 September 2026.
As such, the AARTO demerit system aims to improve road safety by directly penalising offenders. If you accumulate 15 or more points, your licence is suspended. If your licence is suspended twice, it is cancelled. And you have to retake your learner’s and driver’s licence tests. Plus, fines will be served electronically for the first time. So, there’s no excuse that you didn’t receive anything via registered mail.
ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO THE LONG-AWAITED LAUNCH OF AARTO?
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