Confusion and misinformation have surrounded the implementation of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act, with false reports claiming a nationwide rollout on Thursday, 5 June 2025.
The Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA), which manages the process, has confirmed that no such date has been officially declared.
The AARTO Act is designed to change how road traffic violations are handled in South Africa, introducing a demerit point system for driver’s licences. It also aims to reduce road deaths by enforcing stricter consequences for unsafe driving.
However, despite earlier pilot programmes in Johannesburg and Tshwane, the law has not been implemented nationally.
What’s causing the delay in AARTO Act implementation?
The rollout has faced multiple delays due to several factors. These include needing to finalise documents, make changes to regulations, and appoint an Appeals Tribunal.
The Department of Transport is still working with stakeholders, such as provincial and municipal governments, to prepare for the system’s expansion.
Statements made in Parliament in May 2023 noted that readiness at both administrative and system levels is essential.
Previously, legal challenges—including a Constitutional Court case—also held back progress. Despite rumours online and in some news reports, RTIA spokesperson Monde Mkalipi clarified there is no confirmed national rollout date.
Even the proposed date of 1 October 2025 appears outdated, with no official confirmation it still applies.
What happens when the Act is implemented?
Once AARTO is active across South Africa, it will bring major changes for all motorists. One of the biggest changes is the demerit system, which keeps track of a driver’s traffic offences by adding points to their licence.
Here’s how it works in simple terms:
- Starting Point: Every driver begins with zero points.
- Adding Points: If a driver breaks traffic rules—like speeding or ignoring a red light—they get points added to their record. Small violations may add one or two points. Serious offences like reckless driving can add six or more.
- License Suspension: If a driver reaches 15 points, their licence is suspended for three months. Getting more points during this time adds more suspension months.
- License Cancellation: After three suspensions, a driver’s licence is taken away permanently. To get a licence again, they must redo both the learner’s and driving tests.
- Clearing Points: If a driver does not get any new violations for three months, one point is removed from their record.
- Disputing Fines: If a motorist receives a fine, they can either pay it (with a 50% discount within 32 days) or dispute it by submitting a sworn statement. If the dispute fails, they can choose to go to court or pay the full fine plus extra costs.
