South Africa is preparing to introduce a major overhaul of its traffic laws with the nationwide implementation of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act. From 1 September 2026, a demerit points system will be in full effect, standardizing the way traffic violations are penalized across the country.
Why the Reform Is Needed
Road safety has been a major concern in South Africa, with human error accounting for over 80% of road accidents, according to the Department of Transport. The new AARTO system aims not only to punish offenders but also to encourage safer driving behavior. By creating a uniform system across all municipalities, the government hopes to reduce accidents and improve long-term road safety outcomes.
Phased Rollout of the System
The demerit points system will not come into force all at once. A phased approach will give municipalities, traffic officials, and digital systems time to prepare for the full rollout. Key dates include:
- 1 December 2025 — Initial implementation in 69 municipalities, including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Durban, and Pretoria
- February 2026 — Expansion to additional municipalities
- April 2026 — Remaining municipalities included
- 1 September 2026 — Full nationwide activation
How the Demerit Points System Works
Drivers will accumulate points for committing traffic offences. The severity of the offence determines the number of points assigned. Accumulated points can lead to license suspension or cancellation.
- Learner drivers: Maximum of 6 points before a 3-month suspension
- Fully licensed drivers: Maximum of 15 points before a 3-month suspension
Continued offences after suspension may result in permanent license cancellation, requiring the driver to reapply. Conversely, drivers who maintain good behavior may have points reduced over time.
What Motorists Need to Know
Even before the nationwide launch, starting December 2025, drivers will need to manage traffic fines carefully. Key options include:
- Paying fines within 32 days to receive a 50% discount
- Submitting formal representations to dispute fines
- Nominating the actual driver if another person was using the vehicle
- Redirecting fines to a company, such as a car rental agency
- Applying for instalment payments for large fines
Failing to take action on fines can have serious consequences, including difficulties renewing licenses, especially for commercial drivers.
Toward Uniform Enforcement
AARTO aims to enforce traffic laws consistently across all municipalities. Offences will be recorded electronically in real time, and infringement notices will primarily be issued digitally. The system also seeks to reduce paper-based processes and limit opportunities for corruption. Municipalities that have piloted digital enforcement report faster processing times and more accurate records.