South Africa’s demerit system (under the AARTO Act) has been in the works for years, due in part to pandemic delays and legal reviews. While earlier plans set triggers in 2020 and 2021, we now finally have clarity on what’s coming.
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What Is the AARTO Demerit System?
The Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act introduces a demerit point system aimed at disciplining drivers via administrative penalties. This Act decriminalises many minor traffic infringements and shifts the burden off overcrowded courts.
When Will the Demerit System Be Rolled Out?
- December 1, 2025: AARTO’s digital infrastructure and fine-processing system will go live in the first 69 municipalities, which are major metros like Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Pretoria.
- February 1, 2026: A further roll‑out to remaining municipalities.
- September 1, 2026: The full demerit point portion officially kicks in. This means accumulating 15 points will lead to licence suspension, with subsequent suspensions possibly resulting in cancellation and the need to reapply.
How Does the Demerit Point System Work?
Every South African driver will start off with zero points on their driving licence, and for every infringement, they will gain points according to the severity of their offence.
You could be fined anywhere between 1 point (for example, operating a vehicle with a damaged light) and up to 6 points (for example, failing to stop your vehicle for a traffic officer).
The aim of the game is to keep your points as low as possible, because once you reach 15 points you will be disqualified from operating a vehicle for a specified amount of time.
The Points Breakdown for Various Offences
1 Demerit point
- Driving an unregistered vehicle
- Driving an unlicensed vehicle
- Driving a vehicle with the licence plate not visible
- Driving while holding and using a cell phone
- Skipping a stop sign (light vehicles)
- Skipping a red light (light vehicles)
- Failing to yield to a pedestrian
- Overtaking across a barrier line (light vehicles)
2 Demerit points
- Skipping a stop sign (buses, trucks)
- Skipping a red light (buses, trucks)
- Overtaking across a barrier line (buses, trucks)
- Driving 81-85 km/h in a 60 km/h zone
- Driving 121-125 km/h in a 100 km/h zone
- Driving 141-145 km/h in a 120 km/h zone
3 Demerit points
- Driving 106 -110 km/h in an 80 km/h zone
4 Demerit points
- Driving without a driving licence
- Driving 131-135 km/h in a 100 km/h zone
- 151-155 km/h in a 120 km/h zone
5 Demerit points
- Overloading a vehicle with max 56 000 kg combination mass by 12-13,99%
6 Demerit points
- Driving under the influence of an intoxicating substance
- Driving 100 km/h+ in a 60 km/h zone
- Driving 120 km/h+ in an 80 km/h zone
- Driving 140 km/h+ in a 100 km/h zone
- Driving 160 km/h+ in a 120 km/h zone
What Happens If You Exceed the Points Limit?
Your licence is suspended when you hit 15 demerit points, and every point beyond that adds another month of suspension. If you reach three suspensions, your licence will be revoked.
How to Prepare for the Demerit System
- Keep an eye on AARTO communications.
- Maintain a clean driving record.
- Pay or dispute fines within 32 days to reduce costs.
- Follow road laws.
- Track your demerit points as AARTO kicks in.
The AARTO demerit system may feel overwhelming, but knowledge is power. Understanding when it will be implemented in South Africa helps you stay ahead.
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