New AARTO Traffic Law – A new era of traffic law enforcement is arriving in South Africa. Starting June 5, 2025, the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act will be fully implemented across the country. This new legislation is designed to curb dangerous driving habits and improve road safety through a system of stricter fines, demerit points, and the possible suspension or cancellation of driving licences. With the growing concern over road accidents, reckless driving, and fatalities, the government is stepping up efforts to hold motorists accountable. If you’re a driver in South Africa, now is the time to educate yourself on how AARTO will affect your licence, your wallet, and your ability to stay on the road.
What Is AARTO? Understanding the New Law
The AARTO Act is not entirely new, but its nationwide rollout from June 5 marks a significant shift in how traffic violations will be managed. Previously implemented in pilot cities like Tshwane and Johannesburg, AARTO introduces a unified and digitized method of dealing with infringements, fines, and driver behaviour. The system replaces manual processing and aims to reduce corruption, speed up administrative procedures, and create a culture of accountability among drivers.
Key Objectives of AARTO:
- Improve road safety by deterring unlawful driving practices
- Introduce automated and digital enforcement mechanisms
- Promote timely payment of traffic fines
- Provide a fair appeals system through an independent tribunal
- Track high-risk drivers using a demerit points system
Why the AARTO Act Matters:
- South Africa has one of the highest road fatality rates in the world.
- Reckless driving, speeding, and DUI are among the top causes of death.
- AARTO is part of the Department of Transport’s broader vision to reduce road deaths by 50% by 2030.
New Demerit Points System: How It Works
One of the most significant features of the AARTO law is the introduction of the demerit points system. Each driver and vehicle operator will have a clean slate of 0 points when the law comes into effect. Points are added each time a traffic violation is committed, depending on the severity of the offence.
Key Rules of the Demerit System:
- 1 to 6 points added per offence
- 12 points lead to automatic licence suspension for 3 months
- Every additional point adds 1 month to the suspension
- If a licence is suspended 3 times, it may be permanently cancelled
Sample Offences and Demerit Points
| Violation Type | Demerit Points | Fine Amount (ZAR) |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding (20-30 km/h over limit) | 2 | R1,250 |
| Speeding (30+ km/h over limit) | 4 | R2,500 |
| Ignoring traffic lights | 3 | R1,500 |
| Texting while driving | 2 | R1,000 |
| No valid driving licence | 4 | R3,000 |
| DUI (alcohol or drugs) | 6 | R5,000 |
| Unlicensed vehicle on road | 3 | R1,750 |
| Negligent or reckless driving | 6 | R5,000 |
Points Are Not Permanent:
Good behaviour is rewarded. If you commit no further offences over a 3-month period, 1 point is removed from your record. This gives drivers a fair chance to improve their standing and avoid harsh penalties.
Licence Suspension & Cancellation: What You Must Know
Under AARTO, licence management becomes strict and automated. The system is designed to automatically trigger licence suspensions or cancellations when certain thresholds are crossed.
When Will Your Licence Be Suspended?
- On reaching 12 demerit points, your licence will be suspended for 3 months
- Each additional point adds 1 more month
- A driver with 15 points will face a 6-month suspension
What Happens After Three Suspensions?
- The licence is cancelled
- You must apply for a new learner’s licence
- You’ll need to retake both the learner and driving test
This system aims to eliminate repeat offenders from the roads while giving others the incentive to follow traffic rules consistently.
How to Pay Fines & Avoid Penalties
Failure to settle fines not only adds stress but also escalates your penalties. AARTO’s digitized system offers various convenient payment options and a clear process for dispute resolution.
Available Fine Payment Options:
- Visit: www.aarto.gov.za
- Use: your Infringement Notice Number to retrieve your fine
- Pay through:
- Online portal
- EFT (Electronic Fund Transfer)
- South African Post Office (SAPO)
- Designated municipal traffic departments
Payment Channels and Benefits
| Payment Channel | Availability | Additional Features |
|---|---|---|
| AARTO Online Portal | 24/7 | Instant receipts, SMS updates |
| EFT (Banking Apps) | Business hours | Trackable & secure |
| Post Office Counters | Business hours | Physical proof of payment |
| Municipal Traffic Office | Office hours | In-person dispute resolution |
Avoid Late Fees:
If fines are not paid within 32 days, you may face:
- Increased fines
- Additional demerit points
- Risk of licence suspension
- Legal enforcement action
Who Is Affected by AARTO?
The AARTO system applies uniformly to all vehicle operators, including:
- Private drivers
- Commercial transport operators
- Taxi and bus drivers
- Logistics and freight companies
- Foreign nationals driving in SA
If you’re a company with a fleet, you are required to designate drivers for each vehicle. Points will apply to both the vehicle and the driver.
What Drivers Can Do Now to Prepare
The rollout is close. Use the time before June 5 to prepare and avoid getting caught off guard.
Checklist for All Drivers:
- Login to www.aarto.gov.za and verify your profile
- Clear any outstanding fines
- Check your current demerit points
- Attend defensive driving courses
- Update personal contact details for SMS/email notifications
Being proactive now can save you from suspension or huge fines later.
AARTO vs. Previous Traffic Law System: Key Differences
| Element | Previous System | AARTO System |
|---|---|---|
| Enforcement Method | Manual, paper-based | Digital & automated |
| Fine Notification | Via mail | SMS & email alerts |
| Demerit Points | Not applicable | Yes – 0 to 12+ scale |
| Licence Suspension | Rare, court-based | Automated after 12 points |
| Dispute Resolution | Traffic Court | Online AARTO Tribunal |
| Fine Payments | Limited locations | Multiple digital channels |
The full enforcement of the AARTO Act on June 5, 2025, represents a landmark shift in South Africa’s road safety policy. By introducing a demerit points system, streamlining traffic fine processing, and empowering drivers to take control of their road behaviour, the law aims to create a safer, more accountable driving environment. Whether you’re a private vehicle owner or a commercial operator, understanding and adapting to these new rules is critical. Don’t wait until it’s too late—log in, check your status, clear any pending fines, and ensure you’re ready for South Africa’s strictest driving laws to date.
Contact Details for Help & Enquiries
For any assistance regarding AARTO regulations, payments, or disputes:
- AARTO National Call Centre: 086 122 7861
- Email Support: [email protected]
- Official Website: www.aarto.gov.za
- Hours of Operation: Monday to Friday, 08:00–17:00
- Tribunal Dispute Portal: Accessible via the AARTO homepage
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is AARTO already in place?
A: It will be implemented nationwide on June 5, 2025.
Q2: Where can I check my demerit points?
A: Visit www.aarto.gov.za and log in using your ID or licence number.
Q3: How do I remove demerit points?
A: For every 3-month period without any offences, 1 point is deducted.
Q4: Can I contest a traffic fine under AARTO?
A: Yes, you can file a dispute via the AARTO Tribunal within 32 days of the notice.
Q5: What if I miss a fine payment?
A: You will face additional penalties, more points, and possibly a licence suspension.
Q6: Will AARTO affect my vehicle insurance?
A: It could. Insurance providers may use your demerit record to assess risk and adjust premiums.