AARTO RULES
FROM JUNE 5, 2025
AARTO Rule – From June 5, 2025, every motorist in South Africa must prepare for one of the most significant shifts in road traffic enforcement in recent history. The full implementation of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act means tougher fines, stricter enforcement of rules, and a complete overhaul of how demerit points are assigned for traffic violations. The move is aimed at restoring order and safety on South African roads by holding drivers more accountable for reckless or unlawful behaviour. Previously tested only in limited regions like Johannesburg and Tshwane, AARTO will now be rolled out nationwide, impacting urban and rural drivers alike. With its centralised electronic system and updated penalty structure, the revised AARTO Act intends to reduce road deaths, improve compliance, and shift driving culture across South Africa.
What Is the AARTO Rule and Why Is It Changing?
The AARTO Act was originally introduced to create a uniform and simplified system for dealing with traffic offences. Under the old system, inconsistent enforcement and inefficiencies often led to unpaid fines, repeat offenders, and limited consequences for violations. The new version of the Act, taking effect from June 5, 2025, brings clarity and accountability through:
• A national demerit points system
• Digital delivery of traffic notices and infringement details
• Centralised tracking and enforcement of all offences
• Greater convenience for paying fines and appealing unjust ones
• Automatic penalties, including driver’s licence suspensions
The purpose behind the new regulations is to increase public safety while reducing fatalities and injuries caused by driver negligence or disobedience to road laws. Government authorities have repeatedly stated that compliance will no longer be optional. Every offence will now carry direct consequences.
Major Penalties Introduced Under the New AARTO Rules
With the updated rules, the penalty structure for common traffic offences is far more aggressive. Offenders will now face a structured system of fines and demerit points that can lead to temporary or even permanent revocation of their driving licence. The system has been designed to work automatically. Every offence committed under the AARTO schedule will earn a specific number of demerit points. These are digitally assigned to a driver’s profile and updated in real-time. Once a driver accumulates 15 demerit points, their licence is automatically suspended for three months.
Even minor traffic offences can stack up quickly, particularly if left unpaid or repeated frequently. The law also introduces much higher fine amounts for various offences, and stricter procedures for resolving disputes or lodging appeals.
Nationwide rollout of AARTO regulations
• Higher traffic fines for both minor and serious violations
• Implementation of a points-based penalty system
• Automatic licence suspension at 15 points
• Repeated suspensions may lead to permanent cancellation
• Digital notices via SMS and email to eliminate mail delays
Common Traffic Offences and Their Updated AARTO Rule
| Offence Description | Previous Fine | New Fine | Demerit Points | Risk of Suspension |
| Driving 21–30 km/h over speed limit | R250 | R750 | 2 | Moderate |
| Jumping a red light | R500 | R1,500 | 3 | High |
| Not wearing a seatbelt | R200 | R1,000 | 2 | Moderate |
| Mobile phone use while driving | R250 | R1,250 | 3 | High |
| Expired vehicle licence disc | R500 | R1,250 | 1 | Low |
| Drunk driving | Court Case | Court | 6 | Very High |
How the Demerit Points System Works and What It Means for You
The cornerstone of the new AARTO law is its structured demerit points system. Every licensed driver starts with 0 points. As offences are committed, points are added to your record. Points do not reduce unless you maintain a clean driving record for at least three consecutive months.
Once you accumulate 15 points, your licence will be automatically suspended for three months. If your licence is suspended three times, it may be permanently revoked. These points apply to all categories of driving—whether it’s a motorcycle, private car, public transport, or heavy vehicle.
Key Takeaways:
• 1–6 demerit points are allocated based on severity
• 15 points = suspension of licence
• Every 3 months of violation-free driving removes 1 point
• No payment = points still added
• Licence cancellations possible after multiple suspensions
Driver Responsibilities and What You Need to Do Immediately
To avoid falling into the trap of escalating penalties, South African drivers must take active responsibility for managing their driving behaviour and their AARTO profile. Here’s what you should do immediately:
• Always obey traffic signs, signals, and speed limits
• Pay fines promptly through official platforms like www.aarto.gov.za
• Keep your email and phone number updated to receive digital notices
• Monitor your demerit point balance regularly
• Submit representations if you believe a fine was wrongly issued
• Educate yourself about your rights and duties under AARTO
Drivers are also encouraged to check their vehicle licence discs and renewal dates to avoid fines.
1. Can I be fined without being pulled over by a traffic officer?
Yes. AARTO allows for camera-detected violations and fines can be sent directly to your email or phone via the digital system.
2. What if I never receive my fine notice?
The system considers a digital delivery (SMS or email) as valid, even if you don’t open it. This makes it crucial to ensure your contact info is up to date.
3. How long does a suspension last?
A suspension from accumulating 15 points lasts 3 months. After this period, your licence is reinstated—but points remain unless reduced by clean driving.
4. Is this the same in rural areas or only big cities?
It is nationwide. AARTO now applies to all provinces, municipalities, and traffic enforcement units across South Africa.
5. an I appeal a wrongly issued fine or demerit point?
Yes. There is a legal process where drivers can submit representations or appeals through the AARTO system before points are finalised.
Courtesy Rise Up WV