It’s been a long time coming, but South Africa is finally putting the wheels in motion on a new traffic fine system that could change the way we drive — and pay for our mistakes.
If you’ve ever wondered what became of the AARTO (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences) traffic fines, well, buckle up — because it’s officially going live across the country this October.
Demerit Points Are About to Get Real
Most of us are used to simply paying a fine when we get caught speeding or jumping a red light.
But under AARTO, there’s a new twist: every violation will also come with demerit points added to your driving record.
If you hit 15 points, your licence will be suspended for three months.
Get suspended a second time, and it’s game over — your licence gets cancelled, and you’ll need to start the entire process over, from learner’s permit to full test.
Why Has This Taken So Long?
You’re probably asking, “Didn’t we hear about this years ago?” Yes — in fact, the idea has been floating around for nearly a decade.
The reason for the delay? It’s all about the tech.
Rolling out a single nationwide system that links all municipalities and handles everything from issuing fines to managing appeals is no small task.
It’s a massive IT operation, and it’s taken years to get it ready.
Official Launch Date Announced
Now, the wait is over. Deputy Minister of Transport, Mkhuleko Hlengwa, recently confirmed that the new AARTO system will officially launch on Wednesday, 1 October 2025.
It will kick off in 69 major municipalities — including big hubs like Johannesburg and Cape Town — and the clock is already ticking. That’s just 75 days away.
A Phased Rollout Across the Country
Not every town and city will get the system all at once.
The government is doing this in three phases.
After the initial rollout in the major metros this October, Phase 2 will begin on 1 February 2026, followed by Phase 3 on 1 October 2026, covering an additional 144 municipalities.
How the Fines Will Work in Practice
So, how will this all play out if you get caught breaking the rules? Whether it’s a roadside stop, a parking violation, or a camera catching you speeding, you’ll receive a fine — and also a certain number of demerit points.
Notices can now be served via email, which makes things quicker and harder to miss.
Each fine will include:
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A 50% discount if you pay within 32 days (but you’ll still get the points)
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A breakdown of how many demerit points the offence carries
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The option to pay in instalments (no discount, points still apply)
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The chance to appeal if you believe the fine is unfair
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A way to nominate another driver if you weren’t the one behind the wheel
What Happens If You Ignore the Fine?
If you don’t pay within 64 days, you’ll get hit with a R200 late fee.
Still don’t respond? Then things get more serious — the system will issue an enforcement order, and you’ll be blocked from using NaTIS services (like renewing your vehicle licence).
For more serious offences, you could even face charges under the Criminal Procedure Act.
The Big Question: Will This Really Work?
Some critics have raised concerns about whether AARTO is a smart use of resources or just more red tape.
Others hope it will finally bring real consequences to reckless drivers and make the roads safer for everyone.