Image Source: ARTO
What is AARTO?
AARTO (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act, 1998) is a scheme introduced to replace criminal prosecution for most traffic violations with an administrative system that uses demerit points to encourage safer driving behaviour. It’s administered by the Road Traffic Infringement Authority (RTIA), under the Department of Transport.
Rollout Timeline: November 2025 – September 2026
- 1 December 2025 – Phase 2: Operational AARTO platform launches in 69 metropolitan and local municipalities including major metros like Johannesburg, Cape Town, Tshwane, eThekwini and more.
- 1 April 2026 – Phase 3: Covers an additional 144 municipalities nationwide.
- 1 September 2026 – Phase 4: Full nationwide activation of the demerit points system and introduction of the driver rehabilitation programme.
Note: A discrepancy exists some officials previously mentioned 1 October 2025. However, Proclamation 272/2025 officially gazetted December as the start date.
How AARTO Works: From Infringement to License Consequences
- Decriminalisation & Administrative Processing: Most traffic violations are treated as infringements handled administratively rather than criminally.
- Points Allocation: Each type of infringement carries a specific number of points (0–6), regardless of whether a fine is paid or not.
- Threshold: Regular drivers can accumulate up to 15 points before risking suspension.
- Penalties:
- Drivers exceeding the threshold face three months’ suspension per point over.
- After two suspensions, a third breach leads to license cancellation requiring a new learner’s permit.
- Point Reduction & Rehabilitation: One point is deducted every three months with no new infringements; six points may be reduced through formal rehabilitation for habitual offenders.
💸 Fines, Courtesy Letters & Enforcement Orders
- Infringement Notices: If you pay within 32 days, you get a 50% discount.
- Courtesy Letter: Missed the deadline? RTIA issues a courtesy letter and adds R100 fee.
- Enforcement Order: No action within 32 days of the courtesy letter triggers document blocks (e.g., on NaTIS) until settled. Demerit points may also be added during this stage.
📊 Sample Infringements & Corresponding Points
| Violation | Fine | Demerit Points |
| Speeding 16–20 km/h over limit | R500 | 1 |
| Speeding 21–25 km/h | R750 | 2 |
| Failing to keep left | R1 000 | 3 |
| Not licensed / licence not in vehicle | R1 250 | 4 |
| Driving >40 km/h over speed limit | Court | 6 |
| DUI or no number plates | Court | 6 |
Why This Matters
- AARTO is not just about fines, it creates a permanent behavioural record.
- Local municipalities under Phase‑2 will begin issuing administrative notices from December 2025, but points only count from September 2026 onward.
- If you’re part of a fleet or professional driving industry, point accumulation could result in fleet-wide grounding.
- Businesses and motorists should track notices, represent or dispute when necessary, and explore rehabilitation options if points accumulate.
Tips to Stay Ahead
- Watch the Government Gazette for finalized list of participating municipalities.
- Register on the official AARTO portal via RTIA/Fines SA once live.
- Act promptly on infringement notices to access discounts and avoid enforcement orders.
- Stay informed if you live, travel or operate in a Phase‑2 area from December 2025.
- Consider rehabilitation if you’re flagged as a habitual infringer.
