PART 3: AARTO Unpacked—The New Rules of the Road
After years of delays and false starts, AARTO (the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act) is finally rolling out across South Africa in July 2026. If you’ve been hearing whispers about demerit points and licence suspensions, it’s time to get properly clued up.
Before we deep dive into everything AARTO, did you know this is part three of a South African traffic laws series ? Get up to speed with a quick scroll through part one and part two for more context.
How the AARTO Demerit System Works
Think of the AARTO demerit system as your driving report card. Here’s the basic framework:
- You start with 0 points (clean slate)
- Every traffic violation adds demerit points to your record
- Accumulate 12 or more points, and your licence gets suspended
- Points remain on your record for three years
Different violations carry different point values. For example, exceeding the speed limit by 30 km/h or more will cost you serious points, while lesser offences carry fewer demerits.
What Happens When You Reach 12 Points?
Once you hit the 12-point threshold, things get real. Your licence is suspended for three months for each point over the threshold.
So, if you’ve accumulated 15 points total (that’s 3 points over the limit), you’ll earn a 9-month suspension (3 months x 3 points). During this period, you cannot legally drive.
Your licence can be suspended twice in this manner. If you’re suspended a third time, your licence is cancelled entirely, and you’ll need to reapply and retake your driving tests.
Checking Your Demerit Points Balance
The AARTO rollout schedule shows Phase 1 beginning 1 September 2026 in 69 municipalities. Stay informed about when it goes live in your area.
Once it’s live, you’ll be able to check your demerit points by signing up and logging into your account on the Fines SA platform or the Fines SA app.
Contesting Fines and the Appeals Process
Good news: you can contest AARTO infringements if you believe they’re unfair.
The process includes:
- Representation within 32 days of receiving the notice
- A courtesy letter explaining why you’re contesting
- RTIA review of your case
- Tribunal hearing if your representation is rejected
The key is acting quickly. Miss those deadlines, and your right to appeal expires. For more details on the appeals process, visit AARTO.co.za.
Tips for Staying Penalty-Free
- Respect speed limits, especially in school zones and residential areas.
- Never drink and drive. Not even “just one”.
- Put your phone away. Use hands-free if you must take calls.
- Buckle up: everyone, every time, no exceptions.
- Stay alert. Fatigue kills; pull over if you’re tired.
- Service your vehicle. Faulty brakes and lights can also earn you points.
AARTO represents a significant shift in how South Africa approaches road safety. The demerit system brings accountability. Know the rules. Follow them. And when the unexpected happens—theft, hijacking, or worse—make sure you’ve got the right protection in place.
We can’t stop traffic fines, but we can give you peace of mind when it comes to vehicle recovery and also offer you Beame Assist. With Beame Assist, you get access to Fines Assist, Licence Assist and other tools to keep you safe on the road and alert you to fines and licence renewals on time.
