South Africa’s long-awaited driver’s licence demerit system will finally be implemented in a phased rollout starting Wednesday, 1 October 2025, across 69 municipalities, according to Deputy Transport Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa.
The Deputy Minister made the announcement during his Budget Vote Speech in early July, confirming that the initial implementation phase, Phase 2 of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (Aarto) programme, will kick off in municipalities that are ready for the rollout.
“The Aarto will be rolled out in different phases according to municipal readiness from 1 October 2025 for the 69 municipalities which are ready,” said Hlengwa.
“Phase 3 will follow on 1 February 2026, covering the remaining 144 municipalities that require additional time to prepare.”
Why Aarto Matters
Hlengwa used his address to stress the urgency of reforming road user behaviour in South Africa. Citing national statistics, he revealed that around 80% of the country’s road accidents are caused by human error, which the department believes Aarto can help reduce.
“To ensure positive changes in road user behaviour, the department will roll out the Aarto Act, central to which is the demerit system that systematically aims at containing road user behaviour,” Hlengwa stated.
A Troubled Journey to Implementation
Aarto has been marred by delays and controversy since its inception. Initially set to launch in July 2020, the system has seen multiple postponements due to legal battles, logistical challenges, and public resistance.
Many motorists have opposed the idea of a points-based licence system, leading to years of court cases questioning the validity of the Aarto Act and the accompanying Aarto Amendment Act. However, the Constitutional Court ruled in July 2023 that the legislation is valid and enforceable.
Although a revised launch was planned for July 2024, the Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) and Department of Transport (DoT) failed to meet that deadline. In mid-2025, misleading reports falsely claimed that the system had already gone live, prompting the RTIA and DoT to release a statement dismissing the rumours.
“The RTIA and Department of Transport will release an official statement when the next phase is implemented,” the department clarified.
“Stay tuned for updates on the official Aarto platforms.”
How the Aarto Demerit System Works
The core feature of the Aarto Act is a demerit point system. Every licensed driver will begin with zero points, with points added for traffic violations.
If a driver reaches 15 demerit points, their licence will be suspended. The suspension period is calculated at three months for every point above the limit. For example, accumulating 17 points results in a six-month suspension.
Driving while suspended is classified as a criminal offence. Licences can only be suspended twice, a third infraction leads to revocation, requiring the driver to retake both the learner’s and driving tests.
To support offenders, the department will offer a “driver rehabilitation programme.” Successfully completing the programme can reduce the suspension period.
Importantly, demerit points expire after three months, allowing drivers to improve their standing over time, provided they avoid further infractions.
The demerit system works alongside existing fines, meaning offenders will face both financial penalties and point deductions.
Examples of Fines and Demerit Points:
| Violation | Fine Amount | Demerit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding (16–20km/h over) | R500 | 1 |
| Speeding (21–25km/h over) | R750 | 2 |
| Failing to stop at a red light | R750 | 2 |
| Driving without a licence | R1,250 | 4 |
| Driving under the influence | Court hearing | 6 |
| Providing false information | Court hearing | 6 |
| Failing to stop at an accident | Court hearing | 6 |
More serious offences, such as driving without number plates or while intoxicated, are treated as criminal cases and require court appearances.
What’s Next
As the countdown to the new Aarto rollout begins, drivers are urged to familiarise themselves with the system to avoid penalties and potential licence suspensions. Official updates will be released through the DoT and RTIA platforms in the coming months.
The success of Aarto could mark a significant turning point in improving road safety and accountability across South Africa, provided the phased implementation proceeds smoothly and the public is adequately informed.
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