The era of ignoring traffic fines and hoping they vanish in government red tape is coming to an end. From 1 December, the Administrative Adjudication of Traffic Offences (Aarto) system will finally go live, marking a major shift in how road infringements are handled across the country.
A New Dawn for Traffic Law Enforcement
Traffic legislation expert Doug Warren from SASMiNT, who has been training companies and fleet managers on Aarto for years, says many people and businesses will be caught off guard. “People travelling during December will collect fines in other provinces, but this time, those fines won’t disappear when they return home,” he said. Starting in December, 69 municipalities will join the Aarto system, ensuring that outstanding fines follow motorists wherever they go.
How the Aarto System Works
To make it simple, here’s how the process will now unfold:
| Stage | Action | Timeline | Penalty or Reward |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infringement Notice | You receive a fine, for example, for speeding, via email or SMS | Within 40 days | Pay within 32 days and receive a 50% discount |
| Courtesy Letter | Sent if the fine is unpaid | 10 days after the initial notice | Lose the discount and pay an extra R100 administration fee |
| Enforcement Notice | Final warning | After ignoring the courtesy letter | Licence renewal blocked until the fine is paid |
Failure to act beyond this point could prevent motorists from renewing their vehicle or driving licences. Professional drivers, such as truckers or bus operators, may also be unable to work until their outstanding fines are cleared.
Digital Notices and Faster Communication
Aarto introduces an entirely digital communication process. Instead of relying on the unreliable postal system, infringement notices will now be sent electronically — through email or SMS. Warren explained that since contact information is already recorded when applying for a driving licence or registering a vehicle, motorists will no longer be able to claim they were unaware of their fines.
Nationwide Rollout and Company Responsibilities
By April next year, the remaining 126 municipalities will be added to the system, linking all Aarto platforms nationwide. For businesses, this brings new obligations. Companies will be required to nominate the driver responsible for an offence, ensuring that fines are directed to the correct individual. In addition, if a company vehicle is found to be unroadworthy, both the driver and the business may face penalties. Warren advises companies to implement regular vehicle inspections and recordkeeping systems to avoid complications.
Why Aarto Matters
Currently, more than 80% of traffic fines go unpaid in the country. The Aarto system aims to put an end to that. Since most offences are detected by speed and red-light cameras, bribing traffic officers will no longer be an effective way to avoid penalties. However, Warren reminded motorists that they have rights. He said that drivers can refuse to sign a fine at a roadblock if they have a valid reason and should document the encounter carefully by taking photos or notes.
Changing Behaviour on the Roads
The real impact of Aarto will be seen when motorists begin losing the ability to renew their licences or find themselves unable to work due to demerit points. According to Warren, this will be the turning point that changes how drivers behave. As Aarto prepares to roll out across the entire country, one message stands out clearly: drive responsibly, or face the consequences.
Related article: Fake Traffic Fines Increase Ahead of AARTO Rollout – SA Motorists Warned
