New demerit system: What South African motorists need to know

[Grant]

The AARTO demerit system is expected to roll out from 1 July 2026. Many motorists may be unclear about how it will work and what the consequences could be.
The AARTO demerit system is a points-based system that tracks traffic offences. Motorists will receive points for violations, and accumulating too many points could result in their licence being suspended.

How does the demerit system work?​

Every motorist starts with a clean record of zero points. Points are then accumulated for different traffic offences, with between one and six points issued depending on the severity of the violation. If a motorist reaches the maximum limit of 15 points, their licence may be suspended for three months for every point above the limit. Three licence suspensions can result in the licence being cancelled.

The AARTO demerit system applies differently to individuals and businesses. Businesses can face additional accountability for traffic violations committed by employees while driving company vehicles.

New demerit system: What South African motorists need to know

The AARTO demerit system is expected to roll out from 1 July 2026. Many motorists may be unclear about how it will work and what the consequences could be. …

www.dailymaverick.co.za

 

[wingnut771]

So, its constitutional to be guilty before proved innocent?

 

[wingnut771]

I like the "driver not licensed" one being the same penalty as "drivers license not in vehicle" lol.

 

[Gozzy]

So are Minibus Taxis exempt? They constantly breaking the above violations

 

[Lupus]

So uhmm how would this work?

What license are you going to demerit?

 

[wingnut771]

So are Minibus Taxis exempt? They constantly breaking the above violations

Yes. They have been exempt since 1994 when they started driving in the yellow lane.

 

[saor]

Drivers licence not in vehicle - 4 points is crazy. The amount of times I need to jump into a different car at work. Not lus for carrying my licence around - prefer that it stays in my car.

 

[Lupus]

BMW and Haval drivers are going to have issues

 

[wingnut771]

So uhmm how would this work?
View attachment 1918106
What license are you going to demerit?

Exactly. Absolute clown show.

 

[Rickster]

They forgot:

- Brake light not working. (2 PTS per light not working)
- Front fog light on when no fog is present. (2 PTS)
- Rear fog light on when no fog is present. (2 PTS)

 

[wingnut771]

BMW and Haval drivers are going to have issues
View attachment 1918108

I like this one, not sure how it will be enforced though:

 

[HermeticAnarchist]

No penalty for not paying fines. Cool.

 

[Lupus]

I like this one, not sure how it will be enforced though:
View attachment 1918109

Whaaaat but I am doing 100 in the fast lane, plus the guy next to me is doing 100 and the guy next to him

 

[Gordon_R]

Many questions:
1. Does AARTO apply to offences before 30 June, where the court date is after 1 July?
2. Are those fines the same for all jurisdictions? I have seen numbers much higher for CoCT...

 

[Sideshow Bob]

The AARTO demerit system is expected to roll out from 1 July 2026. Many motorists may be unclear about how it will work and what the consequences could be.
The AARTO demerit system is a points-based system that tracks traffic offences. Motorists will receive points for violations, and accumulating too many points could result in their licence being suspended.

How does the demerit system work?​

Every motorist starts with a clean record of zero points. Points are then accumulated for different traffic offences, with between one and six points issued depending on the severity of the violation. If a motorist reaches the maximum limit of 15 points, their licence may be suspended for three months for every point above the limit. Three licence suspensions can result in the licence being cancelled.

The AARTO demerit system applies differently to individuals and businesses. Businesses can face additional accountability for traffic violations committed by employees while driving company vehicles.

New demerit system: What South African motorists need to know

The AARTO demerit system is expected to roll out from 1 July 2026. Many motorists may be unclear about how it will work and what the consequences could be. …

www.dailymaverick.co.za

If they install cameras at all stop signs, most motorists will reach 15 demerit points in a month.

 

[Lupus]

If they install cameras at all stop signs, most motorists will reach 15 demerit points in a month.
View attachment 1918111

Yup have had a few close calls with people almost rear-ending me. This is why I want a towbar

 

[Flanders]

Disobeying stop sign or robot.

This one in particular reminds me of how selective the enforcement of all this is going to be, if Johazardsburg is anything to go by. Quite often on any given day my first encounter with another vehicle is some cnut blowing through a stop sign. Nothing sets the day's tone quite like it.

 

[SeRpEnT]

I like this one, not sure how it will be enforced though:
View attachment 1918109

They will patrol the national roads. Race up to you from behind in a BeeEM. If you dont give way to them... BOOM! FINE + 3 points!

 

[wingnut771]

If they install cameras at all stop signs, most motorists will reach 15 demerit points in a month.
View attachment 1918111

Im surprised DA CoCt havent done this. Its crazy the traffic caused in morning rush hour just from people blocking robots because they went through when its red. Also that stupid bus lane in the fast lane causes all the traffic on the freeway, especially when the traffic cop stands in the middle of the lane and blocks the cars that arent supposed to be using the lane.

 

[theratman]

So uhmm how would this work?
View attachment 1918106
What license are you going to demerit?

There will likely be a system that tracks it so if they ever try to get a license in the future they will be denied one or start with a suspended one etc. But yeah, they probably won't be getting one if they are already driving without one.