New traffic fine laws in South Africa to kick off on 1 July 2026

[Luis]

President Cyril Ramaphosa signs off launch date for new traffic fine laws for South Africa

The Department of Transport has published a proclamation notice from President Cyril Ramaphosa, announcing the commencement of the country's new traffic fines system.

The Administrative Adjudication of Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act was introduced in 1998, and 28 years later, the system is set to roll out on 1 July 2026.

 

[Johand]

It empowers the Minister of Transport to classify traffic violations as minor infringements, major infringements, or criminal offences,

Uhm. Is it actually possible for the minister to declare something a crime or not? I was under the impression that is the exclusive domain of the legislature and not the executive? Or am I missing something? I can understand that he can classify into minor and major infringements... But classifying something on his/her own as a criminal offense?

 

[Gordon_R]

I see that the entire Western Cape has opted out of this phase of AARTO rollout.

 

[Bad Ballie]

The bribes are going to flow