AARTO - the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences - is South Africa's points-based traffic fine and licence demerit system, now rolling out nationally.
AARTO vs the old system
Under the old system, a traffic fine was a once-off penalty. Pay it and it's done. Under AARTO, paying a fine also allocates demerit points to your licence record. Too many points and your licence is suspended - regardless of whether you've paid your fines.
The rollout timeline
| Phase | Date | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 2 | 1 July 2026 | 69 municipalities - Johannesburg, Cape Town, eThekwini, Tshwane, and others |
| Phase 3 | 1 October 2026 | Remaining 144 municipalities |
| Demerit points begin | 1 September 2026 | Points start accumulating on licences |
During phases 2 and 3, the AARTO fine process applies (including the 32-day window and representations) but demerit points are not yet allocated until September 2026.
Point thresholds
| Driver type | Points before suspension |
|---|---|
| Fully licensed driver | 15 |
| Learner driver | 6 |
| Operator (vehicle) | 15 |
What happens when you exceed the threshold
For each point over the threshold, your licence is suspended for 3 months. During suspension, you may not drive.
A licence can be suspended twice. A third suspension results in cancellation. After cancellation, you must reapply and retest from scratch.
How points are assigned
Points come from the Schedule 3 AARTO Regulations table. Severity ranges from 1 to 6 points per infringement:
| Offence | Typical points |
|---|---|
| Speeding 1–10 km/h over limit | 1 |
| Speeding 11–20 km/h over limit | 2 |
| Speeding 21–30 km/h over limit | 3 |
| Speeding 31+ km/h over limit | 4–6 |
| Not wearing a seatbelt | 1 |
| Using a phone while driving | 3 |
| Running a red light | 4 |
| Drunk driving | 6 |
| Reckless / negligent driving | 6 |
Points are assigned when you:
- Pay the fine (voluntary payment)
- Receive an enforcement order (after failing to pay or represent)
- Are convicted by a court
Reducing your points
- 1 point is removed every 3 months from the date of allocation (rolling)
- Complete an approved rehabilitation programme = 4 points removed (once per suspension)
The AARTO fine process
- Infringement notice: Issued by camera, traffic officer, or post. You have 32 days to pay or represent.
- Pay in full: 50% discount if paid within 32 days. Points are allocated.
- Make a representation: Submit a dispute within 32 days at aarto.gov.za or your municipality.
- Courtesy letter: If no response to the infringement notice, a courtesy letter is sent. Another 32-day window.
- Enforcement order: Issued after non-payment. Renewal of your vehicle licence and driver's licence is blocked.
- Warrant of arrest: Enforcement orders can escalate to warrants.
Paying a fine under AARTO
- Online: aarto.gov.za - enter your ID number and licence card number
- Via the RTIA: Road Traffic Infringement Agency portal
- At your municipality (Johannesburg: joburg.org.za/pay-fines, Cape Town: capetown.gov.za)
What AARTO does NOT change
- The K53 test scoring system (separate - see K53 demerit system guide)
- The rules of the road themselves
- Criminal charges for serious offences (drunk driving, reckless driving still go to court)
Frequently asked
- When does AARTO start in South Africa?
- Phase 2 (69 municipalities including Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Tshwane) starts 1 July 2026. Phase 3 (remaining 144 municipalities) starts 1 October 2026. Demerit points begin being allocated on 1 September 2026.
- How many demerit points before my licence is suspended?
- 15 points for a fully licensed driver. 6 points for a learner driver. Each point over the threshold triggers a 3-month suspension.
- Do demerit points go away?
- Yes. One point is removed every 3 months provided no new points are added. You can also reduce 4 points by completing an approved rehabilitation programme.
- Does paying my fine prevent demerit points?
- No. Paying a fine does not prevent demerit points from being allocated. Points are assigned when a fine is paid, an enforcement order is issued, or a court conviction is recorded.
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Information is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of May 2026. Road traffic laws, DLTC procedures, and fee schedules can change — verify critical requirements with your DLTC or the RTMC (rtmc.co.za) before your test.