The City of Cape Town says the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) has not been implemented countrywide or in Cape Town yet, contrary to several reports.

Some news outlets reported that the system went fully live today on 5 June. The Road Traffic Infringement Agency has also stated that this is indeed fake news.

🚨Attention!Fake news alert! It’s important to always verify information before sharing it. Let us please not share the date of 05 June 2025 as the date for the rollout of AARTO and Points Demerit system in South Africa. It is Fake News. 📰 pic.twitter.com/LjGEAlmtAA

— RTIA – Home of AARTO (@rtia_aarto) June 5, 2025

AARTO aims to introduce significant changes to driving laws in the country, including a new demerit system on driving licences.

It will also be responsible for the administration, collection and adjudication of fines related to road traffic offences.

Its full implementation is only expected later this year, with the City putting a 1 October 2025 date on its roll-out. The RTMC has however not provided a date yet.

How AARTO Will Work

Points-Based System:

• All motorists will start with zero demerit points.
• Demerit points will be added for traffic violations.
• Accumulating 13 or more points can lead to penalties, including license suspension and mandatory retraining.

Fines vs AARTO:

• Motorists are still required to pay lawfully issued fines — it does not cancel or replace speeding fines.
• It introduces a different legal standard: With regular fines, you are innocent until proven guilty (criminal process). Under AARTO, you are guilty until you prove your innocence (administrative process).
• It decriminalises traffic offences like speeding, turning enforcement into an administrative procedure rather than a court matter.

Legal Backing:

• Although the Gauteng High Court ruled AARTO unconstitutional, the Constitutional Court overturned this in a unanimous decision, allowing for its national implementation.

READ: Government welcomes Aarto judgment

International Comparison:

• The system is similar to models in Australia and New Zealand, where it has reportedly improved road safety.

When AARTO Will Be Rolled Out

Current Status:

• AARTO is currently only operational in Johannesburg and Tshwane.
• No official date has been announced for the nationwide rollout.
• A recent news story claiming a 5 June launch has been dismissed by RTIA as fake news.

Phased Implementation:

• Phase 1 (Completed): Infrastructure setup, service outlets, and eNATIS payment capability.
• Phase 2: Rollout to 69 municipalities.
• Phase 3: Rollout to the remaining 144 municipalities.
• Phase 4: Introduction of the demerit point system and rehabilitation programme.