The implementation of a demerit system aimed at quelling bad motorist behaviour has been postponed.
The National Transport Department said it’s because some municipalities are not prepared for the implementation of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences, otherwise known as AARTO.
AARTO aims to change the way road traffic violations are managed, such as with the introduction of a demerit system, which could lead to the suspension of drivers’ licences, especially of repeat offenders. It will also be responsible for the administration, collection, and to streamline the adjudication of fines related to road traffic offences.
It was meant to take effect on 1 December but has been pushed back to July next year. National Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa confirmed in a statement that the AARTO rollout has been “deferred to 1 July 2026”.
“The postponement comes amid an assessment by the Department of the state of readiness in some of the municipalities that were to form part of the first implementation phase,” read the Transport Department’s statement.
The department said the issues causing the delay relates to the finalisation of law enforcement and office personnel training in some municipalities, as well as “the harmonisation of current law enforcement systems used by various municipalities, and funding thereof”.
As such, the delay is intended to give municipalities and enforcement agencies more time to ensure they are ready for the law to be enforced.
A phased approach will be adopted as of July 2026, with a new proclamation expected soon with the details of this.
Meanwhile, Western Cape Mobility MEC Isaac Sileku expressed his support for the deferment. He said it makes room for involved authorities to strengthen cooperation.
“This deferment is an opportunity to do things properly. We must walk this road together as all spheres of government and stakeholders. A successful transition depends on alignment, readiness, and making sure no one is left behind,” he said.
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*This article has been updated to include additional information.
