AARTO Speeding Fines and Demerit Points: Complete 2025 Guide for South African Drivers

Once you exceed the demerit point threshold, serious consequences follow:

Suspension Process

• Trigger: Your licence is suspended when you exceed the threshold (15 points for regular drivers, 6 for learner drivers)
• Duration calculation: Three months for every point above the threshold
  
  • Example 1: Threshold is 15, you reach 17 points = 6 months suspension (2 points × 3 months)
  • Example 2: Threshold is 12, you reach 15 points = 9 months suspension (3 points × 3 months)
• Maximum suspensions: A licence can only be suspended twice

Important Suspension Rules

• No driving: While suspended, you cannot drive legally
• Criminal offence: Driving with a suspended licence is a criminal offence, not just a traffic violation
• Vehicle restrictions: The affected vehicle may also not be driven during the suspension period

Licence Cancellation

If your licence has been suspended twice and you exceed the threshold again, your licence will be cancelled:

• For drivers: You must start from scratch with a learner’s licence after the ban period lapses
• For operator cards (vehicles): The law remains unclear, but it may result in the vehicle being scrapped

The AARTO Amendment Act introduces a rehabilitation programme specifically for repeat offenders:

Who Must Attend?

• Habitual infringers only: Drivers whose licence or operator card has been cancelled more than twice (three or more times)
• Not for first-time offenders: Only these repeat offenders may be required to attend the programme

This programme aims to educate chronic offenders and modify dangerous driving behaviour through structured intervention.

The rollout of AARTO across South Africa is happening in phases:

Implementation Timeline

• Phase 1: December 2025 – AARTO begins in 69 major municipalities across South Africa
• Phase 2: April 2026 – Rollout to an additional 144 municipalities
• Phase 3: September 2026 – Full implementation of the demerit points system nationwide

Current Status in Gauteng

Good news for Gauteng drivers: AARTO has been operating in major metros like Johannesburg and Tshwane (Pretoria) for several years already. However, the full demerit points system will officially launch in September 2026.

If you’re in the Gauteng region, particularly around Menlyn, Pretoria, you should prepare for these regulations now as the infrastructure is already in place.

National Rollout

Unlike previous systems that operated only in certain provinces, AARTO is designed as a national system that will eventually cover all provinces and municipalities across South Africa. The phased approach ensures municipalities have adequate infrastructure and training before implementation.

The AARTO system represents a fundamental shift in how traffic offences are handled in South Africa:

• Cumulative impact: Unlike traditional fines, AARTO creates a permanent record that follows you
• Financial consequences: Fines increase dramatically with speed, and late payment removes the 50% discount available within 32 days
• Licence protection: Understanding the points system helps you protect your driving privileges
• Legal implications: The difference between administrative penalties and criminal offences becomes crucial