The major changes in South African traffic fines

Major changes to traffic fines in South Africa that is expected to be rolled out soon. 

THESE MAJOR CHANGES WILL SOON UNDERGO IMPLEMENTATION

This is because the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) system is expected to roll out across South Africa on 1 July.

This system not only streamlines traffic offences. But also introduces a demerit points system that could potentially lead to suspended or cancelled licences, a serious implication that drivers need to be aware of. 

Here are some of the key features of the AARTO system: 

• Points demerit system: Each traffic violation carries several demerit points. Accumulating too many points can result in penalties such as license suspension (12 points) or cancellation (15).
• Fine payment and appeals process: Offenders receive notices of traffic violations. And can pay fines or contest the charges through a formal appeals process (through a tribunal).
• Infringement notices and penalties: Offenders receive infringement notices detailing the alleged violation and the associated penalty. Penalties may include fines, demerit points, or both.
• Driver rehabilitation: The AARTO system includes provisions for driver rehabilitation programs to reform habitual traffic offenders.

HOW IT WILL WORK UNDER THE AARTO ACT

According to a report by Moneyweb, under Aarto, all licences will start with 0 demerit points.

Accumulation of demerit points occurs upon payment of a fine, issuance of an enforcement order, or conviction of a person charged with a criminal traffic offence.

Licensed drivers need 15 points for a suspension, while learner drivers only need six.

During a suspension, you cannot apply for: a driving licence, professional driving permit, motor vehicle licence disc, operator card or any other permit.

If an offense is classified as criminal, a driver can amass up to six demerit points through a single violation.

Such offenses include driving without the appropriate license for the vehicle class or driving under the influence of alcohol.

ACCUMULATING SIX POINTS CAN DEEM YOU A CRIMINAL

Learner drivers will gain five demerits for driving without a fully licensed driver, bringing them very close to their suspension threshold.

For every three months that pass, one demerit point will automatically expire. So you will scratch four points from your name in a year if you don’t commit additional violations.

However, guilty drivers will still face charges for their wrongdoing, as these demerits do not substitute for a fine.

For example, as shown in the table below, someone operating a vehicle on a public road with an expired licence will receive three demerits and a R2 000 fine.

The report furthermore states that the Aarto system will also incentivise drivers. To pay these fines on time by receiving a discount of up to 50%, depending on how early they pay them.

HERE IS A LIST OF THE POSSIBLE INFRINGEMENTS UNDER AARTO

Moneyweb created the table below to summarises some of the 2 000 possible infringements/offences under Aarto. Ranked from those with the highest demerit points to the lowest:

HERE ARE THE SPEEDING VIOLATIONS: