South African motorists should prepare for major changes in road legislation as the long-awaited AARTO (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences) demerit system is set to roll out nationally in mid-2025. These changes are part of government efforts to reduce road fatalities and promote accountability on the roads.
Originally piloted in Johannesburg and Tshwane, the AARTO system will now be implemented across all provinces between April and July 2025. This follows years of delays and legal challenges.
What’s New?
The key changes include:
- Demerit Points System: Drivers will receive points for traffic violations. Reaching 15 points results in a license suspension, and after three suspensions, a license may be cancelled.
- Zero Tolerance for Drunk Driving: Any detectable alcohol in your system will be illegal—effectively reducing the permissible blood alcohol limit to zero.
- Stricter Phone Laws: Holding a phone while driving could lead to fines, demerits, and suspension for repeat offenses.
- Lower Speed Limits: Residential and school zones may see speed limits dropped to as low as 30 km/h.
- Roadworthy Crackdowns: More frequent and random vehicle inspections with unroadworthy vehicles being pulled off the road.
- Digital Licenses: Mobile-accessible driving licenses will allow drivers to manage fines, renewals, and documents online.
- Driving School Regulation: All driving schools will need to be registered and instructors certified to improve driver education standards.
At present, traffic violations often result in fines without lasting consequences. There’s no national demerit system, and the blood alcohol limit allows for minor alcohol consumption. Inspections and phone law enforcement remain inconsistent.
With the new laws, enforcement will be stricter and more automated, and drivers will be held accountable over time—not just for individual infractions, but for their cumulative driving behaviour.
South Africa consistently ranks among the countries with the highest road fatality rates. These reforms are a significant step toward changing driver habits and improving road safety for all.