Everything South African drivers need to know about the demerit point system, payment deadlines, and how AARTO affects your licence.
View 2026 AARTO GuidelinesThe Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act (AARTO) is South Africa's demerit-based system for managing traffic offences. It replaces the old criminal-court process with an administrative one, making enforcement faster and more consistent.
Every driver starts with zero points. Offences add between 1 and 6 demerit points depending on severity. Accumulating 12 or more points leads to a licence suspension. Points reduce by one for every three consecutive months without an offence.
Once a fine is issued you typically have 32 days to pay or elect to appear in court. Paying within the first 32 days qualifies you for a 50% discount on certain fines. After 32 days an enforcement order is issued and discounts no longer apply.
Authorities send a courtesy letter before escalating. If ignored, an enforcement order follows — adding penalties and restricting your ability to renew your licence or register vehicles until the fine is settled.
A first suspension lasts 3 months. A second lasts 6 months. A third results in cancellation, requiring you to re-apply and retest. Commercial and professional drivers face stricter thresholds.
You can check your fines online through TrafficFines.org using your SA ID or vehicle registration. To dispute, you must submit a written representation to the relevant authority within the 32-day window.
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