What you need to know: The Aarto Act with Demerit Points

The Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (Aarto) Act is set to be implemented across South Africa in the coming weeks.

The Aarto Act will be rolled out in South Africa in the next couple of weeks. Here is everything you need to know about it.

Understanding the Aarto system is crucial for all South African drivers, traffic law enforcement agencies, and anyone interested in road safety.

Key Points About the Aarto System

Purpose: The Aarto system aims to enhance road safety by addressing traffic violations more effectively and strictly.

Trial Phase: The system has been in a trial phase for several years in Johannesburg and Tshwane.

Demerit Points:

• All licenses start with 0 demerit points.
• Demerit points are accumulated when a fine is paid, an enforcement order is issued, or a person is convicted of a criminal traffic offence.

Suspension Thresholds:

• Licensed drivers face suspension at 15 points.
• Learner drivers face suspension at six points.

Consequences of Suspension:

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

Severe Offences:

• The most demerit points a driver can accumulate for a single offence is six, typically for criminal offences such as driving without the correct licence or driving under the influence of alcohol.
• Learner drivers can gain five demerit points for driving without a fully licensed driver, bringing them close to their suspension threshold.

Demerit Expiry:

• One demerit point automatically expires every three months if no additional violations are committed, allowing drivers to clear up to four points in a year.

Fines:

• Accumulating demerit points does not substitute for paying fines. Guilty drivers will still face financial penalties for their violations.

Stay informed about the Aarto system to ensure you understand how it impacts you and helps promote safer roads across South Africa.

Source: Pretoria News