Fines SA CEO Barry Berman clarifies the massive shift from the old Criminal Procedure Act to the new AARTO administrative system. He points out that for years, motorists have benefited from a fragmented system where fines in one city didn’t necessarily affect you in another. Under the new national rollout, however, every municipality is being integrated into a single register. Berman explains that the “hurdle” for motorists is no longer a court date, but an automatic block on the eNATIS system that prevents you from renewing your vehicle disc or driving licence if you have any outstanding enforcement orders.
Berman also touches on the “apathy” that has historically surrounded traffic fines in South Africa, noting that the new system is designed specifically to end it. By removing the court process for minor infringements, the state has made enforcement swifter and more “inescapable.” For Fines SA users, Berman’s insights highlight why a centralised management platform is now a critical tool. With the “blocking” mechanism in place, the only way to ensure your mobility is to be proactive—using Fines SA to monitor your status, secure early-payment discounts, and ensure your name is cleared long before you head to the licensing department.
Watch the full interview with Barry Berman here: How AARTO changes everything for SA motorists
