The AARTO Points Demerit System
How the AARTO system Works in South Africa
What Is the AARTO Points Demerit System?
The AARTO Act seeks to introduce a points demerit system.
| Violation | Penalty | Demerit Points (Natural Person) | Demerit Points (Juristic Entities) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Driver is unlicensed to drive the class of vehicle he/she is driving | CRIMINAL OFFENCE | 6 | - |
| Driving at more than 90 km/h in a 60 km/h zone | CRIMINAL OFFENCE | 6 | 6 |
| Failed to licence a vehicle | CRIMINAL OFFENCE | 6 | 6 |
| Reckless or negligent driving/driving under the influence of alcohol | CRIMINAL OFFENCE | 6 | N/A |
| Refused or failed to comply with a lawful order given by an authorised officer | CRIMINAL OFFENCE | 6 | 6 |
| Failed to carry a warning triangle (excl. motor car registered before 1 July 2006) | R1000 | - | - |
| Failed to pay ordinary or e-toll fee – operator class vehicles – per toll plaza/gantry | R1000 | - | - |
| Failed to proceed when a traffic light was green | R1000 | 1 | 1 |
| Inconsiderate driving | R1000 | - | 1 |
| Failed to stop behind the line at a stop street | R1500 | 2 | 2 |
| Skipped a red traffic light – motorcycle/light motor vehicle/bakkie, etc. | R1,500 | 2 | 2 |
| Failed to display a current licence disc | R2,000 | - | - |
| Skipped a red traffic light – operator class vehicles | R2,000 | 3 | 3 |
| Driver did not carry driving licence card with him/her or produced an expired driving licence card | R2000 | 3 | - |
| Driving at 89-90 km/h in a 60 km/h zone | R3,400 | 5 | 5 |
| Employed or permitted another person to drive such vehicle while the said driver did not have a valid driving licence. | R3,500 | - | - |
| Driving at 71-72 km/h in a 60 km/h zone | R400 | - | 1 |
| Failed to pay ordinary or e-toll fee – motorcycle/light motor vehicle/bakkie, etc. – per toll plaza/gantry | R500 | - | - |
How Demerit Points Are Allocated
Under AARTO, every motorist starts with zero demerit points.
Points are added to your driving licence or operator card when:
- You pay a fine
- You enter into a payment arrangement
- You are found guilty in court
- An enforcement order is issued
Each infringement carries a specific number of points as set out in Schedule 3 of the AARTO Regulations.
The Points Threshold
You may accumulate up to 15 points before your licence or operator card is suspended.
Suspension Periods
If you exceed the threshold, your licence is suspended for 3 months per point over the limit.
Examples:
* 17 points = 6-month suspension
* 18 points = 9-month suspension
You may only have your licence or operator card suspended twice.
Driving During Suspension
- You may not drive while your licence is suspended.
- A suspended operator card means the affected vehicle may not be driven.
- Driving during suspension is a criminal offence.
Cancellation of Your Licence
If you exceed the threshold after two suspensions, your licence or operator card is cancelled.
* Driving licences: you must restart the process with a learner’s licence once the ban period has passed.
* Operator cards: regulations are unclear; cancellation may mean the vehicle is scrapped.
Driver rehabilitation programme
What the AARTO Amendment Act Introduces
The AARTO Amendment Act includes a Driver Rehabilitation Programme, intended for “habitual infringers”. An habitual infringer is someone who reaches the point of disqualification more than twice — meaning their licence or operator card has already been cancelled.
Who Qualifies?
Only drivers, operators, or juristic entities whose licence or operator card has already been cancelled may enter the programme.
It is not available before cancellation, and the Act does not specify:
- What the programme includes
- How long it takes
- What it costs
What Is the Purpose of the Programme?
Despite its name, the programme is not designed to help motorists avoid suspension or correct unsafe behaviour early. Its role is unclear and appears primarily administrative.
What Happens After Completing the Programme?
Successful completion reduces the person’s demerit points by four points.
In practical terms:
- This shortens the waiting period before you can apply for a new learner’s licence
- It effectively reduces your “ban period” by one year
Driver Rehabilitation Programme
Summary
Available to:
Drivers/operators whose licence or operator card has already been cancelled
When:
Only after cancellation — not before
Details:
Undefined content, no cost indications, not behaviour-corrective
Outcome:
Completing the programme reduces your demerit points by 4 points
Stay on Top of Your AARTO Points
AARTO brings big changes — but managing your points, fines, and demerits doesn’t have to be complicated.
With Fines SA, you can instantly:
* Check your outstanding fines
* See your current AARTO demerit points
* Pay fines online
* Update your profile
* Manage your family, friends, or fleet accounts
Stay compliant. Stay protected.
Get notifications instantly.
Receive alerts the moment new fines are issued or updated
so you’ll never be caught off guard again.
