For decades, many South African motorists have treated traffic fines with a certain level of apathy. However, as the AARTO (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences) Act takes full effect, that era of indifference is officially over.
As reported by BusinessTech, the new laws don’t just make it harder to ignore fines—they make it significantly easier for the state to take your driving licence away.
From Apathy to Enforcement
Since 1977, South Africa has operated under a system where payment rates have remained low. Under AARTO, the government is no longer “chasing” motorists for payment. Instead, they are simply locking them out.
Fines SA CEO Barry Berman warns that motorists accustomed to ignoring infringements are in for a shock. “The government is going to be blocking motorists on the eNATIS system,” Berman explains. This means if you have an outstanding Enforcement Order, you will be unable to:
- Renew your vehicle licence disc.
- Renew your driver’s licence.
- Buy or sell a vehicle.
The Fast Track to 15 Points
While the administrative blocks are already in motion, the Demerit Point System (launching fully in 2026) introduces an even greater risk. Motorists can accumulate between 1 and 6 points per infringement. Once you hit the 15-point limit, your licence is automatically suspended.
To put this in perspective, certain common offences—such as driving an unlicensed vehicle or operating without a valid licence—can result in 6 points instantly. For those who depend on driving for their livelihood, reaching that 15-point threshold can happen much faster than expected.
The Rise of “Ghost Fines”
With the confusion surrounding new laws, a new threat has emerged: fraud. Criminals are increasingly using “ghost fines” and scam emails to trick motorists into making payments to fraudulent accounts.
Barry Berman advises extreme caution: “Be very cautious before clicking on any links from companies you haven’t heard of or from suspicious email addresses.”
To read the full interview with Barry Berman and the detailed breakdown of the AARTO risks, view the original article here: New laws make it easier for South Africans to have their driving licence taken away
