South African motorists are being urged to pay closer attention to traffic fines as the long-awaited rollout of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) system edges closer to becoming a nationwide reality, Cape {town} Etc reports.
While many drivers believe AARTO will instantly replace the current system, experts say the transition is likely to be far more complicated and potentially costly for anyone who misunderstands how the new process works.
According to Fines SA, the country could soon find itself operating two different traffic fine systems at the same time, depending on where a fine was issued and which authority is handling it.
This means a speeding fine issued in one municipality could follow the traditional Criminal Procedure Act (CPA) route, while another infringement elsewhere may already fall under the AARTO administrative system.
For years, many South Africans have treated traffic fines as paperwork that only becomes important during licence renewal season. But transport experts say that approach may no longer work once AARTO expands further.
‘This is where many motorists may get caught out’
– Barry Berman, CEO of Fines SA.
‘A fine issued in one municipality may follow the current CPA process, while another may fall under AARTO. The practical risk is that people may ignore or misunderstand notices because they assume all fines work the same way.’ said CEO of Fines SA, Barry Berman.
Under the current CPA process, unpaid traffic fines can eventually lead to summonses or warrants through the criminal justice system. AARTO, however, introduces a different administrative process involving infringement notices, enforcement orders, penalties and eventually a national demerit points system aimed at repeat offenders.
The biggest shift is that traffic fines could eventually impact the ability to drive legally.
One of the most debated aspects of AARTO has always been its demerit points system. Once fully implemented, drivers who repeatedly break traffic laws could accumulate points against their licence. Exceeding the threshold may result in licence suspensions or cancellations.
The proposal has sparked mixed reactions online over the years, with some South Africans welcoming stricter enforcement against reckless driving, while others fear administrative chaos, inaccurate fines and unfair penalties. Berman believes many drivers still underestimate how significant the changes could become.
‘AARTO changes traffic fines from being a once-off payment issue into something that can affect a person’s ability to drive,’ he said. Fines SA says drivers should begin preparing immediately instead of waiting for full implementation.
Among the key recommendations are:
- Regularly checking for outstanding traffic fines
- Ensuring vehicle registration and address details are updated
- Monitoring fines issued across different municipalities
- Settling valid infringements before penalties escalate
Berman said the enforcement landscape is becoming increasingly digital and integrated, making it harder for motorists to ignore notices. ‘Motorists can no longer afford to treat traffic fines as something to deal with once a year when renewing a licence disc,‘ he said.
While uncertainty remains around the timing and pace of AARTO’s wider implementation, it is evident that South Africa’s traffic fine system is entering a major transition period, and drivers who fail to adapt could find themselves paying a far steeper price than expected.
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Picture: Supplied
