The Department of Transport has postponed the implementation of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act to 2026. The nationwide rollout of AARTO was initially scheduled to begin on 1 December 2025.
In a statement issued on Monday, the department said the
postponement comes amid an assessment of the state of readiness in some of the
municipalities identified for the first phase of implementation.
COURTESY: X - @CapeTownFreewayAccording to the department, the assessment revealed several
areas that require further attention before the system can be rolled out
effectively. These include the finalisation of training of both law enforcement
officers and back-office personnel, as well as the harmonisation of current law
enforcement system used by various municipalities, and funding to align with
AARTO requirements.
“The department will soon publish the new proclamation with
new staggered implementation dates, the 1st of July 2026 being the official
implementation date. The phased approach of implementation will still be
maintained as initially envisaged,” the department said.
The AARTO Act is aimed at promoting safer roads through a
uniform system of traffic law enforcement and the introduction of a demerit
points system for offenders. The AARTO Act provides for a system whereby a
person, operator or juristic person who is not an operator, pays the penalty
and incurs points when a traffic infringement is committed. The system will
involve demerit points being allocated according to the severity of
infringements committed. Under the demerit system, vehicles are not punished by
the system, but the operator /juristic person is held responsible for the use
of the vehicle. Upon implementation of the demerit system, everyone will
commence with zero points.
Western Cape Mobility MEC, Isaac Sileku, said the
postponement provides much-needed space to ensure that every municipality,
enforcement agency, and operational team is fully prepared for this important
transition.
“This deferment is an opportunity to do things properly. We
must walk this road together as all spheres of government and stakeholders. A
successful transition depends on alignment, readiness, and making sure no one
is left behind. That is how we build a safer, more efficient mobility system
for everyone.’’
Done By: Elona Sibunzi
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