Is SA ready to implement AARTO on December 1?

THE Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Amendment Act (AARTO) is to come into effect on December 1; however, there are doubts as to whether the government is truly ready.

- JASON WOOSEY

Most sections of the AARTO Act are to be rolled out in 69 of the key municipalities from December, with other smaller regions set to follow in April, while the demerit points system is expected to be implemented only in September 2026.

Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) spokesperson Monde Mkalipi told IOL that all systems were in place in terms of software deployment to issuing authorities ahead of the December implementation date.

Furthermore, as of early October, over 80% of officers had been trained. He said that this was a “refresher training” as time had lapsed since the previous sessions.

However, a potential problem area, according to opponents of the system, are the final regulations, which are only expected to be published in late October. These regulations will regulate the processes, infringements and number of points allocated. Stefanie Fick, executive director at the Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse (OUTA), told IOL that given how late the regulations are being published, there will be insufficient time for adequate public participation and comment.