No amnesty for past traffic infringements as Aarto is rolled out

MOTORISTS should not expect amnesty for past infringements when the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (Aarto) Amendment Act and demerit system are rolled out in 69 municipalities across the country from next month.

- LOYISO SIDIMBA

The Road Traffic Infringement Authority (RTIA), which manages South Africa's road safety, driver compliance and administers Aarto, has indicated that the phased rollout of the amended legislation will begin on December 1 and continue until September 1, 2026.

According to the RTIA, on April 1 next year Aarto's third phase will be implemented in 144 municipalities and the fourth phase will see the introduction of the points demerit system and rehabilitation programme six months later on September 1.

During phase one, issuing authorities were expected to finalise refresher training for law enforcement officers and back-office staff on traffic infringement processes and installing information technology systems in municipalities for the national traffic information system connectivity to support the national contravention register.

It also entailed contracting with the SA Post Office for physical mail delivery of Aarto documents and electronic service as well as the Government Printing Works for the supply of official Aarto stationery.