BIG CHANGES COMING TO TRAFFIC FINES IN SOUTH AFRICA – WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT AARTO

JOHN COMNINOS
Jun 5
2 min read

Updated: Jun 6

From 5 June 2025, South African drivers will face a completely new system for handling traffic offences. It’s called the AARTO Act – the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences – and it will affect every driver in the country.

At Comninos Incorporated we want to make sure you’re not caught off guard.

What’s Changing?

Demerit Points System: If you accumulate too many points, your driver’s licence can be suspended or even cancelled.
Electronic Notifications: You’ll receive infringement notices by email or SMS – no more physical service of documents.
No Court Appearance: You no longer have the automatic right to have your case heard in court.
Greater Power to RTIA: The Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) now manages traffic fines and enforcements – not your local municipality.

What Does This Mean for You?

You could lose your license faster than you think.
You might miss a fine notice if your contact details aren't up to date.
You will need to act quickly to dispute a fine or avoid points being added to your license.
You may feel overwhelmed by the administrative requirements – and that’s where we come in.