AARTO System rollout: Prepare for 1 December 2025
The Aarto system is coming to South Africa's roads. Find out what the system entails and how it will affect drivers.
The Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (Aarto) system will be implemented in 69 municipalities from 1 December 2025, as confirmed to ECR by spokesperson for the Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) in South Africa, Monde Mkalipi.
ALSO READ: Fake news fuels AARTO confusion
Deputy Minister of Transport Mkhuleko Hlengwa announced that these municipalities are ready to roll out the system, while the remaining 144 will follow in February 2026.
“The AARTO will be rolled out in different phases according to municipal readiness from 1 December 2025 for the 69 municipalities which are ready for the rollout, which is Phase 2 of the AARTO rollout programme, while phase 3 will be rolled out on 1 February 2026 144 municipalities that will only be ready then,” said Hlengwa.
Why AARTO Matters
The Aarto system aims to change road user behaviour by introducing a demerit system. Research shows that over 80% of crashes on South Africa's roads are due to human error. The system will systematically contain road user behaviour, promoting safer roads.
Implementation Timeline
- Phase 2: 69 municipalities will roll out Aarto on 1 December 2025.
- Phase 3: 144 municipalities will roll out Aarto on 1 February 2026.
What is the AARTO System
Previously, East Coast Radio caught up with Monde Mkalipi, spokesperson for the Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA), who addressed the growing concern surrounding fake news about the AARTO Act.
Mkalipi provided an in-depth explanation of the demerit system under the AARTO Act. Contrary to some beliefs, a single traffic fine will not immediately lead to a licence suspension.
"The point demerit system is not yet operational everywhere. When it does come into effect, it will serve as a deterrent," Mkalipi said.
Under the demerit system, points will be added to a driver's record for traffic infringements. The severity of the offence will determine the number of points. For example, driving without a licence may result in three points, while driving under the influence could add six points.
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