Exclusive: Understanding the AARTO Act and demerit system
Fake news about the AARTO Act’s demerit system taking effect is spreading fast. We spoke to RTIA spokesperson Monde Mkalipi, who breaks it all down for you.
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.
ALSO READ: Fake news fuels AARTO confusion
The Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act aims to promote road safety by standardising traffic violations and implementing a demerit system for offenders.
"We are very concerned about the proliferation of fake news around the implementation date of AARTO," said Mkalipi. "We urge road users and the public to be cautious of this misinformation, as it is not authentic."
Mkalipi emphasised that the AARTO Act has not yet been proclaimed for national implementation. Currently, the AARTO website is only available in specific regions.
"The date for the national rollout has not been proclaimed. What's operational now is limited to certain areas," Mkalipi clarified.
Understanding the Demerit System
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 license may result in three points, while driving under the influence could add six points.
"Once you exceed 15 points, your driving licence will be suspended, initially for three months," explained Mkalipi.
Suspensions escalate with repeated offences.
"On the third occasion of exceeding the 15-point threshold, the driving licence will be revoked," Mkalipi added.
Drivers with accumulated points may reduce them by participating in a voluntary rehabilitation programme.
Misinformation surrounding the AARTO Act
The spread of misinformation has caused public concern.
"There is a state of panic among drivers due to misperceptions about how the AARTO Act works," Mkalipi noted.
He shared that the RTIA is working diligently to dispel these myths and provide accurate information.
"The AARTO Act is designed to be a road safety intervention, aimed at changing driver behaviour. It's about voluntary compliance without needing to see traffic officers," said Mkalipi.
How to verify information about AARTO
The RTIA is informing the public through various platforms, including social media.
"We post regular updates on our official social media accounts. We urge drivers to visit these platforms for accurate information," Mkalipi advised.
He also encouraged the use of government statements and updates from provincial and municipal colleagues. "It's important for road users to stay informed through legitimate information dissemination platforms to avoid being swayed by fake news," Mkalipi concluded.
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