Aarto Demerit System: How to Avoid Ghost Fines and Licence Suspensions This December

A New Era on South Africa’s Roads

South African drivers are about to face a game-changing shift in road regulations. The long-awaited Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (Aarto) demerit system officially rolls out on 1 December 2025, promising stricter enforcement and tougher consequences for traffic offenders.

From reckless driving to speeding and drunk driving, even minor infractions now carry demerit points and reach 15 points, and your licence could be suspended. Imagine retaking your driver’s licence test just to keep driving; for many, this could become reality.

‘Rewriting the Rules of the Road’

Barry Berman, CEO of Fines SA, describes Aarto as more than just legislation.

“Aarto rewrites the rules of the road. Ignoring fines or mishandling them could mean losing your licence or even being unable to renew your vehicle registration,” he warns.

Businesses and fleet operators face added responsibility, needing to track fines for multiple drivers while ensuring compliance. The countdown to December is on, and motorists are urged to settle outstanding fines now to avoid being caught in the system’s stricter enforcement net.

Early Payment Discounts and Verified Channels

Fines SA has positioned itself as a trusted ally for motorists navigating the Aarto system. The platform consolidates municipal fines nationwide, offers up to 50% off for early settlement, and ensures drivers avoid fraud via verified payment channels.

With a user-friendly mobile app and plain-language guides, Fines SA simplifies compliance, whether you drive for work, leisure, or manage a fleet of vehicles.

Social media users have already started sharing tips, warning friends and family not to fall for fake SMSs, WhatsApp messages, and scam websites pretending to issue Aarto fines.

What You Need to Know: Key Aarto Facts

• Start date: 1 December 2025 in 69 municipalities including Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.

• Expansion: From 1 April 2026, more municipalities will join; full enforcement starts 1 September 2026.

• Demerit points: Licence suspension occurs at 15 points.

• Early settlement: Pay within 32 days to retain the 50% discount.

• Consequences of non-payment: Unpaid fines can block licence renewals and vehicle ownership transfers.

Beware the ‘Ghost Fines’

Fraudsters are already exploiting the rollout. Fake fines, SMSs, WhatsApp messages, and rogue websites are circulating, tricking unsuspecting drivers into paying nonexistent penalties. Experts urge:

• Only pay fines through official channels or verified platforms like Fines SA.

• Be skeptical of messages demanding immediate payment via links or QR codes.

• Double-check municipal records before settling any fine.

This year-end travel season adds extra urgency. As roadblocks and compliance checks increase, ignorance could be costly.

Aarto isn’t just a set of new rules, it’s a wake-up call for every South African driver. Understanding the demerit system, paying fines correctly, and avoiding scams are now part of responsible driving.

Fail to prepare, and you risk licence suspension, financial loss, and legal headaches. Stay informed, pay verified fines, and consider early settlement to benefit from discounts, because when Aarto hits the streets on 1 December, there will be no excuses.

{Source: The Citizen}

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