Aarto Rollout Chaos: Why South African Drivers Are Confused Again

If you’re unsure when South Africa’s new traffic fine rules actually start, you’re not alone; even the authorities seem to be at odds.

From Warnings to Wheel-Spinning

Nearly two decades after the Aarto Act was first piloted in parts of Johannesburg and Tshwane, South African motorists are once again caught in a bureaucratic tangle as 2025 approaches, the year initially earmarked for a national rollout.

The latest twist? Two government officials have announced conflicting launch dates for the next phase of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (Aarto) system. The result: uncertainty, frustration, and a lot of anxious drivers.

So, What’s Aarto Actually About?

Aarto aims to modernise how traffic violations are managed in South Africa. Instead of treating all offences as criminal cases, which overload the courts, Aarto divides violations into two categories:

• Offences, which remain criminal and require court proceedings

• Infringements, which will be handled administratively, unless challenged

Drivers will be subject to a points-based demerit system: if you accumulate 12 points, your licence gets suspended.

The rollout also affects municipal revenue. The Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) receives 50% of all fine revenue, a move many municipalities are not happy about.

Mixed Messages from Government

In early July 2025, Deputy Transport Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa announced that phase 2 of Aarto would begin on 1 October 2025, rolling out in 69 municipalities. He said phase 3 would follow in February 2026.

But just days later, RTIA spokesperson Monde Mkalipi gave a different timeline during a radio interview. He stated that phase 2 would start on 1 December 2025, with further phases in February and April 2026, and the demerit points system is now postponed to 1 September 2026.

These mixed messages are more than bureaucratic blunders; they create major challenges for motorists and businesses trying to prepare.

The Long Road to Clarity

Earlier this year, a fake news report claimed the demerit system was already active from 5 June 2025. It spread panic among drivers until RTIA issued a formal denial.

News24 later reported that the Western Cape had been told Aarto would begin nationally on 1 October, echoing Hlengwa’s date but contradicting RTIA’s.

While RTIA says only its official platforms will confirm rollout dates, the contradiction is coming from within the government, making it hard for the public to know who to trust.

Why Is Aarto So Controversial?

Aarto has faced legal battles for years. Civil watchdog Outa challenged its constitutionality, winning at the High Court but ultimately losing in the Constitutional Court in July 2023.

Despite that ruling, criticism continues. Outa and others argue Aarto places an unfair administrative burden on motorists, particularly those who wish to challenge incorrect fines.

The Road Freight Association (RFA) has also flagged serious concerns. Its CEO, Gavin Kelly, calls the 2019 regulations outdated and ill-suited to the current road transport environment. Without updates, he says, “a full rollout is highly improbable.”

Where Does That Leave Motorists?

In short: stuck waiting, again.

Although the Department of Transport and RTIA have both promised further clarity, South Africans are left refreshing headlines rather than receiving reliable updates.

Some drivers are bracing for changes on 1 October. Others are betting on December. Either way, confusion reigns, and confidence in government communications is low.

Your best move? Keep an eye on official RTIA channels, but don’t be surprised if the rollout dates change again.

Also read: Ramaphosa to Break Silence on Mkhwanazi Claims: South Africa Holds Its Breath

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Source: MyBroadband

Featured Image: Good Things Guy