AARTO implementation delayed to July 2026 as transport department cites readiness concerns

AARTO Rollout Delayed: What Drivers Need to Know

South African motorists will have to wait longer before the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) fully comes into effect. Initially expected to be rolled out in December this year, the demerit points system has now been postponed to July 2026, according to the Department of Transport.

The delay follows an internal assessment revealing that several municipalities are not yet fully prepared to implement the system.

Why the Delay? Municipalities Not Ready

The postponement was jointly announced by Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa, who explained that a review of readiness in the 69 municipalities scheduled for the first phase uncovered several challenges:

• Incomplete training for law enforcement and back-office personnel

• The need to harmonise municipal law enforcement systems

• Funding gaps that could impede the system’s rollout

The department emphasized that while the phased approach will continue, a new proclamation with updated implementation dates will be published soon, with the process set to officially begin on July 1, 2026.

What AARTO Means for Drivers

Under AARTO, drivers can accumulate demerit points for traffic violations. Key elements include:

• 15 points leads to a three-month licence suspension per excess point

• Points drop off at one point every three months for safe driving

• Two suspensions result in complete licence cancellation

This system aims to encourage safer driving behaviour, but with the delay, drivers are temporarily spared the threat of automatic suspensions, though the uncertainty continues to frustrate motorists and experts alike.

Experts Raise Concerns

Traffic and transport experts have long warned that the rollout was rushed. Stefanie Fick, executive director at OUTA, highlighted that late publication of regulations leaves insufficient time for public comment or education about the system.

Rob Handfield-Jones of Driving.co.za added that the Road Traffic Infringement Agency itself appears unprepared, citing ongoing technological challenges in municipalities.

Even though over 80% of traffic officers had undergone refresher training by early October, gaps remain in the broader infrastructure needed to fully enforce AARTO.

Public Reaction and Road Ahead

Many drivers have voiced frustration on social media, with some calling the repeated delays “bureaucratic mismanagement”, while others expressed relief at avoiding potential licence suspensions until the system is fully ready.

The department’s announcement now sets a clear window for the phased implementation to begin mid-2026, giving municipalities and enforcement agencies more time to train staff, finalise regulations, and test technology.

Whether this extra time will result in a smooth, functional AARTO system remains to be seen. For now, South African drivers can breathe a temporary sigh of relief, but the looming demerit points system is still on the horizon.