South Africa Introduces Stricter Penalties: Drivers May Face Simulator and Psychological Tests

South Africa Cracks Down on Repeat Traffic Offenders

Drivers who enjoy pushing the speed limit in South Africa may soon have more than fines to worry about. Under the country’s upcoming Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (Aarto) Act, motorists who repeatedly breach traffic laws could have their licences cancelled and be required to complete a driver rehabilitation programme before they can hit the road again.

Rehabilitation Beyond the Wheel

According to the Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA), the rehabilitation programme isn’t just a refresher on traffic rules. Offenders will undergo a driving simulator test and a psychological evaluation to ensure they are cognitively and emotionally prepared to return to the road safely.

The programme also educates drivers on road legislation, their responsibilities, and the consequences of unsafe driving. Successful completion can reduce a driver’s demerit points by four, allowing them to immediately apply for learner and driving licence testsor wait until their disqualification period ends.

Delayed Rollout, But a Future of Stricter Enforcement

The first phase of Aarto, which doesn’t yet include the penalty point system, was initially scheduled for December 2025 but has been pushed back to 1 July 2026. The delay comes after the Department of Transport identified gaps in law enforcement readiness, back-office capacity, and municipal coordination.

The second phase, which introduces the demerit point system, is where repeat offenders will feel the impact most.

How the Demerit Points System Works

Motorists will start with zero points on their licence. Points accumulate each time they pay a fine for a traffic offence.

• Accumulating 15 points triggers a licence suspension, with drivers barred from driving for three months per point over the threshold.

• A third suspensiononce a driver surpasses 15 points for the third timeresults in licence cancellation, forcing them to retake learner and driving tests.

• Driving during suspension is a criminal offence, and demerit points expire after three months.

Common Violations and Points

The system aims to hold drivers accountable while offering a path to rehabilitation rather than permanent exclusion from driving.

Road Safety and Public Response

The move has sparked conversation on social media, with South Africans weighing in on whether simulator and psychological testing is the right approach. Many drivers welcome stricter measures to curb reckless driving, while some warn that the success of Aarto depends on fair implementation and widespread education.

By tying rehabilitation directly to demerit point accumulation, South Africa is attempting to transform its road safety culture, ensuring that repeat offenders not only face consequences but return to the road better equipped to drive safely.