AARTO stands for the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act. It changes the way ordinary traffic offences are handled — moving most of them out of the criminal courts and into an administrative process — and it introduces a national demerit-point system. If you are studying for your learner’s or driver’s licence, these are exam-relevant facts, and they will affect how you drive for the rest of your life.
How the demerit-point system works
Every driver starts with zero demerit points. Each traffic infringement adds points to your record — the more serious the offence, the more points. Points build up until you reach a threshold. Go over that threshold and your licence is suspended.
- No single offence can add more than 6 demerit points. Schedule 3 of the AARTO regulations caps points at 6 per offence. Minor infringements carry fewer points, or none at all.
- Each point above your threshold means a 3-month suspension. For an ordinary licence, 17 points (2 over the 15-point threshold) means a 6-month suspension.
- Points fall away over time. Drive without any new infringement and 1 point is removed for every 3 months you stay clean.
The thresholds are different for each driver
This is the part most people get wrong. The point at which your licence is suspended depends on what kind of licence you hold:
- Learner’s licence holder — 6 points. The strictest threshold. As a new driver you may only build up 6 points before suspension, so drive carefully from day one.
- Ordinary driving licence — 15 points. Above 15 points your licence is suspended.
- Professional driver (taxi, bus, truck) — 20 points. A higher threshold, because professional drivers spend far more time on the road.
Suspension, and what happens the third time
Going over your threshold suspends your licence for 3 months per excess point. Your licence can be suspended twice. The third time you exceed the threshold, your licence is cancelled — you must re-apply and pass the tests again from scratch.
How to bring your points down
There are two ways points come off your record:
- Time. One point falls away for every 3 months without a new infringement.
- Rehabilitation. Completing an approved AARTO rehabilitation programme removes 4 demerit points — but you may only use this option once every 12 months.
Ordinary infringements vs. criminal offences
Most everyday offences (for example a minor speeding fine) are infringements — handled administratively, paid by fine, and carrying demerit points. Serious offences are still criminal: they carry the maximum demerit points and a court appearance. These include:
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Excessive speeding — more than 30 km/h over the limit in an urban area, or more than 40 km/h over the limit on a freeway
- Reckless or negligent driving
When does the points system start?
AARTO is being rolled out in phases:
- 1 December 2025 — Phase 1: the new administrative infringement process began in the metropolitan municipalities.
- 1 April 2026 — Phase 2: the infringement process extended to the remaining municipalities nationwide.
- 1 September 2026 — the demerit-point system applies nationally.
Until the points phase begins, offences are handled under the new fine process but do not yet add points. Rollout dates for national legislation can move — always check the latest position with your licensing authority before relying on a specific date.
Quick recap
- Everyone starts at 0 points.
- Thresholds: 6 (learner), 15 (ordinary), 20 (professional).
- Max 6 points per offence; each point over the threshold = 3 months suspension.
- 1 point falls away every 3 clean months; rehab removes 4, once a year.
- Third suspension = licence cancelled and full re-test.
- Points phase applies nationally from 1 September 2026.