DRIVING CHANGE: HOW THE DEMERIT SYSTEM AFFECTS YOU!

Amalta Seevnarayan- Dhanee | Legal Advisor 

In July 2026 South Africa will commence the roll out of its demerit system for road traffic violations, and it’s important that every driver, whether using a private car or a company vehicle, understands how it works and what the consequences could be. 

 

What Is the Demerit System?

The demerit system forms part of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act (“AARTO”). It’s designed to make South African roads safer by penalising drivers who repeatedly break traffic laws.

Under this system:

  • Each driver starts with zero demerit points. 
  • Points are added to your name for every traffic offence you commit (e.g. speeding, running a red light, driving without a licence). 
  • Exceeding fifteen demerit points results in a three-month suspension per point above the threshold, while a third breach leads to permanent licence or operator card cancellation.

In the event of three suspensions your licence could be cancelled. 

How Does This Affect You? 

If you drive any vehicle be it your own car, a rental, or a company-owned vehicle, you are personally responsible for traffic violations committed while you’re behind the wheel. 

Key consequences include: 

  • Demerit points added to your name. 
  • Fines to be paid directly by you. 

  • Possible suspension or cancellation of your driving licence 

For those driving company vehicles, some employers may also: 

  • Record the offence in your HR file. 
  • Withhold use of company vehicles for repeat offenders. 
  • Take disciplinary action for repeated non-compliance.

What Happens If You Ignore a Traffic Fine? 

Failing to pay or contest a traffic fine within the legally prescribed period, typically 32 days, can lead to serious consequences. Many people underestimate the impact of ignoring these fines, but the penalties escalate quickly once the deadline passes. Here's what you can expect: 

  • A 50% Penalty Increase: The original fine amount will be increased by 50%, significantly raising the total you owe. 
  • R300 Representation Fee: An additional fee of R300 is charged to cover the cost of legal representation or administrative processing. 
  • Administrative Charges: Further administrative fees may be added, compounding the financial burden. 
  • Automatic Enforcement and Demerit Points: The fine enters enforcement mode, meaning it is treated as a legal obligation. Demerit points are automatically added to your driving record, which could eventually lead to license suspension if points accumulate. 

Ignoring a fine doesn’t make it go away, it makes it more expensive and potentially damaging to your driving privileges. To avoid trouble and protect both yourself and your licence under the new AARTO demerit system, make sure to drive responsibly, regularly check your AARTO status online, pay or contest fines promptly, and if you operate a company vehicle, follow your employer’s internal policies diligently. 

What This Means for You?

The AARTO demerit system is designed to promote accountability, improve road safety, and encourage responsible driving behaviour across South Africa. Whether you're a daily commuter, a professional or delivery driver, or someone who only occasionally uses the road, the system places the responsibility for compliance and safe conduct squarely on your shoulders.  

By linking traffic violations to demerit points and potential license suspension, AARTO aims to reduce reckless driving and create a culture of lawfulness on our roads. Understanding how the system works and the consequences of ignoring fines or accumulating points is essential for every road user. 

Stay informed. Stay compliant. Drive responsibly. Your actions behind the wheel don’t just affect you, they impact everyone who shares the road.