News
AARTO Amendment Act Implementation
Jul
Effective Date: 1 July 2026
President Cyril Ramaphosa has proclaimed 1 July 2026 as the official commencement date for the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Amendment Act in 62 designated municipalities. This reform shifts traffic violations from a criminal to an administrative system, impacting corporate fleet compliance and fine management.
The gazetted AARTO Act Commencement Proclamation brings the AARTO Amendment Act (except for section 2(g)) into operation, fundamentally updating the Principal Act.
Businesses are advised to review the following critical legislative amendments:
1. Definitions & Administration
Infringements vs. Offences: Definitions are expanded to classify any act or omission violating road traffic legislation appropriately.
National Register: Details of all infringements are consolidated in the National Road Traffic Offences Register, administered by the Road Traffic Infringement Authority (RTIA).
2. Operations & Fines
Point Demerit System: Section 4 authorizes the RTIA to administer a points-based demerit system to deter persistent driving contraventions.
Issuing Authorities: Section 13 establishes the financial framework, with penalties collected by local and provincial issuing authorities.
Document Service: Section 30 enables the service of infringement documents to infringers personally, via postage, or via email.
3. Appeals & Compliance
Appeals Tribunal: Chapter IVA is inserted to establish the Appeals Tribunal, governing the review of RTIA decisions and infringements.
Enforcement Orders: Section 20 eliminates subsection (3)(b), refining the enforcement orders process.
Apportionment: Section 32 provides updated mandates for the apportionment of penalties and fees across governing bodies.
For businesses and their transport divisions, compliance requires updating driver record processes and ensuring infringement notices are actively transferred and settled within mandated timeframes.
