The government is set to introduce the long-awaited AARTO demerit system in mid-2025, a move that will see road users accumulating demerit points for traffic violations. This information was shared by Brandon Cohen, the chairperson of the National Automobile Dealers’ Association (NADA).

By Brendan Cohen

Under this system, drivers will face suspension of their licenses upon reaching 15 demerit points, with penalties outlined in the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act. Points can be reduced through good behavior.

Initially planned for September this year, the launch has been delayed. Drivers whose licenses are suspended three times will have their licenses canceled and will need to start the process from the learner’s license phase.

At the #NADAConnect event in Cape Town, Cohen emphasized the need for dealerships to improve their administrative capabilities. He stressed that staff should always be aware of who is driving each vehicle, including during customer test drives. If a dealership cannot assign an infringement notice to a specific driver, AARTO allows for the demerit points to be applied to the vehicle, a potential global first according to Cohen.

“Think about how quickly a test vehicle can get 15 demerit points,” Cohen remarked. “Speeding is three points; speeding way over the limit is six points. Fifteen points and that car is done. You cannot sell it and you cannot drive it until that vehicle wins back the points at a rate of one point each month. You need to know who drives this vehicle so that you can allocate it to the correct person.”

Cohen also highlighted unresolved issues, such as whether individuals with suspended licenses can access vehicle financing and insurance. “You still have your licence, but it is suspended. Who is going to check this, and how are we going to check this?” he questioned. “These are the things we have to plan for in the next year.”