Overloading, driving while under the influence or skipping a stop street are only some of the offences that will cost motorists precious points once the Demerit System is rolled out nationwide.
The Demerit System was promulgated in September 1998, as part of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act, Act 46 of 1998.
According to arrivealive.co.za, the system is derived from similar systems in Australia and the United Kingdom. The contents were adapted to meet the needs on a more local front.
While the implementation of the system has been delayed since its inception to legislation, the latest reports suggest the launch will commence in April, 2016.
The feasibility and law enforcement criteria were of the factors taken into consideration, and ultimately resulted in major delays in the official roll out.
The main objective behind the more commonly known point system, is to encourage better driving behaviour and ‘remove’ reckless drivers from the country’s roads.The Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) will reportedly introduce, and manage the AARTO system; a mammoth task to say the least.
Here’s what you need to know:
– Each driver will start out at zero.
– Points will be allocated according to the severity of the driver’s offence.
– Values vary for different infringements.
– Operators receive points separately from their drivers.
– Demerits will be reduced at a rate of one point every three months.
– Once a driver has incurred the maximum of 12 points, their licence will be suspended with effect from 32 days after the maximum number of points were incurred. The suspension period is calculated by multiplying the number of points exceeding 12, by three.
– If a driver has been suspended three times, they will lose their licence, and be forced to retake the test.
While the proposed system could bring about revolution on our roads, naysayers told national media houses that if the system wasn’t enforced effectively, it would make little difference.
Do you think the Demerit System will hold water? We want to hear from you – email us at ncschools@caxton.co.za
