The Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (Aarto) Act is expected to roll out across South Africa in weeks.

Understanding the Aarto system is crucial for all South African drivers, traffic law enforcement agencies, and individuals interested in road safety. 

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Here is everything you should know about the new system.

The Aarto system aims to improve road safety by addressing traffic violations more effectively and strictly.

This system has been in its trial phase for several years in Johannesburg and Tshwane. 

Under Aarto, all licences will start with 0 demerit points.

Demerit points are then accumulated once a fine is paid, an enforcement order is issued, or a person charged with a criminal traffic offence is convicted.

Licensed drivers need 15 points for a suspension, while learner drivers only need six.

During a suspension, you cannot apply for a driving licence, professional driving permit, motor vehicle licence disc, operator card or any other permit.

The most demerit a driver can accumulate through a single offence is six when the offence is deemed criminal.

Such offences include not being licensed to drive the class of vehicle or driving under the influence of alcohol.

Learner drivers will gain five demerits for driving without a fully licensed driver, bringing them very close to their suspension threshold.

For every three months that pass, one demerit point automatically expires, so if you don’t commit additional violations, you will scratch four points from your name in a year.

However, these demerits do not substitute for a fine, as guilty drivers will still be charged for their wrongdoing.

ALSO READ: Tshwane police operation results in multiple arrests across the city

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