POLOKWANE – The Department of Transport has announced that the long-awaited Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) system will now only be implemented on July 1, 2026, instead of the previously scheduled December 1, 2025.

Polokwane among 69 municipalities in initial rollout

The Polokwane Review-Observer previously reported that Polokwane was among 69 municipalities identified for the initial phase of the national rollout. Other municipalities included Johannesburg, Pretoria, Ekurhuleni, Durban, Mbombela, Bloemfontein, Gqeberha, Cape Town, and several others.

At the time, the Polokwane Municipality spokesperson Thipa Selala, confirmed the city’s full operational readiness and commitment to implementing the Act.

Municipality ready and trained for AARTO

Selala described the AARTO system as a “progressive national step towards promoting safer, more disciplined road use across South Africa.” He added that the municipality had already begun refresher training for its traffic officers.

Read more: Aarto rollout to enhance road safety, says Polokwane Municipality

“All Polokwane traffic officers who previously received accredited AARTO training are now undergoing refresher courses. These courses are being facilitated by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) as part of a provincial rollout programme,” Selala said.

He explained that this ensures all officers are “fully equipped to issue infringement notices correctly and apply the new distinctions between administrative and criminal offences in line with national standards.”

Transport Ministry delays national rollout

However, Transport Minister Barbara Creecy and Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa have since postponed the rollout following an assessment that revealed several readiness challenges across municipalities.

The department said the issues include the finalisation of training for law enforcement and back-office personnel, as well as the harmonisation of existing enforcement systems and funding constraints.

“A new proclamation will soon be published, setting staggered implementation dates, with July 1, 2026 confirmed as the official start. The phased approach to implementation will remain as initially planned,” the department said in a statement.

AARTO aims to change traffic law enforcement

The AARTO Act aims to establish a transparent, consistent framework for managing traffic infringements, introducing a demerit point system that could lead to license suspension or cancellation for repeat offenders. It also seeks to reduce road fatalities and promote greater compliance with South Africa’s traffic laws.