Driver’s licence point demerit system introduced in eThekwini
Under the new system, every motorist starts with zero demerit points and accumulates penalties depending on offences.
MOTORISTS who disregard traffic laws and repeatedly get ticketed could soon have their driver’s licences suspended or cancelled if they accumulate infringement points.
Also read: Be prepared for your next car licence renewal
The Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act 46 of 1998 (AARTO) and the AARTO Amendment Act, 2019 are about to come into effect in eThekwini Municipality as part of the phased rollout of the licence demerit system.
Parts of the new AARTO system have already been introduced, but the demerit point system will only come into effect on September 1. This was confirmed by metro police spokesperson Colonel Boysie Zungu, who urged motorists to stay on the right side of the law to avoid losing their licences. He said the demerit point system was introduced to improve road safety by penalising habitual traffic offenders and encouraging better driving habits.
“Points are added to your driving licence when you pay a fine, enter into a payment arrangement, or you are found guilty in court. Each infringement carries a specific number of points as set out in the regulations,” said Zungu.
He said a motorist may accumulate up to 15 points before their licence is automatically suspended for specific periods.
“If you reach 15 points, your licence is suspended for three months. A third suspension results in permanent cancellation, requiring a full re-test,” he said.
Under AARTO, every motorist starts with zero demerit points and accumulates penalties depending on offences. Serious violations can carry up to six points per offence. The points, however, will reduce by one point every three months of clean driving.
The system was implemented despite the South African Local Government Association unsuccessfully taking the government to court to stop it. The Pretoria High Court dismissed the application.
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