Driver demerit point system ahead: what motorists need to know

More than 900 law enforcement officers trained in KZN to enforce new traffic laws, including the demerit point system

1 minute ago

Gugu Myeni 2 minutes read

Motorists are being warned to buckle up as local municipalities prepare to roll out new traffic infringement laws.

While parts of the new Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (Aarto) have already been introduced to some municipalities, including uMhlathuze, the demerit point system will only come into effect in the coming months.

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The KZN Department of Transport (DoT) says the demerit system aims to hold motorists accountable while ensuring road safety.

“Our main focus is on the demerit point system, which will not only augment our #NenzaniLaEzweni Operation but also enforce adherence to traffic laws,” said DoT spokesperson Ndabezinhle Sibiya.

He said KZN has trained more than 900 law enforcement officers, mainly the Road Traffic Inspectorate and Operation Shanela teams, to enforce the new laws.

ALSO READ: SA’s new traffic demerit system explained

“Everyone begins with zero points, and then you accumulate points up to a maximum of 15, which could lead to the suspension of your licence or even cancellation,” said Sibiya.

“Getting caught driving under the influence of alcohol, for example, amounts to six demerit points, meaning if you are arrested more than two times for the same offence, 12 points will be added against you, and when you reach 15 points, your licence is suspended,” he said.

“The more you are fined, the more points you accumulate. It’s therefore crucial that you drive responsibly and make sure you do not commit any offences.”
Once the system comes into effect, drivers will be able to check their status on the Aarto website.

“Our goal is to clean up our road networks and ensure we have a prosperous province, we save families from reckless drivers and make every motorist in KZN accountable for their behaviour,” said Sibiya.

The provincial DoT’s plans to enforce the new system will be further unpacked by Transport MEC Siboniso Duma when he delivers the department’s budget speech this week.

Personalised licence plates

Meanwhile, the DoT continues to warn motorists about the illegal sale of four-digit personalised licence plates on social media.

“This practice is illegal and in violation of the National Road Traffic Act. Only the MEC for Transport may establish a personalised licence number system in the province.

“I delegated this function to the Motor Transport Service’s Choice Numbers Section, which remains the only section authorised to sell personalised licence numbers in the province,” said Duma.

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