Time is ticking to settle your outstanding traffic fines before they’re handed over to the new AARTO system. The new administrative system aims to see scofflaws and repeat offenders eventually lose their driving privileges through demerit points.
As such, the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has issued an urgent appeal for all motorists to pay their outstanding traffic fines. After years of court proceedings, the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) system comes online nationwide on Monday 1 December 2025.
OUTSTANDING TRAFFIC FINES
Unlike the existing fines system where offences simply accumulate, in 2026 AARTO introduces a demerit points system against a driver. Similar mechanisms exist in countries like Australia and the United Kingdom and have proven successful. Under the new system, drivers start with zero points. And each traffic violation adds demerit points and a fine of varying degrees against their name.
Accumulate twelve demerit points and your licence will be suspended for three months. Breach the threshold again and you could suffer permanent disqualification. This means you’ll have to retake your learner’s and driver’s tests from scratch if you want to drive again. To avoid quick accrual of points, the RTMC advises settling your outstanding traffic fines before 1 December 2025 to have a fresh start.
HOW TO CHECK YOUR FINES
Before AARTO, the majority of motorists simply ignored their outstanding traffic fines. However, this hurry-up by the RTMC means you’re going to want to see what fines you actually have against your name. The easiest and most accessible option is visiting the official AARTO website here. At the link, simply enter your identification number and/or driver’s license details to view all pending fines, violations, notices and summons.
Alternatively, you can visit a traffic department in-person and enquire about settling your outstanding traffic fines. The Western Cape has introduced a new drive-through licence renewal service where you don’t even need to leave your vehicle. Further options include payment through your bank and selected supermarket retailers. Therefore, there is no excuse not to clear your account and have a fresh start before the December AARTO switchover kicks in.
What do you think? Will authorities be able to switch fines across to AARTO effectively? Or will the system face early teething issues?
