South Africa roads are entering a stricter era. From 10 October 2025, national traffic enforcement will intensify under updated AARTO-aligned rules, with higher fines, more license demerit points, and firmer follow-through by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) and local authorities. The aim is simple: reduce dangerous driving, harmonise enforcement across provinces, and make compliance clear and consistent for all motorists.
Table of Contents
This guide explains the new penalty landscape, what changes most for drivers, how to pay or challenge a fine correctly, and how to protect your licence under the updated system.
New RTO Law in South Africa from 10 October 2025 Quick Summary
Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
Start date |
10 October 2025 |
What is changing |
Higher fines, stricter AARTO-aligned enforcement, clearer demerit and suspension rules |
Who enforces |
RTMC and local traffic authorities |
Offences targeted |
Speeding (especially near schools/communities), drink-driving, phone use, licence irregularities, red-light violations, overloading |
Pay a fine |
AARTO online portal, designated licensing offices, post office counters, or EFT using infringement number |
Dispute window |
32 days to make representations; additional 30 days to escalate to tribunal or court if rejected |
Key risk |
Accumulated demerit points may lead to licence suspension or cancellation for repeat offenders |
Official site |
Why This Law Matters: The Safety and Consistency Push
The new rules tighten penalties and standardise procedures so that motorists face predictable consequences nationwide. With South Africa’s persistent road fatalities and injury rates, authorities are raising deterrents and closing loopholes. Expect more cameras, number-plate recognition, targeted enforcement in high-risk corridors, and a stronger focus on behaviours that cause the most harm: speeding, driving under the influence, and distracted driving.
Shocking Penalties Revealed: What Changes for Drivers
Below are the most visible shifts for everyday motorists. Exact amounts and point allocations depend on offence category and the applicable schedule, but the direction is clear: pay more, risk points faster, and lose your licence sooner if you keep breaking the rules.
1) Speeding (especially near homes and schools)
- Significantly higher fines with stronger escalation for speeds above posted limits.
- Aggravated penalties in school zones, residential areas, and signed high-risk zones.
- Expect automated enforcement (fixed and mobile cameras) and frequent checkpoints.
2) Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Bigger fines plus immediate criminal consequences in serious cases.
- Licence suspension is more likely, with repeat offences rapidly pushing you into longer suspensions or cancellation.
3) Mobile phone use while driving
- Higher fines for holding or using a phone while in control of a vehicle, including at traffic lights.
- Demerit points added for handheld use; hands-free does not excuse distracted driving if you drive dangerously.
4) Licence irregularities
- Driving without a valid driving licence, expired professional driving permit, or using a suspended licence now attracts steeper fines and points.
- Vehicle documents (licence disc, roadworthiness) must be up to date.
5) Red-light violations and overloading
- Red-light running and ignoring stop/yield signs carry higher fines and points.
- Overloading (goods or passenger capacity) attracts increased penalties and may ground the vehicle until rectified.
Tip: The official infringement schedule will list the fine amount, demerit points, and possible suspension guidance per offence. Keep a copy or bookmark the schedule once published for quick reference.
Demerit Points and Licence Suspensions: What to Watch
Under the reinforced AARTO approach, points accumulate for specified infringements. Crossing the suspension threshold can trigger:
- Automatic suspension for a prescribed period.
- Longer suspensions for subsequent thresholds.
- Possible cancellation after repeated suspensions, forcing a re-application and potential retesting.
One bad month of reckless behaviour can undo years of safe driving. Treat every point as a serious warning.
How to Pay These Bigger Fines Safely (and Avoid Extra Costs)
Paying correctly and on time can prevent late fees, summonses, and enforcement orders.
- Online (AARTO portal)
- Use your infringement/ticket number and vehicle or ID details.
- Download and save your receipt immediately.
- In person
- Selected licensing offices, post offices, and designated traffic counters accept payments.
- Keep the stamped receipt and take a photo for your records.
- Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT)
- Use the correct reference (ticket/infringement number).
- Retain proof of payment; ensure the amount and reference match exactly.
Do not ignore a fine. Non-payment can escalate to enforcement orders, block licence transactions, and push you closer to suspension.
Think You Were Fined Unfairly? How to Challenge It Properly
You have 32 days from service of the notice to submit representations (commonly via Form AARTO 08 or the online equivalent). Act fast and be precise.
What to include
- Clear explanation of the error or defence (misidentification, signage issues, lawful exemption, etc.).
- Evidence: dashcam footage, time-stamped photos, witness statements, calibration certificates (if relevant), proof of duplicate plates, or documentary proof of an emergency.
If rejected
- You typically have 30 days to escalate to the AARTO tribunal or seek relief in court, depending on the route available to you.
- Keep every letter, email, and receipt; missed deadlines are a common reason for failed challenges.
Practical Compliance Checklist for October 2025
- Update your licence: Renew your driving licence and ensure all vehicle documents (licence disc, roadworthy) are valid.
- Phone discipline: No handheld phone use while driving. Use a cradle if absolutely necessary, or pull over safely.
- Zero alcohol tolerance mindset: Commit to no drinking and driving. Use e-hailing or a designated driver.
- Know your zones: Slow down near schools, residential areas, and construction zones.
- Mind the points: Keep track of your demerit tally and adjust your driving before you hit thresholds.
- Keep receipts: File all fines, payments, and correspondence in one folder (digital and paper).
What This Means for Fleet Owners and Professional Drivers
- Policy refresh: Update internal driving policies, disciplinary steps, and training materials to reflect new fine levels and demerit consequences.
- Telematics and coaching: Use in-vehicle feedback to curb speeding, harsh braking, and phone use.
- Document control: Maintain current PDPs, medicals (if applicable), and vehicle roadworthiness certificates.
- Route planning: Avoid repeat infringements in camera-dense zones; factor in school-time speed limits and construction detours.
Frequently Asked Questions
1) When do the higher fines and stricter enforcement start?
From 10 October 2025.
2) Will fines be the same everywhere?
Schedules align under AARTO, but implementation and amounts can reflect the official national schedule and local application. Always check the latest published table.
3) How long do I have to challenge a fine?
You generally have 32 days to submit representations. If rejected, you usually have 30 days to escalate.
4) Can I lose my licence under the new rules?
Yes. Accumulating demerit points to the suspension threshold can trigger temporary suspension. Repeat suspensions may lead to cancellation.
5) What is the safest way to pay?
Use the AARTO online portal or pay at designated offices and keep your receipt. For EFT, double-check the reference number.
6) Are phones completely banned while driving?
Handheld use is penalised and attracts points. Even hands-free can be unsafe; if you must take a call, pull over safely.
7) What about speeding near schools?
Expect higher penalties and more camera enforcement in school and residential zones. Drive below posted limits during active times.
For More Information Click HERE
