AARTO Demerit Points: How the System Works
The AARTO demerit points system is now active in South Africa. Every traffic offence adds points to your record. Get too many and you lose your license. Here is how it works.
Key Takeaways
- Every traffic offence gives you demerit points (1 to 6 points each)
- You start with 0 points — points are added when you commit offences
- At 12 points your driver's license is suspended
- Points reduce by 1 for every 3 months of clean driving
- Paying a fine = admitting guilt = points added to your record
What is AARTO?
AARTO stands for Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences. It is a system that tracks your driving behaviour using points. Every time you break a traffic law, points are added to your record. The worse the offence, the more points you get.
- AARTO = Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences
- It tracks your driving record with a points system
- Minor offences = 1-2 points
- Serious offences = 4-6 points
- Maximum before suspension = 12 points
How do you get points?
You get points when you are found guilty of a traffic offence. This happens in two ways: you pay the fine (which counts as admitting guilt), or you are found guilty in court. Simply receiving a fine does not add points — only paying it or being convicted does.
- Paying a fine = admitting guilt = points added
- Being convicted in court = points added
- Just receiving a fine notice does NOT add points yet
- You can elect to go to court to dispute the offence
How many points for each offence?
Different offences carry different points. Speeding slightly over the limit is 1 point. Running a red light is 4 points. Drunk driving is 6 points. The more dangerous the offence, the more points it carries.
- Speeding 1-15 km/h over: 1 point
- No seatbelt: 1 point
- Using phone while driving: 2 points
- Running a red light: 4 points
- Reckless driving: 6 points
- Drunk driving (DUI): 6 points
What happens at 12 points?
When you reach 12 demerit points, your driver's license is suspended. First time: suspended for 3 months. Second time: suspended for 6 months. Third time: your license is cancelled completely and you must redo your learner's and driving test.
- 12 points = first suspension (3 months)
- Second time reaching 12 = 6 months suspension
- Third time = license cancelled permanently
- Driving while suspended is a criminal offence
How do points go away?
For every 3 consecutive months that you do not commit any new offence, 1 point is removed from your record. So if you have 6 points and drive cleanly for 18 months, all points are cleared. But any new offence resets the 3-month clock.
- 1 point removed every 3 months of clean driving
- Any new offence resets the clock
- 6 points takes 18 months to clear completely
- 12 points would take 36 months (3 years) to clear
Ready to see your own numbers?
Use the AARTO Demerit Simulator