Bitou road users, beware, as the Administration Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) will be rolled out soon. 

AARTO aims to re-evaluate safety culture, systems and driver behaviour. The aim is to promote safer roads. This is a demerit point system for road transgressions where violators will face clear consequences for unlawful transgressions. 

Motorists will begin with zero demerit points on their driving licenses. If a total of 15 points is exceeded, the license will be suspended for three months for each point over this threshold. 

These rules also apply to vehicle operator cards. More than two suspensions will lead to the licence being cancelled altogether, and the driver will then need to redo the entire licensing process, starting with a learner’s license.

Minor speeding infringement will result in the loss of one to two demerit points, while disobeying a stop sign or traffic lights, or missing one number plate, will see two points being deducted.

When an infringement is paid within the first 32 days of the date of service to the infringer, the discounted amount paid is apportioned solely to the issuing authority less the collecting agency fee (a percentage of the infringement amount due, currently 3%).

When an infringement is paid after 32 days have lapsed from the date of infringement service, the following applies

- The collecting agency is apportioned the collecting fee.

- 50% of the remaining penalty amount paid is apportioned to the issuing authority.

- 50% of the remaining penalty amount paid is apportioned to the RTIA.

- The remaining administration fees are paid to the RTIA.

 AARTO is a national legislation. 

“Bitou Municipality Traffic Services remains fully committed to compliance and excited to a smooth implementation process,” said Mr Sean Ganga Head of Traffic Services of Bitou Municipality.

Bitou will implement AARTO from 01 April 2026.