South Africa’s long-awaited Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) system takes effect on 1 December 2025, changing how every motorist and fleet operator manages traffic fines. Fines SA (here), the country’s #1 Smart Traffic Fine Platform, is warning drivers to prepare now for stricter unpaid fine penalties, the possibility of losing driving privileges under the new demerit system, and a surge in fraudsters circulating fake “ghost fines.”
With millions of traffic fines issued in South Africa each year, the rollout of AARTO marks a national policy shift. Under the demerit points system, each fine carries a point, and these can accumulate quickly, posing the real risk of licence suspension once 15 demerit points are reached. For businesses, it introduces added compliance burdens from nominating responsible drivers to managing fines across entire fleets.
Barry Berman, CEO of Fines SA, comments: “AARTO is not just another piece of legislation, it rewrites the rules of the road. Ignoring or mishandling fines could mean losing your licence or being unable to renew your car registration. Our mission at Fines SA is to make this transition simple, safe, and stress-free.”
Be aware of your fines with Fines SA
With the AARTO rollout just weeks away, motorists are urged to check and settle any outstanding fines to avoid being caught out when the new rules take effect. Now is a unique opportunity to pay your fines, start with a clean slate, and prevent unnecessary penalties.
Fines SA is positioned as the trusted solution as AARTO comes into effect. The smart traffic fine platform provides access to the largest national network of municipal fine records, all consolidated into one place. It offers settlement discounts of up to 50%, protects against fraud with verified payment routes, and delivers plain-language explanations of AARTO and the demerit system. With its mobile app and easy-to-use platform, Fines SA simplifies compliance for both individuals and fleets.
The rollout coincides with the year-end travel season, when roadblocks and compliance checks peak. Motorists travelling for the holidays risk heavy penalties if they are unaware of the new system or if they pay fines through unverified channels.
Key facts motorists need to know:
- AARTO rollout begins 1 December 2025 in 69 municipalities including Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban.
- From 1 April 2026, more municipalities join, with full demerit enforcement beginning 1 September 2026.
- Fines not settled within 32 days may lose the 50% early settlement discount.
- Unpaid fines can block driver’s licence renewals and vehicle ownership transfers.
- The new demerit system suspends licences once 15 points are reached.
- Fake SMSs, WhatsApps, and websites are tricking motorists into paying ghost fines.
Motorists can download the Fines SA app on iOS, Android and Huawei to check fines, protect against fraud, and prepare for AARTO. For more information on Fines SA, visit the website.
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