Digital traffic fine platform Fines SA is warning drivers to prepare for stricter unpaid fine penalties and the possibility of losing driving privileges under the new demerit system, Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (Aarto), which comes into effect on 1 December.
Drivers are also urged to beware of the possibility of a surge in fraudsters circulating fake ghost fines after the system is up and running.
This effectively means time is running out for vehicle-licence holders, who have fewer than two months to prepare for the biggest change to traffic fines in decades. Here’s exactly what they need to do to protect their licence and avoid costly penalties:
STEP 1: Check your fine status NOW
•Log onto your municipality’s website or use platforms like Fines SA to check for any outstanding fines
- Don’t rely on memory – fines you’ve forgotten about will follow you into the new system
- Check fines for ALL vehicles registered in your name
STEP 2: Pay outstanding fines before December 1
- Crucial deadline: You have until December 1 to pay existing fines at the current 50% discount
- After December 1, you’ll pay full price PLUS face the new demerit point system
- One unpaid R500 fine could cost you R1,000 under the new system
STEP 3: Verify Any Fine Notifications
- Beware of “ghost fines” – fraudulent SMS and email notifications are increasing
- Only pay through official municipal websites or verified platforms like Fines SA
- When in doubt, visit your local traffic department to confirm
“Aarto is not just another piece of legislation,” warned Barry Berman, CEO of Fines SA. “[It is] a free, user-friendly platform that streamlines traffic fine payments; it rewrites the rules of the road. Ignoring or mishandling fines could mean losing your licence or being unable to renew your car registration.”
What changes take place on 1 December?
For individual drivers:
- Every new fine comes with demerit points on your licence
- 15 points = licence suspension
- Outstanding fines will block vehicle registration renewals
- No more ignoring fines and hoping they disappear
For business owners with fleet vehicles:
- You must nominate specific drivers for each violation
- Failure to nominate means your company takes the demerit points
- Multiple vehicles = multiple compliance requirements
Holiday-season preparation
Expect increased enforcement:
- More roadblocks during festive season travel
- Stricter compliance checks at toll gates and border posts
- Higher risk of immediate consequences for outstanding fines
Travel smart:
- Ensure all vehicle documentation is current
- Double-check that vehicle registrations won’t expire during travel
- Have proof of fine payments readily available
What to expect in 2025-’26
1 April 2025: More municipalities join the system
1 September 2026: Full enforcement begins nationwide
Red flags that require immediate action:
- Any vehicle registration expiring before March 2025
- Outstanding fines older than 6 months
- Multiple unpaid fines on the same vehicle
- Company vehicles without clear driver nomination procedures
Getting Help
Fines SA offers free assistance to help you:
- Check your current fine status
- Understand the new demerit point system
- Set up payment reminders for future fines
- Verify legitimate fines versus scams
The new system affects everyone who drives in Cape Town and surrounding areas.
