Printing SA offers consulting services to help businesses navigate the complexities of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act (AARTO) from an employment perspective. On 1 August 2025, the long-awaited AARTO regulations were officially gazetted, marking a significant shift in the enforcement of road traffic laws across South Africa. As AARTO moves toward full national implementation, employers, particularly those operating commercial vehicles in the printing, packaging, and logistics chain, must prepare for its implications.
The AARTO Act, recently updated through the AARTO Amendment Act 4 of 2019, introduces a structured and administrative process for managing road traffic infringements. Its primary aim is to promote responsible driving behaviour and road safety by introducing a demerit-points system for drivers.
Key Developments And Implementation Timeline
On 1 August 2025, President Cyril Ramaphosa gazetted the phased national rollout of AARTO, which will occur in three stages:
– 1 December 2025: Implementation begins in 69 municipalities, including Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, eThekwini, Stellenbosch, and George.
– 1 April 2026: Rollout expands to an additional 144 municipalities.
– 1 September 2026: Full national implementation of the demerit-points system takes effect.
How The Demerit-Points System Works
Each driver begins with zero points. Demerit points are assigned based on the nature and severity of traffic violations. Accumulating 15 or more points leads to a licence suspension. Multiple suspensions may result in cancellation.
Employer Obligations and Compliance Requirements
Proxy Appointment
Companies must appoint a proxy-designated individual responsible for handling infringement notices and nominating drivers. While the proxy does not accumulate demerit points, the company may face severe penalties if driver nominations are not made correctly and in a timely manner.
Driver Nomination and Record-Keeping
Employers must maintain a detailed register of all employees authorised to drive company vehicles; collect and record full driver details, including ID numbers and contact information; and nominate the correct driver within 32 days of receiving an infringement notice to avoid tripled fines or legal liability.
Policy and Contract Updates
Workplace policies and employment contracts must be revised to: include provisions for managing demerit points and suspended licences; ensure consent is obtained to monitor demerit-point status; and define disciplinary procedures for drivers with repeated infractions or suspended licences.
Operational Readiness
To ensure full compliance, employers should: assign a dedicated AARTO compliance officer or team; implement a system for monitoring infringements and demerit-point accrual; verify eNatis address information to ensure timely receipt of notices; and educate drivers on AARTO and safe driving practices.
Potential Consequences for Non-Compliance
Failure to meet AARTO obligations can result in: fines (up to three times higher for late nominations); licence or operator permit suspensions; and in extreme cases, imprisonment for up to one year for non-compliance with statutory duties.
Printing SA can assist in: reviewing and updating workplace policies and contracts; implementing effective monitoring and reporting systems; and training HR and fleet managers on AARTO compliance.
PRINTING SA
+27 11 287 1160
info@printingsa.org
http://www.printingsa.org
