In recent weeks, panic has gripped South African motorists over claims that sweeping new traffic laws—including 30km/h speed limits in suburbs, a zero-alcohol tolerance policy, and massive fines for minor offences—are coming into effect on 1 July 2025. Shared widely on WhatsApp and social media, the claims also warn of the full force implementation of the AARTO demerit system, leading to rapid licence suspensions for traffic offences.
But just how much of this is true?
The Real Source of the Panic
According to the Gauteng Provincial Joint Operations Committee (JOC), absolutely none of it is. The JOC confirmed, after reaching out to the South African National Roads Agency (SANRAL), that no such regulations have been published or proposed. A statement from the JOC was unequivocal:
“These messages are not only false but dangerous. They erode public trust and create unnecessary panic. No credible South African source, including SANRAL or the Department of Transport, has made any announcements about such laws taking effect in July 2025.”
Investigations revealed that the original posts originated on foreign websites, some traced as far as India, with no connection to South Africa’s transport authorities. Despite their falsehood, the posts gained momentum and were widely accepted as fact due to their polished presentation and alignment with motorists’ fears.
What’s Actually Happening: AARTO Explained
While the viral messages are inaccurate, they touch on a real and legitimate development in South African traffic law: the long-delayed AARTO (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences) system.
Read | What Business Rescue Really Means for Trucking Companies and Their Drivers
First enacted in 1998, the AARTO Act is designed to improve road safety and reduce pressure on courts by shifting traffic enforcement to an administrative process. It introduces a demerit points system that penalises repeat offenders, potentially leading to licence suspensions and cancellations.
Key features of AARTO include:
- Demerit points for infringements such as speeding, running red lights, or drunk driving.
- Licence suspension after accumulating 15 points, with suspensions lasting three months per excess point.
- Licence cancellation after three suspensions.
Delays and Legal Hurdles
Despite its promise, AARTO has struggled to launch nationally. In 2022, the Pretoria High Court declared it unconstitutional, citing infringement on local government powers. However, the Constitutional Court later overturned this decision, affirming the Act’s legality.
Even with legal backing, the national rollout has faced repeated delays. Target dates in 2020, 2021, and 2022 came and went due to budget constraints, lack of municipal readiness, and limited public awareness. Pilot projects continue in Tshwane and Johannesburg, but no confirmed date, including July 2025, has been announced for full national implementation.
Why It Matters
The AARTO Act is real, but it’s not new, nor is it launching in secret. What’s new is the public confusion caused by misinformation. Viral fear-mongering risks undermining real road safety initiatives, especially at a time when South Africa is grappling with high crash and fatality rates.
The RTIA (Road Traffic Infringement Agency) and the Department of Transport continue to work towards phased implementation, but South Africans are urged to consult official sources – RTMC, RTIA or SANRAL for accurate updates.
The latest SA Trucking News straight to your inbox!
Do you have more on this story? Click to WhatsApp us. Anonymity guaranteed.
