AARTO Demerit System Explained
The AARTO (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences) demerit system assigns penalty points to drivers and vehicle operators for traffic infringements. Points accumulate on your driving record and can result in licence suspension or cancellation if the thresholds are exceeded. Understanding the system is essential for every South African road user.
How the Demerit System Works
Every traffic infringement under AARTO carries a prescribed demerit value in addition to the monetary fine. Points are recorded against your driver's licence on the eNaTIS system when an infringement is concluded (either paid or adjudicated).
Demerit points accumulate over time. The AARTO Act specifies suspension thresholds beyond which your licence is automatically suspended. The suspension thresholds are measured by the total accumulated points.
Reaching 31 or more demerit points results in permanent cancellation of your driver's licence. You must reapply for a learner's licence and complete the full driver's licence test again.
Demerit Point Thresholds and Consequences
| Points Accumulated | Consequence |
|---|---|
| 1 to 14 points | Points recorded - no suspension |
| 15 points | Licence suspended for 3 months |
| 16 to 30 points | Licence suspended for 6 months |
| 31 or more points | Licence cancelled - must reapply from scratch |
Common Infringements and Demerit Values
Demerit values are prescribed in the AARTO Act Schedules. Higher-risk infractions carry more points.
| Infringement | Demerit Points |
|---|---|
| Speeding (1-30 km/h over limit) | 1 point |
| Speeding (31-45 km/h over limit) | 2 points |
| Speeding (46+ km/h over limit) | 4 points |
| Not wearing a seatbelt | 1 point |
| Using a mobile phone while driving | 1 point |
| Driving under the influence of alcohol | 6 points |
| Failing to stop at a red traffic light | 2 points |
| Reckless or negligent driving | 6 points |
The most effective way to reduce demerit points is to drive without incurring new infringements. Defensive driving and adherence to traffic laws protect your licence.
How to Reduce Your Demerit Points
Demerit points are reduced automatically over time. For every 3 consecutive months in which you do not incur any new infringements, 1 demerit point is removed from your record.
During a period of licence suspension, points continue to reduce at the same rate. After serving a suspension, you may apply to have your licence reinstated.
Operator Demerit Points
AARTO also assigns demerit points to vehicle operators (companies or individuals who register vehicles) separately from driver points. An operator who accumulates sufficient points faces operating licence suspension.
This is particularly relevant for fleet operators, taxi associations, and bus companies.
Checking Your Demerit Points
You can check your current demerit point balance on the AARTO website at www.aarto.co.za. You will need your South African ID number and driver's licence number.
Points are also reflected on the eNaTIS system which is accessible via www.enatis.com.