Demerit system for drivers delayed until July 2022

Source: Safely Home by Western Cape Government on Facebook

The phased approach is made up of four different stages. Phase 1 is from 1 July 2021 until 30 September 2021, Phase 2 is from 1 October 2021 until 31 Decemeber 2021, Phase 3 is from 1 January 2022 until 30 June 2022, and Phase 4 is from 1 July 2022 - the start date of the demerit system.

Each phase consists of planned rollout strategies for Aarto to come into full effect next year in July.

Phase 1: Establishing seven service outlets; enabling the National Administration Traffic Information System to collect Aarto payments at collecting agents; allowing elective options to be processed in infringement agencies and service outlets, and communication and education awareness campaigns.

Phase 2: Coming online of 67 local and metropolitan municipal areas proclaimed for Aarto roll-out; establishment of more than 18 service outlets; adjudication process coming online in all provinces; and the appeals tribunal coming into full operation.

Phase 3: Inclusion of the 144 remaining local municipal areas proclaimed for Aarto rollout.

Phase 4: Points demerit system goes live; rehabilitation programme coming into effect; and the establishment of 20 Aarto self-service kiosks.

How the demerit system will work:

• Everyone will start with zero demerit points.
• Different amounts of demerit points are to be allocated for different infringements (Schedule 3 of the Regulations).
• A threshold of 15 demerit points will apply before the licence is suspended.
• A driving licence will be suspended for three months for each demerit point above the threshold.
• The holder of the licence may not drive during the suspension period and driving while the licence is suspended is a criminal offence.
• A licence may be suspended only twice.
• After two suspensions, any demerits above the threshold will result in the licence being cancelled.
• The holder will have to apply for a learner's licence after the cancellation.