Its implementation was delayed since it was proposed in parliament back in 1998 but now that it’s in force, what do motorists need to know?
Eugene Herbert, managing director of MasterDrive, said: “The system is not merely meant to punish law-breakers but to change driver behaviour.
“South African drivers ignore boundaries. Punishments are not severe enough to break these bad driving habits and place more importance on safe and responsible driving.”
How does it work?
Each person starts with zero points. Every time a driver is caught committing a traffic offence, points are added according to the seriousness of the offence.
At a total of 13 points, your licence is suspended for three months. At the end of every three months in which you did not commit an offence, one point is removed from your total.
If your licence is suspended three times or more, it can be cancelled.
Collecting points with Aarto
- Exceeding the speed limit in a 60km/h zone adds six demerit points.
- Exceeding the speed limit in an 80km/h zone adds six points.
- Failure to obey a road sign, two points.
- Driving with no licence or an expired driver’s licence, four points.
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs earns six points.
- Being between 12% and 13,9% overloaded adds five points.
