New AARTO Regulations 2026: Impact on Fleet Operators

What Is AARTO?

The Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act (Act 46 of 1998) introduces a points-based demerit system for traffic offences in South Africa. After years of delays, the system is being progressively rolled out in 2026.

Key Changes for Fleet Operators

The Demerit Point System

Every driver licence holder starts with zero points. Points are accumulated for traffic offences:

• 1-2 points: Minor offences (expired disc, minor speeding)
• 3-4 points: Moderate offences (reckless driving, overloading)
• 5-6 points: Serious offences (drunk driving, excessive speeding)

At 12 points, the driver's licence is suspended. For professional drivers holding PrDP permits, this has immediate employment implications.

Operator Liability

This is the critical change for fleet operators. Under AARTO:

• The registered owner of the vehicle (the fleet operator) receives the infringement notice
• If the operator fails to nominate the responsible driver within 32 days, the operator is deemed liable
• Operators accumulate their own demerit points on their operating licence

Operating Licence Risk

An operator who accumulates excessive demerits risks:

• Suspension of the operating licence
• Inability to renew the licence
• Effective grounding of the entire fleet

Compliance Strategies

1. Driver Identification Systems

Implement a robust system to identify which driver was operating which vehicle at any given time:

• GPS tracking with driver ID (biometric or tag-based)
• Trip sheets signed by drivers with vehicle assignments
• Dispatch records linking drivers to vehicles and routes

2. Infringement Management Process

Establish a documented process for handling AARTO notices:

• Designate a responsible person to receive and process infringement notices
• Set internal deadlines (well before the 32-day statutory deadline)
• Maintain an infringement register
• Nominate drivers within timeframes

3. Driver Training and Monitoring

• Regular refresher training on road traffic regulations
• In-cab monitoring for speeding, harsh braking and other risk behaviours
• Disciplinary procedures for repeat offenders
• Recognition programmes for clean driving records

4. Vehicle Compliance

Ensure no vehicle-related offences contribute to your demerit total:

• Valid licence discs on all vehicles
• Current roadworthiness certificates
• Compliant vehicle markings and reflective tape
• Working lights, indicators and braking systems

Integration with RTMS

RTMS-certified operators already have many of these systems in place. The key additions for AARTO compliance are:

• Formal infringement management procedure
• Driver nomination documentation
• Demerit point tracking register

What Should You Do Now?

1. Audit your current driver identification capabilities

2. Review your infringement handling process

3. Ensure GPS/telematics can produce historical driver-vehicle assignment reports

4. Brief all drivers on the demerit system and consequences

5. Engage your certification body to integrate AARTO compliance into your management system

Zolabix can help you prepare for AARTO through gap assessments and management system updates.