South African motorists in 62 municipalities across the country have been adjusting to stricter speeding penalties since July, when the second phase of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) system began.
The rollout means drivers caught speeding now face fines that can reach R3 200 before the offence becomes serious enough to warrant arrest. The system uses a 10km/h tolerance level, meaning enforcement generally begins when a driver exceeds the speed limit by at least 11km/h. This buffer exists partly to account for variations in vehicle speedometer accuracy, though it does not apply to average-speed-over-distance enforcement.
How the fine brackets work
Speeding fines are structured according to how far a driver exceeds the limit. In a standard 60km/h urban zone, a motorist travelling 11km/h to 12km/h over the limit faces a R400 fine. The penalty increases in increments, reaching R3 200 for those driving 29km/h to 30km/h above the limit. Anyone caught exceeding the limit by more than 30km/h in an urban area can be arrested.
On rural roads with a 100km/h limit, the arrest threshold is 40km/h over the limit, or 140km/h. On freeways with a 120km/h limit, it is also 40km/h over, which means 160km/h or faster.
Payment deadlines and discounts
Motorists can reduce their fines by half if they settle the infringement within 32 days. Those who do not pay within this period lose the discount and face an additional R60 administration fee. After another 32 days without payment, a further R60 fee is added and an enforcement order is issued. This order prevents the renewal of vehicle and driver’s licences until the matter is resolved.
Western Cape exemption continues
The Western Cape, including the City of Cape Town, is not yet part of the AARTO system. The provincial government lodged an intergovernmental dispute over what it describes as unmet legal and operational requirements. A temporary exemption remains in place while the dispute is resolved.
The remaining 151 municipalities in South Africa are expected to be brought into the system in March 2027 under phase three. The controversial demerit points system, which will see motorists accumulating points for traffic violations, has been delayed and is now scheduled for introduction in phase four during 2027. Under the planned system, a driver who accumulates 15 demerit points will have their licence suspended for three months for every point above that threshold. A third suspension would lead to licence cancellation and the driver would need to retake both learner’s and driver’s examinations.
AARTO national rollout
The controversial AARTO legislation dates back to 1998 and aspects of the system have been tested in Johannesburg and Tshwane since 2008. The national rollout marks a shift in how traffic offences are handled, with an increased focus on graduated penalties and future behavioural enforcement through the demerit points system.
For now, motorists in the 62 active municipalities need to be aware of the new penalty structure and the importance of settling fines promptly to avoid enforcement action that could prevent licence renewals.
ALSO READ: AARTO phase 2 rolls out: What this means for motorists
