South African motorists can now receive traffic infringement notices via WhatsApp, SMS and email as the Road Traffic Infringement Agency’s Phase Two electronic communication framework goes live, supporting the nationwide rollout of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences programme.
The system became operational on 1 July, just days after the High Court dismissed a last-minute legal challenge by the South African Local Government Association.
The Road Traffic Infringement Agency has partnered with the South African Post Office to provide electronic distribution of legally served AARTO notices across 62 metropolitan and municipal areas nationwide. As South Africa’s designated postal operator under the Universal Postal Union framework, SAPO will deliver notices through multiple electronic communication channels, including WhatsApp, SMS, MMS and email.
SAPO Acting Chief Executive Officer Fathima Gany said the postal service is utilising its e-Reg platform for AARTO notices, which was launched in September 2024 and has successfully provided customers with secure and legally recognised electronic delivery of official notices.
“The strategic collaboration between RTIA and SAPO supports the national rollout of AARTO through a secure and scalable communication platform that strengthens governance, improves service delivery and enhances the customer experience,” Gany said.
The electronic notices will provide motorists with improved speed, efficiency and traceability compared to traditional postal delivery methods.
Under the new system, traffic violation fines are valued at R100, with total costs calculated by multiplying this base value against the penalty points assigned to specific offences. Motorists who pay within 32 days receive a 50% discount on the fine amount.
Failure to pay after 32 days results in a courtesy letter being issued, which adds a R100 fee and removes the discount. If payment is still not made within another 32 days, an enforcement notice is issued with an additional R100 fee.
Once an enforcement order is issued, motorists are blocked from renewing vehicle licence discs, driver’s licences and registering new vehicles until the outstanding fine is resolved.
The implementation covers major metropolitan areas including Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhulani, eThekwini, Mangaung, Buffalo City and Nelson Mandela Bay. Notably, no municipalities within the Western Cape province were included in this phase of implementation.
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Whilst the administrative infringement process is now active, the controversial demerit points system has been excluded from the current rollout. The demerit system, which would see drivers losing points on their licences for various violations, is earmarked for a later phase, with potential implementation expected in 2027.
The Road Traffic Infringement Agency has issued warnings to motorists about fraudulent traffic fine communications. Criminals often send fake infringement notifications via email or SMS demanding urgent payment. Motorists are advised to verify any notices they receive through the official AARTO website at aarto.gov.za before making any payments.
SAPO and RTIA will continue to work with municipalities to ensure the successful implementation of the AARTO programme.
