New driving rules in South Africa (2025/26)

What’s new & when it starts

AARTO: how fines & demerits will work

What changes: Traffic offences are handled through an administrative process (AARTO). You’ll receive an infringement notice (often electronically), with options to pay (50% discount within 32 days), nominate the driver, or submit a representation. If you ignore it, a courtesy letter follows; continued inaction leads to an enforcement order that can block licence/vehicle document renewals until resolved.

Indicative examples (subject to the official schedule)

*Point values are examples to illustrate how the system works; consult the official AARTO Schedule when published in your municipality. **Penalties vary by context and may change.

Alcohol limits: myth vs fact

Child seats & seatbelts

By regulation, children under 3 must be in an approved child restraint. Older children must be properly belted or in an age/size-appropriate restraint (think boosters) — never loose on laps or in cargo areas. Expect stricter holiday-season checks at roadblocks.

Phones while driving

Regulation 308A prohibits driving while holding a phone or any communication device. Use a secure mount or true hands-free. “One quick glance” is still distraction — and enforceable.

Number plates (Gauteng’s pilot)

Gauteng has unveiled a pilot of tamper-evident licence plates with QR codes and added security features. The pilot runs on provincial fleet vehicles first. Province-wide timelines for public fitment will be communicated by Gauteng authorities; this is not a national requirement yet.

Speed cameras & enforcement tech

Big metros are expanding fixed and average-speed enforcement (ASOD) corridors, plus higher-spec, low-flash cameras. Practical meaning: more consistent detection and faster digital ticketing. Under AARTO, you’ll see notices served electronically more often — so keep your contact details current.

Interactive map: first-wave cities

These metros are among the first to run AARTO from 1 Dec 2025. Click any marker to open Google Maps.

In motion (videos)

AARTO demerit system — news clip explainer (YouTube).

Gauteng’s high-security number plates — launch coverage (YouTube).

FAQ

Is AARTO already active where I live? From 1 Dec 2025 in major metros listed on the map; other municipalities follow on 1 Apr 2026.

When do demerit points count? The national switch-on is planned for 1 Sep 2026. Until then, the fine process applies without points.

What’s the point threshold? Expect a suspension once you reach the legal limit (e.g., 15 points in the current framework). Exact details will be confirmed alongside the national rollout.

Are speed limits changing? No national change: urban 60 km/h, rural 100 km/h, freeways 120 km/h (unless signed otherwise). Enforcement is what’s changing.

Sources (quick list)

• Government Gazette proclamations on AARTO commencement (2025).
• RTIA guidance on the AARTO process, discounts & options.
• SAPS drinking-and-driving limits (blood/breath).
• Arrive Alive: child restraints & Reg. 308A (phones).
• Gauteng Provincial Government: smart plate pilot (media advisory).
• BusinessTech/EWN: camera upgrades in Cape Town.

Editorial note: Details are subject to official proclamations and municipal notices. Always follow the signage and the latest government communications.