What's changed in road transport compliance — AARTO, demerit points and e-tolls

Two big things moved for road transport operators. The AARTO infringement notice system rolled out to 62 municipalities from 1 July 2026 after a legal challenge failed, which changes how infringements are served and handled. Cabinet approved the write-off of outstanding e-toll debt on 7 June 2026, with no refunds for those who already paid. The demerit point component was gazetted with a 1 September 2026 target but had not gone live as at early September 2026.

Reviewed by TefCo Compliance Research — last verified 7 September 2026.

In short

AARTO infringement notices now apply in 62 municipalities, from 1 July 2026.
The demerit point system was gazetted with a 1 September 2026 commencement target but had not commenced as at 5 September 2026.
Cabinet approved the write-off of outstanding Gauteng e-toll debt on 7 June 2026; no refunds for motorists who already paid.
For fleets, the practical change is administrative: notices must reach the operator and be dealt with within the AARTO process.

AARTO expanded to 62 municipalities from 1 July 2026

The Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act 46 of 1998 replaces the criminal process for most traffic infringements with an administrative one: an infringement notice is served under section 17, and the recipient has defined options to pay, elect to be tried, nominate a driver or make representations.

Rollout to 62 municipalities began on 1 July 2026 after the South African Local Government Association's court challenge did not succeed. For an operator, the change is that notices arrive on a statutory clock with defined steps, and letting them lapse escalates the matter rather than making it disappear.

The most expensive AARTO mistake for a fleet is failing to nominate the driver in time. Build a process that routes every notice to a named person within 48 hours of receipt.

Demerit points: gazetted, not yet live

The demerit point component of AARTO was gazetted for commencement, with 1 September 2026 reported as the target date. As at 5 September 2026 it had not actually commenced, and no driver was carrying points.

Once it does commence, points accumulate against driving licences and professional driving permits, and accumulation can lead to suspension or cancellation. Exact point thresholds should be confirmed against the gazetted schedule before you rely on them — we do not publish thresholds we cannot verify.

Preparation is cheap: know which of your drivers carry the most infringements now, because that is your exposure the day points switch on.

E-toll debt written off

On 7 June 2026 Cabinet approved the write-off of all outstanding e-toll debt for the Gauteng Freeway Improvement Project, and SANRAL ended debt collection. There are no refunds for motorists and operators who already paid.

For fleets with historic e-toll provisions on the balance sheet, this is a finance question as much as a compliance one — speak to your accountant about releasing provisions, and stop budgeting collection risk that no longer exists.

What to do this quarter

Confirm your registered addresses are current so AARTO notices actually reach you.
Set a 48-hour internal turnaround for driver nomination on every infringement notice.
Pull a per-driver infringement history now, before demerit points commence.
Review historic e-toll provisions with your accountant.
Re-check roadworthy and licence expiry dates per vehicle — enforcement attention rises during a rollout.

Frequently asked

Is AARTO in force in South Africa?

The infringement notice system rolled out to 62 municipalities from 1 July 2026. Whether it applies to a specific infringement depends on where it was issued.

Are demerit points active?

The demerit component was gazetted with a 1 September 2026 target, but as at 5 September 2026 it had not commenced. Confirm the current position before relying on it either way.

Do I still owe e-toll debt?

Cabinet approved the write-off of outstanding e-toll debt on 7 June 2026 and SANRAL ended collections. Motorists who already paid do not get refunds.

Sources

TefCo Corporate Compliance (Pty) Ltd is a compliance management platform, not a legal, tax or advisory firm. This guide is general information, not advice. Fees, dates and thresholds change — confirm current figures with the regulator before you rely on them.