Taxi industry call for more time on  AARTO rollout

By Retšelisitsoe Temeki

AARTO Monde Mkalipi expalins the adjustment of AARTO

The taxi industry has raised concerns over the planned rollout of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) system, set to take effect on December 1, 2025.

The taxi operators expressed dissatisfaction with the short notice, noting that many drivers are still unaware of the new law. This happened at  a Drinking and Driving/Walking Awareness Campaign held at Trimpark Community Hall in Potchefstroom,.

Tlokwe Local and Long Distance Taxi Association representative, Happy Sekete, said the industry supports the law’s goal of improving road safety but feels the timeline is too tight.

“We only have a month and a half before implementation, and the launch was only recently announced in October. We need more time to educate our members and address potential challenges,” Sekete said.

Taxi operators highlighted several issues, including delays in the processing of Professional Driving Permits (PDPs) and potential conflicts between traffic officers and the Road Traffic Infringement Authority (RTIA). They also raised concerns about the lack of RTIA offices in towns such as Ventersdorp and Potchefstroom, which would make it difficult for drivers to access information or services.

The industry is urging authorities to extend the implementation period to allow drivers and operators sufficient time to understand and comply with the new regulations. They also request that additional RTIA offices be established in more towns to make services more accessible.

According to spokesperson for the RTIA, AARTO ,Monde Mkalipi, this is designed to improve road safety by holding drivers accountable for traffic violations. “Motorists who commit offences will have 32 days to pay fines, with a 50% discount if paid within that period. Fines of R750 or more can also be paid in instalments over six months,”he said.

Mkalipi explained that the system introduces quicker consequences for offenders, including the possibility of license suspension or revocation. Drivers who accumulate 15 or more demerit points will be disqualified from driving, and driving while disqualified can result in fines or imprisonment.

“Company owners and taxi operators are required to maintain detailed records of their drivers, including names and identity documents, as part of their filing systems. This will enable them to submit representations and ensure that traffic fines are directed to the responsible driver, rather than the vehicle owner, even in cases where a driver has passed away, their particulars, including a death certificate, will be necessary for administrative purposes,” he said. 

The AARTO law is based on the principle that every driver should be held accountable for their actions on the road. Mkalipi said no one should be cleared from the consequences of their actions indicating that when an infringement is committed, the system requires the alleged offender to come forward and provide evidence to dispute the fine. If the evidence is valid, the fine can be cancelled.

“Regarding the implementation of AARTO, it will phase in over the existing system. Currently, AARTO is only applicable in Tshwane and Johannesburg. Phase two will commence on December 1, 2025, and phase three on April 1, 2026. During this transition, we urge individuals who were fined under section 56 to come forward and settle their outstanding fines. This will ensure a clean slate for the implementation of the points demerit system, where all drivers will start from zero.” he said.

“We’ve trained local traffic authorities through the national working committee to ensure a smooth rollout of AARTO. Traffic officers are being trained on the new law to promote a safer and more efficient road environment”. Mkalipi stated. 

AARTO will be implemented in 69 municipalities during its second phase in December 2025 and on its third phase in April 1, 2026, the law will be extended to 144 municipalities across the country.