AARTO Points System Explained

The AARTO (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences) points system is South Africa's national traffic violation and demerit point system. Understanding how the points system works, point allocation, accumulation, and consequences helps you maintain a clean driving record and avoid license suspension. This comprehensive guide explains the complete AARTO points system.

Overview of AARTO System

What Is AARTO?

AARTO System:

• National traffic fine and demerit system
• Administrative system for traffic violations
• Replaces criminal prosecution for most offenses
• Electronic fine management
• Demerit point tracking

System Objectives:

• Improve road safety
• Reduce traffic violations
• Administrative efficiency
• Fair penalty system
• Encourage safe driving

How the Points System Works

Point Allocation

When Points Are Allocated:

• Points allocated when traffic violation occurs
• Points linked to specific offense
• Added to driver's license record
• Tracked in AARTO database
• Visible on driving record

Allocation Process:

1. Traffic violation detected
2. Fine issued
3. Demerit points allocated based on offense
4. Points added to license record
5. Record updated in AARTO system

Point Values by Offense

Point Allocation Structure:

Minor Offenses (1-2 Points):

• Minor speeding (1-10 km/h over limit): 1 point
• Parking violations: 1 point
• Expired license disc: 1 point
• Minor equipment violations: 1-2 points

Moderate Offenses (3-4 Points):

• Speeding (11-20 km/h over): 2-3 points
• Running red light: 3 points
• Illegal overtaking: 3 points
• Not wearing seatbelt: 2 points
• Using mobile phone while driving: 3 points

Serious Offenses (5-6 Points):

• Speeding (21-30 km/h over): 4-5 points
• Reckless driving: 5 points
• Driving without valid license: 6 points
• Serious equipment violations: 4-5 points

Very Serious Offenses (7+ Points):

• Speeding (31+ km/h over): 6-7 points
• Driving under influence: 7+ points
• Hit and run: 7+ points
• Excessive speeding: 7+ points
• Serious traffic violations: 7+ points

Point Accumulation

How Points Accumulate

Accumulation Process:

• Points accumulate on your license
• Each violation adds points
• Points remain on record
• Total points tracked continuously
• Accumulation can lead to suspension

Example Accumulation:

• Violation 1: 2 points (Total: 2)
• Violation 2: 3 points (Total: 5)
• Violation 3: 4 points (Total: 9)
• Violation 4: 3 points (Total: 12)
• Violation 5: 3 points (Total: 15) - SUSPENDED

Point Limits and Suspension

Suspension Thresholds

Point Limits:

• Maximum Points: 15 points
• Warning Level: 1-5 points
• Moderate Risk: 6-11 points
• High Risk: 12-14 points
• Suspension: 15 points

License Suspension:

• Suspension Trigger: 15 points
• Suspension Period: 3 months
• Cannot Drive: During suspension
• Points Reset: After suspension
• Reapplication: Required after suspension

Point Reduction

How Points Reduce

Automatic Reduction:

• Points reduce automatically
• Reduction Rate: 1 point per 3 months
• Requires no violations during period
• Gradual reduction system
• Encourages good driving

Reduction Process:

• No violations for 3 months = 1 point reduction
• Continues every 3 months
• Points reduce gradually
• No action needed
• Automatic system

Example Reduction:

• Start: 10 points
• After 3 months clean: 9 points
• After 6 months clean: 8 points
• After 9 months clean: 7 points
• Continues until 0 points

Checking Your Points

How to Check Points

Online Check:

1. Visit AARTO website
2. Enter driver's license number
3. Or ID number
4. View current point total
5. See point history

Other Methods:

• Contact traffic department
• Visit traffic department
• Request written statement
• Check fine notices (points shown)

Managing Your Points

Point Management Strategies

To Manage Points Effectively:

1. Monitor Regularly: Check points regularly
2. Drive Safely: Avoid all violations
3. Know Limits: Understand point limits
4. Plan Ahead: Manage violations carefully
5. Allow Reduction: Let points reduce naturally
6. Avoid Accumulation: Don't accumulate points

If You Have Points

If You Have Points:

• Drive very carefully
• Avoid all violations
• Let points reduce naturally
• Monitor point total
• Stay below 12 points
• Plan to avoid suspension

Consequences of High Points

At Different Levels

1-5 Points:

• Warning level
• No immediate consequences
• Should drive carefully
• Monitor points

6-11 Points:

• Moderate risk
• Close to suspension
• Must avoid violations
• Drive very carefully

12-14 Points:

• High risk
• Very close to suspension
• Must avoid ALL violations
• License suspension imminent
• Critical level

15 Points:

• License suspended
• 3-month suspension
• Cannot drive
• Must complete suspension
• Points reset after suspension

Avoiding Points

Prevention Strategies

To Avoid Points:

• Obey all traffic laws
• Drive within speed limits
• Follow road signs
• Maintain vehicle properly
• Renew licenses on time
• Drive defensively
• Avoid all violations
• Stay alert and focused

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the AARTO points system work?

Points are allocated for traffic violations (1-7+ points depending on offense), accumulate on your license, and can result in suspension at 15 points. Points reduce by 1 point every 3 months of clean driving.

What happens when I reach 15 points?

At 15 points, your driver's license is suspended for 3 months. You cannot drive during suspension. After suspension, points reset and you must reapply for your license.

How do points reduce?

Points reduce automatically by 1 point every 3 months if you have no traffic violations. No action is needed - the system reduces points gradually with clean driving.

Can I check my points online?

Yes, check points online via AARTO website by entering your driver's license number or ID number. You can also contact or visit the traffic department.

How can I avoid accumulating points?

Drive safely, obey all traffic laws, stay within speed limits, follow road signs, maintain your vehicle, renew licenses on time, and avoid all violations to prevent point accumulation.

Conclusion

The AARTO points system allocates points for traffic violations (1-7+ points), with license suspension at 15 points for 3 months. Points reduce by 1 point every 3 months of clean driving. Monitor your points regularly, drive safely to avoid violations, and stay below 12 points to avoid suspension risk. Understanding the points system helps you maintain a clean driving record and avoid license suspension.