What Is an AARTO Demerit?
AARTO demerit points are part of South Africa's Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) system, designed to improve road safety by penalizing traffic violations with demerit points. Understanding how demerit points work, how they're allocated, and their consequences helps you maintain a clean driving record. This comprehensive guide explains everything you need to know about AARTO demerit points.
Understanding AARTO
What Is AARTO?
AARTO (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences):
- National traffic fine and demerit system
- Replaces criminal prosecution for traffic offenses
- Administrative system for traffic violations
- Demerit point system
- Electronic fine management
AARTO Objectives:
- Improve road safety
- Reduce traffic violations
- Administrative efficiency
- Fair penalty system
- Demerit point tracking
What Are Demerit Points?
Demerit Point System
Demerit Points:
- Points allocated for traffic violations
- Accumulate on your driving record
- Linked to your driver's license
- Tracked in AARTO system
- Can result in license suspension
Purpose:
- Penalize repeat offenders
- Encourage safe driving
- Deter traffic violations
- Improve road safety
- Track driving behavior
How Demerit Points Work
Point Allocation
How Points Are Allocated:
- Points allocated when you commit traffic offense
- Points added to your license record
- Accumulate over time
- Tracked in AARTO database
- Visible on your driving record
Point Allocation Process:
- Traffic violation occurs
- Fine issued
- Demerit points allocated
- Points added to license record
- Record updated in AARTO system
Point Values
Common Demerit Point Values:
- Minor Offenses: 1-2 points
- Moderate Offenses: 3-4 points
- Serious Offenses: 5-6 points
- Very Serious Offenses: 7+ points
Examples:
- Speeding (minor): 1-2 points
- Running red light: 3-4 points
- Reckless driving: 5-6 points
- Driving under influence: 7+ points
Demerit Point Limits
Maximum Points
Point Limits:
- Maximum Points: 15 points
- Suspension Threshold: 12-15 points
- License Suspension: At 15 points
- Points Reset: After suspension period
License Suspension:
- Suspended at 15 points
- Suspension period: 3 months
- Must complete suspension period
- Points reset after suspension
- Reapply for license after suspension
Consequences of Demerit Points
Accumulating Points
At Different Point Levels:
1-5 Points:
- Warning level
- No immediate consequences
- Points on record
- Should drive more carefully
6-11 Points:
- Moderate level
- Increased risk
- Close to suspension
- Should avoid further violations
12-14 Points:
- High risk level
- Very close to suspension
- Must avoid all violations
- License suspension imminent
15+ Points:
- License suspended
- Cannot drive legally
- 3-month suspension
- Must complete suspension period
Point Reduction
How Points Are Reduced
Point Reduction:
- Points reduce over time
- Reduction Rate: 1 point per 3 months of clean driving
- No violations for 3 months = 1 point reduction
- Gradual reduction system
- Encourages good driving
To Reduce Points:
- Drive without violations
- Maintain clean record
- Wait for automatic reduction
- Points reduce every 3 months
- No action needed
Checking Your Demerit Points
How to Check Points
Online Check:
- Visit AARTO website
- Enter driver's license number
- Or ID number
- View demerit point status
- See current point total
Other Methods:
- Contact traffic department
- Visit traffic department
- Request point status
- Get written statement
Common Offenses and Points
Point Allocation Examples
Minor Offenses (1-2 Points):
- Speeding (minor excess)
- Parking violations
- License disc expired
- Minor equipment violations
Moderate Offenses (3-4 Points):
- Speeding (moderate excess)
- Running red light
- Illegal overtaking
- Not wearing seatbelt
Serious Offenses (5-6 Points):
- Speeding (excessive)
- Reckless driving
- Driving without license
- Serious equipment violations
Very Serious Offenses (7+ Points):
- Driving under influence
- Hit and run
- Excessive speeding
- Serious traffic violations
Avoiding Demerit 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 violations
Frequently Asked Questions
What are AARTO demerit points?
AARTO demerit points are points allocated to your driver's license for traffic violations. Points accumulate on your record and can result in license suspension at 15 points.
How many demerit points can I have?
The maximum is 15 points. Your license is suspended at 15 points for 3 months. Points reduce by 1 point every 3 months of clean driving.
How do I check my demerit points?
Check online via AARTO website by entering your driver's license number or ID number. You can also contact or visit the traffic department to check your point status.
How do demerit points reduce?
Points reduce automatically by 1 point every 3 months if you have no traffic violations. No action is needed - points reduce gradually with clean driving.
What happens if I reach 15 demerit points?
At 15 points, your driver's license is suspended for 3 months. You cannot drive during suspension. After suspension, points reset and you can reapply for your license.
Conclusion
AARTO demerit points are allocated for traffic violations and accumulate on your driving record. The maximum is 15 points, with license suspension occurring at 15 points for 3 months. Points reduce by 1 point every 3 months of clean driving. Check your points online via AARTO website, drive safely to avoid violations, and maintain a clean driving record. Understanding demerit points helps you stay compliant and avoid license suspension.
