AARTO is Here: Why CANCOMSA is the
Ultimate Compliance Solution for Fleet Companies

South Africa’s roads are on the brink of a major transformation.

With the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act set to be enforced across all 174 municipalities by September 2026, every motorist, fleet operator, and business owner must prepare for a new era of accountability, automation, and consequence.

This isn’t just another traffic law update — it’s a nationwide behavioural shift, and CANCOMSA is ready to help you navigate it.

What Is AARTO and What’s Changing?

The AARTO Act introduces a demerit-based licence system designed to improve road safety and reduce human error — currently the cause of over 80% of road accidents in South Africa.

Here’s how the system works:

  • Drivers start with zero points.

  • Each traffic infringement adds 1 to 6 points, depending on severity.

  • Reaching 15 points results in a licence suspension — 3 months per point over the limit.

  • After two suspensions, your licence is cancelled, and you must redo your learner’s and driver’s tests.

  • Serious offences like speeding, no number plates, or failing to stop at an accident can add up to 6 points.

Important: This system doesn’t replace fines — it adds legal and operational consequences.  And it applies to both individuals and businesses. If your company owns vehicles, you’re accountable for every fine, point, and risk.

Why This Impacts Every Driver and Business Owner

The impact of AARTO is widespread:

  • Unpaid fines may block licence renewals.

  • Incorrectly allocated fines pose legal risks.

  • Suspended licences or operator cards can disrupt business operations.

  • Tight 32-day deadlines for nominating the correct driver mean more admin pressure.

With electronic enforcement replacing paper notices, delays or mistakes are no longer an option.

How CANCOMSA Helps You Stay Compliant

CANCOMSA’s ID TECH™ Fine Management System is designed for the AARTO environment and offers smart tools for staying ahead:

Automated Fine Redirection

Easily redirect fines to the responsible driver — within the required timeframe.

Real-Time Access & Reporting

Track fines, view offence details, and access centralised reports via a secure online portal.

Legal Support

Professional assistance with disputes, revocations, and compliance-related legal matters.

Admin-Free Payment Options

Process and settle fines quickly without the paperwork.

Driver Verification Tools

Use biometric scanning and ID checks to prevent misallocation or fraud.

Whether you’re managing 10 vehicles or 10,000, CANCOMSA helps simplify compliance and reduce business risk.

Who Should Take This Seriously?

AARTO will affect:

  • Fleet operators in logistics, tourism, and delivery

  • Businesses with any registered company vehicles

  • Compliance and HR teams

  • Private individuals who want to avoid licence complications

If you drive, own, or manage a vehicle in South Africa — AARTO applies to you.

The Business Risk of Non-Compliance

Ignoring or mishandling fines could result in:

  • Licence renewal delays

  • Suspension of operator cards

  • Legal issues

  • Reputational damage

For businesses, this could mean lost time, money, and clients. CANCOMSA helps mitigate these risks through automation, legal support, and clear oversight.

What South Africans Need to Know About AARTO

A few essential facts:

  • Demerit points are added whether you pay, ignore, or unsuccessfully dispute a fine.

  • Points expire after 3 months, unless you keep accumulating them.

  • Driving with a suspended licence is a criminal offence.

  • Company operator cards can also be suspended.

  • The entire system will be digital, meaning fines are logged instantly — no paperwork, no excuses.

What’s the Timeline?

  • December 2025: AARTO launches in 69 municipalities

  • February–April 2026: Remaining municipalities onboarded

  • September 2026: Demerit system goes live nationwide

That gives drivers and businesses less than 14 months to prepare.

In Summary

AARTO is more than a traffic update — it’s a fundamental shift in how South Africa manages road safety and accountability. From tighter deadlines to harsher consequences, the system is designed to be automated, consistent, and comprehensive.

CANCOMSA offers a practical, tech-enabled solution that helps individuals and businesses stay compliant, save time, and avoid unnecessary risk.

Now is the time to get your systems in place — before AARTO enforcement becomes your reality.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the AARTO Act in South Africa?

The AARTO Act is a demerit based traffic law system that aims to improve road safety by penalising repeated traffic offences with licence suspensions or cancellations.

2. When will AARTO be fully implemented?

AARTO will begin rollout in December 2025, expand through early 2026, and the national demerit points system will go live by September 2026.

3. How does AARTO affect fleet operators?

Fleet operators are responsible for traffic fines, demerit points and compliance linked to company vehicles, including correct driver nomination within strict deadlines.

4. Can unpaid traffic fines affect licence renewals?

Yes, unpaid or incorrectly handled fines can block licence renewals, operator cards and vehicle registrations under the AARTO system.

5. What happens if a driver reaches 15 demerit points?

Reaching 15 points results in a licence suspension, with additional suspension periods added for every point above the limit.

6. How does CANCOM SA help with AARTO compliance?

CANCOM SA provides automated fine redirection, real time reporting, driver verification tools, legal support and admin free payment processing.

7. Do demerit points apply even if a fine is paid?

Yes, demerit points apply regardless of whether a fine is paid, ignored or unsuccessfully disputed.

8. Who should prepare for AARTO compliance now?

Businesses with fleet vehicles, logistics companies, car rental operators, HR teams and individual drivers should prepare before enforcement begins.