The launch of South Africa’s Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) demerit system, initially set for 1 December 2025, has been postponed to 1 July 2026. Authorities cite the need for further officer training and unresolved funding as reasons for the delay.

The demerit system was expected to begin in selected municipalities this year, with full national rollout to follow. Transport Department officials are expected to gazette the revised timeline and confirm details of the phased implementation.