AARTO Rollout Delayed, Drivers Get a 19-Month Reprieve

The long-awaited rollout of the AARTO traffic demerit system has hit yet another red light. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy has pushed the implementation to July 1,2026 - a delay from the planned December start date. The Department of Transport says several municipalities simply aren’t ready, citing gaps in training, system harmonisation, and funding. Once AARTO is live, drivers will start collecting demerit points for offences with licences suspended after reaching 15 points. Phemelo unpacks the delay with Transport Department Spokesperson Collen Msibi and OUTA CEO Wayne Duvenage.