New AARTO Rules from June 5. Let’s get straight to the point. You’ve probably seen headlines or heard rumors about big changes to South Africa’s traffic laws starting June 5. Maybe you’re worried about your driver’s license, fines, or how to check your record online. Good news: you’re in the right place. This guide explains everything in plain English, no legal jargon, no confusion, just the facts (and a few friendly tips).
What’s Happening with AARTO? (And Why You Should Care)
First, let’s clear up the biggest myth: The new AARTO rules and the nationwide demerit system are not fully live yet. Despite what you might have read, the Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) says the national rollout is still months away, possibly even a year. Right now, AARTO is only active in Johannesburg and Tshwane.
So, if you’re in Durban, Cape Town, or anywhere else, the new rules don’t apply to you—yet. But they’re coming, so it pays to get prepared.
What is AARTO South Africa?
AARTO stands for the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences. It’s a fancy name for a system that changes how traffic fines and violations are handled. Instead of everything going through the courts, AARTO makes most fines an “administrative” matter. That means you get a notice, pay (or contest) online, and only go to court for serious stuff.
AARTO brings in a demerit point system. Get too many points, and your license could be suspended. Yikes.
RTIA: Who Are They and What Do They Do?
The RTIA is the official body running the AARTO show. Think of them as the “traffic fine headquarters.” They handle:
- Issuing infringement notices
- Processing payments
- Managing the demerit system
- Handling disputes and appeals
If you have a question about a fine or the new rules, RTIA is the place to go.
Check My Fines Online
Wondering if you have any fines? Don’t wait for a nasty surprise in the mail. Here’s how you can check, step by step:
- Fines SA: Sign up for a free account, add your ID or vehicle details, and view all your fines and demerit points. You can pay, contest, or even add family/friends to your profile.
- payCity: Another popular portal. Just enter your details and see your fines—including those under AARTO and the old system. You can also see photos or documents linked to your fine.
- ViewFines.net: Simple, fast, and free. Get notifications by email or SMS when a new fine is issued.
Always double-check your details (ID, vehicle registration) to make sure you’re seeing everything.
List of Traffic Fines (And What They Cost)
Let’s talk money. Here’s a quick table showing common fines and their amounts. No one likes surprises, especially expensive ones.
| Violation | Fine Amount | Demerit Points |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding (10–20 km/h over) | R250 | 1 |
| Speeding (21–30 km/h over) | R750 | 2 |
| Drunk Driving | Up to R120,000 | 6 |
| Reckless Driving | R1,000–R5,000 | 6 |
| Seatbelt Violation | R250 per person | 1 |
| Red Light Violation | R1,000 | 2 |
Traffic Violation Codes and Fines
Every fine comes with a code. It looks complicated, but here’s the deal:
- Each code tells you what you did wrong (speeding, skipping a red light, etc.).
- The code is on your infringement notice or online profile.
- If you’re not sure what a code means, most online portals (like Fines SA or payCity) explain it for you.
Tip: If you see a code you don’t understand, don’t ignore it. Look it up or ask RTIA for help.
How to Check Infringement Notice Online
Lost your paper notice? No problem. Here’s how to check online:
- Go to Fines SA, payCity, or ViewFines.net.
- Enter your ID number or vehicle registration.
- See all your current (and past) infringement notices.
- Click for more details—many sites even show photos of the violation.
Quick Steps:
- Sign up (it’s free).
- Add your details.
- Check your dashboard for new or unpaid fines.
Pay My Fines: The Easiest Ways
Paying fines used to mean standing in long lines. Not anymore! Here’s how to pay online:
- Fines SA: Pay multiple fines at once. Use Snapscan, Zapper, credit/debit cards, EFT, Apple Pay, and more. Get instant confirmation.
- payCity: Same deal—pay with cards or EFT, and your payment is marked instantly. If your license renewal was blocked, paying here can clear it right away.
- Ekurhuleni WhatsApp: If you’re in the City of Ekurhuleni, pay fines using their WhatsApp chatbot. Just say “Hi” to 060 667 7177 and follow the prompts.
Tip: Always keep your payment confirmation. You never know when you’ll need proof.
What Happens If You Ignore a Fine?
Ignoring a fine is a bad idea. Here’s what happens, step by step:
- Infringement Notice: You get the first notice, with a 50% discount if paid within 32 days.
- Courtesy Letter: Didn’t pay? You get a letter, plus admin fees.
- Enforcement Order: Still no payment? Now you get demerit points, and your license or vehicle renewal could be blocked.
- Warrant of Execution: Ignore everything? The sheriff could seize your stuff, deface your license, or even report you to credit bureaus.
AARTO South Africa: What’s Next?
Here’s what’s coming (but not here yet):
- Nationwide demerit system: Every driver starts with zero points. Each violation adds points. Reach 13 points, and your license is suspended.
- Administrative process: Most fines are handled online, not in court.
- Stricter penalties: Serious violations (drunk driving, reckless driving) mean big fines and more points.
As of June 2025, these changes are only in effect in Johannesburg and Tshwane. The rest of the country is still waiting for the official rollout.
Your Go-To for Online Fines
payCity is one of the easiest ways to check and pay fines. Here’s what you can do:
- View all your fines, including those under AARTO and the old system.
- See photos and documents linked to your fine.
- Pay instantly with cards or EFT.
- Get real-time updates—your payment is marked as soon as you pay.
You can also renew your vehicle license and pay municipal bills on payCity.
List of Traffic Fines: Common Offences
Here’s a quick bullet list of offences that can get you fined (and possibly earn you demerit points):
- Speeding
- Ignoring red lights
- Drunk driving
- Using your phone while driving
- Not wearing a seatbelt
- Overloading your vehicle
- Driving an unroadworthy vehicle
Even small violations add up. Don’t ignore the “little” things.
How to Contest a Fine
Think you got a fine by mistake? You can contest it. Here’s what to do:
- Log in to Fines SA or payCity.
- Find the fine you want to contest.
- Follow the instructions to lodge an objection or representation with RTIA.
Online Fine Payment Options
| Platform | Can Check Fines? | Can Pay Fines? | Can Contest? | Extra Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fines SA | Yes | Yes | Yes | Add family/friends, discounts |
| payCity | Yes | Yes | No | View photos, renew license |
| ViewFines.net | Yes | No | No | Email/SMS notifications |
| Ekurhuleni WhatsApp | Yes | Yes | No | Chatbot, easy for locals |
Tips for Staying Fine-Free
- Always wear your seatbelt.
- Don’t speed, even if the road’s empty.
- Never use your phone while driving (not even at a red light).
- Don’t drink and drive. Ever.
- Keep your car roadworthy—check lights, brakes, and tires.
- If you get a fine, pay or contest it right away.
FAQs New AARTO Rules
Is the AARTO demerit system active nationwide as of June 5, 2025?
No. As of now, it’s only in Johannesburg and Tshwane. The national rollout is still months away.
How do I check my traffic fines online?
Use platforms like Fines SA, payCity, or ViewFines.net. Enter your ID or vehicle details to see all your fines.
What happens if I don’t pay my fine?
You’ll get extra fees, demerit points, and could have your license or vehicle renewal blocked. Eventually, the sheriff could seize your property.
Can I get a discount on my fine?
Yes! Pay within 32 days of getting the notice, and you could get up to 50% off.
What are the most common traffic fines?
Speeding, running red lights, drunk driving, not wearing a seatbelt, and using your phone while driving are the top offenders.
How do I contest a fine?
Log in to Fines SA or payCity, find your fine, and follow the steps to contest it with RTIA.
What is RTIA?
The Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) runs the AARTO system. They issue notices, handle payments, and manage the demerit system.
Conclusion
Let’s wrap it up. The AARTO rule update is a big deal, but don’t panic. The new system isn’t nationwide yet, but it’s coming. Use this time to check your fines, pay off anything outstanding, and get familiar with the online portals. When the new rules do hit your area, you’ll be ready—not stressed.
