From the 10th October 2025 onwards, South Africa will be dishing harsher traffic penalties under the new RTO rules. The goal of elevating fines and enforcement levels under the aegis of the RTMC and other local transport authorities is to curb reckless driving and very much to improve safety on the roads.
These amendments have come on the heels of wider reforms under the AARTO, the better to provide for a uniform, stricter regime for traffic violations countrywide.
What Is Changing — Fines & Offences
New regulations will make the penalty of some common traffic offences much stiffer. The main changes include:
- Speeding: Fines for speeding especially near residential or school zones have been raised drastically.
- Drinking and driving: A detected BAC while operating a vehicle now carries fines that are harsher alongside an almost sure follow-up suspension of the license.
- Using a phone when driving: The penalty for using a mobile phone whilst driving is increased, and demerit points may be added.
- Driving without valid licensing: Issuance of heavier fines for offences such as driving with an expired or incorrect license document.
- Load restrictions and ignoring traffic signals: Carry heavier fines as well.
The table in the original article shows examples of old fines versus new fines with demerit points and risk of license suspension attached thereto.
How to Pay Fines and Avoid Complications
If you want to avoid further penalties, it is best that you pay your fine immediately. The article lists a few places and ways to make the payment:
- Online — through the official AARTO website.
- In person — at any police station or licensing office, as well as post offices.
- Bank transfer — using your ticket number as a reference.
- Always retain proof of payment. A failure to clear a fine may lead to legal consequences, licensing issues, or even a court summons.
Campaining Against a Fine
- A driver can challenge a fine on the grounds of it being unfair up to 32 days after the date of the offence.
- Use Form AARTO 08 via the Internet or at the appropriate office.
- Present supporting evidence such as dashcam footage, witness statements, or point out discrepancies in the recording of the offence.
- If your objection is dismissed, you have another 30 days to take your case either to an AARTO tribunal or to court.
The Importance of These Changes
Increasing fines and enforcement goes a great deal towards curbing road deaths and deterring repeat offenders from committing the same offences. The government further intends to step up enforcement measures such as smart speed cameras, number plate recognition systems, and enhanced monitoring in known high-risk zones.
For any South African driver, these new laws mean the phrase “obey speed limits, keep off your phone while driving and do not drive while impaired, and always hold a valid license document” could never have been more important than at this current time.
Also Read: Double SASSA Payouts Coming In October 2025 – Who Qualifies And When To Collect