How the new traffic demerit system will affect you
The demerit system was signed into law in 1998 but has run into delays for various reasons
AFTER operating as a pilot programme in Gauteng since 2008, the new traffic demerit system could be rolled out countrywide as early as next month.
Based on similar systems used in Australia and the United Kingdom, South Africa’s new traffic demerit system will crack down on repeat traffic offenders, as well as reward law-abiding motorists.
A meeting of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) will be held in Bloemfontein before the end of February, which could see the system made official countrywide soon thereafter.
The demerit system works as follows:
All drivers start with zero demerit points and one point is added for every offence.
Once drivers reach 12 demerit points, their licences are suspended.
Before reaching 12 points, a driver can reduce the number of points by one point for every three-month period that is free of offences.
On the flip side, for every point received that exceeds 12, the driver is disqualified from driving.
The disqualification period equals in months the number of points by which the total of 12 is exceeded, multiplied by three.
For example, a driver who is three points over the 12 point maximum will be disqualified from driving for a total of nine months.
Repeat offenders whose licences are suspended for a third time, will have their license cancelled.
The disqualified driver must surrender his or her licence or professional driving permit to the issuing authority for retention.
During the time of disqualification, the driver may not apply for a driving licence, professional permit or operator card, neither may he or she drive without a licence.
Disqualified drivers caught driving will be convicted and either fined or imprisoned for no more than a year, or both.
Drivers will receive a demerit when: penalties are paid; drivers apply to pay penalties in installments; convicted in court; and an enforcement order is issued.
Infringements such as driving unregistered or unlicensed vehicles and driving while holding a cell phone will earn a driver one point each.
An intoxicated driver will receive six points, while those caught driving without a seat belt will receive four.
Speeding will also earn drivers demerits, with different speeding offences receiving different demerits.
More information can be found on the AARTO website.
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