PROJECT: AARTO DEFERRED TO 1 JULY 2026

Isabel Spies
4 days ago
5 min read

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KEY CONCERNS REGARDING THE NEW AARTO SYSTEM:

INFRASTRUCTURE AND ADMINISTRATIVE READINESS:

There is deep scepticism about whether the government's infrastructure (offices, systems, staff) can handle the new system.
The South African public, drawing on their own experiences with dysfunctional and outdated government systems—such as receiving excessively high or incorrect electricity bills—fear that this rollout may be equally chaotic.
A major concern is the lack of a proper, accessible office infrastructure to handle disputes.
Without this, the system is seen as "an all-round system in which you are immediately guilty without evidence."

HANDLING OF DISPUTES AND UNIQUE CIRCUMSTANCES:

The system must account for complex real-life situations:
Vehicles are driven by someone else (employees, family, thieves).
Stolen license plates or vehicles.
Emergencies (e.g., rushing to the hospital, evading hijackings or road spiking in dangerous areas).
The process for disputing a fine needs to be clear, and the status must be visible across all government systems (especially licensing departments), so a person is not penalised while their case is under investigation.

POTENTIAL FOR INCREASED CORRUPTION:

While the digital nature of the system may reduce low-level bribery (e.g., paying-off a traffic officer), it is feared that corruption will simply shift.
Concerns are raised about "extreme individuals offering large bribes to AARTO officials.
There is a call for a "watchdog on AARTO" due to the pervasive corruption in other government municipalities and departments.

SCAMS AND CYBERCRIME:

The public is warned against scammers who will send fake fines via SMS, email, or WhatsApp, capitalising on the public's confusion and fear of the new demerit system.
The system itself needs a verified, easy-to-use channel (like an 800-number or secure app) for citizens to confirm the legitimacy of fines.

FINANCIAL HARDSHIP AND LEGACY FINES:

There is concern about how the system will handle old, outstanding fines, especially given the strained economy, where many people are already struggling to afford payments.
The system may force people with large unpaid fines to drive without a license, which is a crime, creating a vicious cycle.

CONCERNS ABOUT THE SOUTH AFRICAN POLICE SERVICE (SAPS) AND METROPOLITAN POLICE/TRAFFIC OFFICERS:

PERCEIVED AND INEFFECTIVE AND CORRUPT

The police and other metropolitan police/traffic officers are implicitly and explicitly described as part of the wider corruption problem.
They are seen as reactive rather than proactive, only getting involved in the most "serious" cases (major accidents, drunk driving).

LACK OF TRUST IN HANDLING CRIMES:

One example often cited is that of a resident who still has a false police case from 25 years ago circulating on the system, highlighting the public’s lack of confidence in the accuracy and integrity of police records.
The expectation is that for crimes like buying a license, the police response will be weak.

CONCERNS ABOUT TECHNOLOGY:

OUTDATED AND UNRELIABLE SYSTEMS:

The current technology used by city councils and government departments is described as "old," "broken up," "not upgraded," and unable to communicate with each other.
This existing failure creates doubt that the new, sophisticated AARTO system will function properly.

NEED FOR INTEGRATED, REAL-TIME TECHNOLOGY:

For the AARTO system to be effective, it requires seamless communication between all authorities: traffic departments, police and licensing offices across the entire country.
The ideal solution proposed is a device or app directly linked to the vehicle's speedometer that can record speed, location, and even identify accidents.
This would provide irrefutable evidence.
However, there is a concern that the government does not have "the latest and the finest and the highest quality" technology needed for such a large system.

THE DOUBLE-EDGED SWORD OF DIGITAL SYSTEMS:

While digital and electronic systems can reduce certain types of corruption and improve monitoring (e.g., average speed over distance cameras), they also create new vulnerabilities.
The biggest technological threat is seen as cybercriminals who may target the system itself or exploit the public through scams, a threat considered imminent.

With the implementation of the AARTO system now deferred to 1 July 2026, motorists must remain vigilant and informed about their current rights and obligations under existing traffic laws. Until AARTO officially comes into effect, no officer may lawfully demand instant payment of fines, confiscate valid licences, or threaten arrest without a proper warrant.

Specialised Security Services (SSS) urges all South Africans to stay alert,

document any unlawful conduct by enforcement officials, and report such incidents immediately.

Public awareness and accountability remain the strongest tools against abuse, intimidation,

and corruption on South Africa’s roads.

Law enforcement must protect the public — not exploit it.

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