[INFOGRAPHIC] Here’s how the new driver demerit system will affect you
Transport Minister, Joe Maswanganyi, welcomed the passing of a bill yesterday ensuring that a demerit points system for drivers would be implemented.
POLOKWANE – Maswanganyi welcomed the passing of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Amendment Bill (AARTO Amendment Bill), by the National Assembly, on 5 September 2017.
The Bill guarantees South Africa’s implementation of the National Road Safety Strategy and the achievement of the targets, as set out in United Nations Decade of Action for Road Safety.
“South Africa has been experiencing tremendous loss of lives, especially of young people, as well as the continued disregard of road traffic laws,” said Maswanganyi.
He indicated to members of the National Assembly that when implementing the Bill, the demerit points system will also be implemented.
“The demerit point system will provide for an easy and objective mechanism of identifying habitual infringers so that the applicable penalties can be imposed”.
Maswanganyi explained that those who continue to break the law, will lose their drivers licences through suspensions and cancellation.
“We must remember that a driving licence always belongs to the government and everyone that wants to exercise this benefit, must comply with the conditions related there.”
The bill will become law once it has been signed by President Jacob Zuma.
How will it work?
The system will penalise drivers for traffic infringements using demerit points, with a demerit limit of 12 points.
If a driver’s total demerit points exceeds 12, their licence is suspended for three months for every demerit point over 12.
Once a driver’s licence is suspended for the third time, it is cancelled and destroyed.
Drivers should note that it is possible to be credited with multiple demerit points in a single incident, as the points are awarded per violation.
*Please note that these are estimate amounts. Amounts will be finalised when the bill is signed.
The Minister further said that the Act will provide the assurance to all South Africans that their lives matter and that it is about increasing road safety.
What are your thoughts on the new demerit system?
