South African drivers are already feeling the impact of the AARTO Act, even though the full rollout isn’t until mid-2026. People are running into real trouble over unpaid traffic fines—think blocked licence renewals and cars getting flagged at roadblocks.
The Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) says its systems are now syncing up with municipal databases. What does that mean? Outstanding fines pop up everywhere, whether you’re at a licensing office or stopped at a roadblock, even though the demerit system isn’t in play yet.
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RTIA’s numbers are staggering: over 32-million unpaid fines sitting in the system. As these databases connect, that old data isn’t just sitting there anymore—it’s coming back to bite. If you try to renew your vehicle or driver’s licence, you might hit a wall.
Others are suddenly receiving enforcement orders or even court summonses for fines they forgot about, now with extra penalties stacked on.
Here’s how it works: an infringement notice from one city can now block your licence renewal in another. RTIA is encouraging everyone to sort out their fines before they get caught off guard.
Barry Berman from Fines SA sees more and more drivers getting tripped up. “People are often surprised when they can’t renew a licence or their car gets flagged. The enforcement system is already up and running,” he says.
The Justice Project South Africa has warned that many drivers don’t even know about some of their fines—especially ones triggered by traffic cameras. It’s smart to check your status regularly. This December and January, enforcement ramps up for the holiday season. Police and the Road Traffic Management Corporation are planning more roadblocks, and now officers can pull up your fine status instantly.
If you’ve got outstanding fines, expect delays or more serious action on the spot. If you want to avoid headaches—blocked renewals, extra penalties, even insurance trouble—check your fines through official channels and pay them off as soon as possible. It’s the easiest way to make sure your licence stays valid and your car stays on the road.
Colin Windell for Colin-on-Cars in association with
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