I have received a few e-mails regarding a new demerit and fine system being tested in Pretoria.
It’s only fitting that I share this knowledge with you incase you don’t already know. Have a look at these lovely pictures:
And now read this:
The new system will be introduced in Pretoria on September 1 and then extended throughout the country.
Every driver will be awarded 12 points. If you lose those points through 12 demerits in a year, your licence will be suspended. After three suspensions, your licence will be cancelled.
So strict are the new regulations that you could have your driver’s licence suspended immediately if, for example:
· You’re caught speeding.
· You’re not wearing a seatbelt.
· Your car’s tail lights are not in working order.
· You left your licence at home.And in addition to losing your licence, you will be slapped with a stiff fine.
National Transport Department official Ndivhuwo Mabaya said each motorist would be allocated 12 points at the beginning of each year.
If he or she remained penalty-free at the end of the year, the next year would kick off with an additional 12 points plus a bonus point – a total of 25.
This process would be repeated every year, with the result that good drivers would be rewarded by building up a bank of bonus points. Conversely, points will be deducted for offences committed during each year.
However, don’t think you can build up, say, five years worth of brownie points as a safeguard against any serious traffic offence you might commit in the future – such as drunken driving, excessive speeding or running over a pedestrian while you’re inebriated.
In the case of major traffic violations, the law will continue to take its normal course and you will end up in court to face the music.
And, if found guilty, you’re almost certain to lose all your carefully hoarded points as well.
Traffic officials also stress that the entire system is in a trial-and-error development phase and will be tweaked and fine-tuned continuously as the need arises in the years ahead.
The new demerit system, based on a highly successful Australian model, has been made possible by the introduction of the card-format driver’s licences which enable traffic authorities to store the record of every driver.
Demerits will be rated according to a unit scale.
For example, if a motorist is found with an unregistered vehicle, he will be docked two demerit points from his 12 points and get 10 penalty units which means a fine of R500.
Not having your driver’s licence with you also costs two demerits and a R500 fine.
If you are caught not wearing a seatbelt, you will get one demerit and pay a R250 fine.
Traffic infringements that will cost drivers three demerits include not stopping at a stop sign and overloading by more than 25 percent.
Overloaders will be penalised by 25 penalty units – a fine of R1 250.
Those caught speeding repeatedly will be especially hit with hefty fines and demerits.
· If you are caught doing up to 20 percent over the speed limit, you will get a fine of R250, but no demerit points – for example speeding up to 72km/h in a 60km/h zone or up to 144km/h in a 120km/h zone.
· If you are 21 percent to 30 percent over the speed limit you will get one demerit point and a R500 fine – for example travelling up to 78km/h in a 60km/h zone or up to 156km/h in a 120km/h zone.
· If you are 31 percent to 45 percent over the speed limit you get two demerit points and a R750 fine – for example up to 87km/h in a 60km/h zone or 174km/h in a 120km/h zone.
· If you are 46 percent to 60 percent over the speed limit you are docked three demerit points and fined R1 250 – for example doing up to 96km/h in a 60km/h zone or up to 192km/h in a 120km/h zone.
· Doing more than 60 percent over the limit will mean the driver will go straight to court where the magistrate will determine the fine – and four demerit points will be deducted.Motorists who have not converted to the new card format have already lost their licences and will have to be re-tested if they want to drive again
There are going to be people who flip out, there are always those who say that speeding doesn’t kill if you know how. Well you know what? I think this is fantastic. I can’t wait to have BMW, Mercedes, Taxi and any other idiot drivers on the road with their licenses revoked because they can’t drive at a safe speed.
Honestly I think that this is a step in the right direction and I hope that the roll-out in PTA will go smoothly so the rest of the country can have the system as soon as possible.
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July 2nd, 2008 at 12:51 pm
This sounds like a much better plan, it one way of getting ride of bad, careless drivers making the roads far more safer!!! Then when it comes to holidays we won’t hear of so many accidents like we do every year
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:41 pm
I’ve been watching this system with some amusement. It makes sense and is a fair way of punishing repeat offenders and letting the good drivers get some form of reward.
I don’t however believe it is going to get the reckless taxi drivers or speedsters off the road…. How many taxi drivers / taxi bosses in Cape Town alone racked up in excess of R20k in traffic fines?? It doesn’t stop them driving.
July 2nd, 2008 at 8:02 pm
Oh, yeah, this is going to work when our metro cops are as corrupt as they are. The metro cops are going to love this … they’re going to make even more money from bribes from motorists wanting to avoid demerits.
Duncan McLeods last blog post..Papi Molotsane makes return to telecoms
July 3rd, 2008 at 3:18 am
While the laws might be excellent, a very good idea to reduce for the terrible road deaths that occur in SA, the ability to implement is the key.
Have a look at the Intelligent Camera technology provided by I-Cube which will enable those who are supposed to uphold the law to be managed and ensure no bribes are taken.
Real time monitoring of the license plate, colour of car, drivers license, officials via remote monitoring are just some of the technologies proposed.
To find out more, please visit http://www.I-Cube.co.za or call Barry on 082 562 8225
July 3rd, 2008 at 1:08 pm
Yes – the implementation of these laws are the key to it being successful. However, as we all know, SA cops are quite a corrupt bunch.
Speed doesn’t kill – bad driving does. Speed has been used by authorities all over the world – but most famously in the UK – where it has been proved that speed cameras DO NOT REDUCE ACCIDENTS…they just as an revenue-generating tool.
July 5th, 2008 at 11:27 am
I live in the UK can 100% confirm that the point system works over here. Points gone = licence taken away. And with 20 cameras (not just speeding, video cameras as well) between you and the shop there is little or no room for error. THE WORST OF ALL OF THIS!!! If you loose points on your licence, it shows on a system and your INSURANCE have access = YOUR INSURANCE GO UP.
July 8th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
I like the idea, but don’t think it’ll work anytime soon. You need to tackle the idea of fake licenses first!
July 17th, 2008 at 10:57 am
Oh look…. another good reason to leave SA
July 17th, 2008 at 4:15 pm
Daniel – Then why exactly are you still in SA? If, that is, you are still in SA??
August 12th, 2008 at 7:33 pm
If you already have 12 points against you, Nothing stops you to ask or pay someone else to use his name and clean licence. You just submit a form to the authorities stating that the other person have driven your vehicle at the time. They need to find a way around this.
August 12th, 2008 at 10:03 pm
That’s right Johan, typical South African mentality that we need to get rid of. New system = new ways to break the law, lie and cheat.
Nics last blog post..Facebook’s “Note Bloggers” must outnumber us “Real Bloggers”
August 12th, 2008 at 10:50 pm
I am sure this is the way to a safer driving environment for us all. A rude awakening awiats repeat offenders. As soon as the system is in place next year(hopefully)a lot of people will be without a licence,so get(keep)your slate clean. Do not think that if you are the holder of two or more licences you will still be able to drive legally after 12 penalty points, it apply to you as person not a specific licence.People with a fleet of vehicles who accumalates enough points will loose all their vehicles licences as well as their operator cards.
The good news is that if you pay within 32 days you will get 50% discount.
April 1st, 2009 at 7:55 am
Do you know if there is a set standard as to what the maximum value of a fine could be for any definate violation? The reason I ask is that my daughter-in-law received a fine yesterday in Hillcrest Kwazulu-Natal for failing to make a complete stop at a stop sign. The fine was R1 500.00 which I think is excessive. The area in which she received it is a quiet area with full view of any approaching traffic. Meanwhile the taxi’s go through the busy intersection in Hillcrest without even thinking of stopping.
Could you please help, or could you direct my query to the right department.
Thanking you.
April 15th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
The entire system is a scam designed to supplement the city’s income, if they were really serious about making the roads safer why dont they:
Have regular stops to check alcohol levels.
Set up a task team to investigate high accident zones and DO something about preventing further accidents there
Stop cars to assess roadworthiness
I don’t pay my fines anymore, I just use the Traffic Fines Toolkit to see whether the fine is actually valid or not, most of the time it isn’t but because you and I don’t know better, we keep on getting them and paying them and now they have one more tool to threaten us with: demerit points
May 1st, 2009 at 6:47 pm
i like dick and drunk driving!!! especially at the same time… who’s gonna stop me?! Move bitches get out the way if ya see me on the highway get the fuck outta my way!!!
May 23rd, 2009 at 1:04 am
Dear sir,
with respect i have state that TFS(Traffic fine system) is my final year project just make me understand and depicts me that how i will prepare my Interface of my project.
June 8th, 2009 at 5:05 pm
Although this is a great system that works overseas it is not ideal for South Africa, we have unlicensed drivers already and this will merely increase.
JC mentioned this worked well in the UK. The UK is a far cry from this country, they have public transport which works, which is safe, they also have strict laws governing the use of traffic cameras (Cameras are brightly painted with thick white lines leading up to it to warn you of the camera). The fundemental difference between countries like the UK and us is that they actually do all of this to protect the citizens whereas our wonderful government do it to screw us as best they can.
Metro will have a field day with all the bribes they get, hell I think i need to apply for a traffic position, I know It’ll be the most lucrative job to have.
July 9th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
Do not expect AARTO to be a perfect system from day one.
AARTO is putting in the foundations and building the house one brick at a time. This way they will achieve the ultimate goal of a perfect system in the long run. As the saying says – “one step at a time”.
Grow and learn with AARTO. This is the only way anybody will be able to comply. Like a baby becoming an adult, there are many changes of clothes and adaptation in one form or another. So it is with AARTO. In my opinion it is better to change the clothes and adapt as often as required than to try and remain in them.
August 14th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
I THINK ITS A BUNCH OF CRAP AS MYSELF AND 1500 OTHERS I KNOW IS PART OF A CAR CLUB WE DONT SPEED AND IF WE DO WE KEEP IT OFF THE ROAD NOW THEY WANNA FINE US FOR VINYLS ON OUR CARS AND CARS THAT HAS BEEN LOWERED WE DO ALOT OF SHOWS AND OUR CARS STAND OUT THAT MAKING US EVEN BIGGER TARGETS AS WE GET PULLED OFF FOR CRAP
August 25th, 2009 at 3:39 am
Getting Traffic Fines Withdrawn
Did you know most fines issued are not valid due to various technicalities that the traffic department wishes you don’t find out about?
In fact there are so many that when you know them it is almost impossible to find a fine that doesn’t have a flaw.
Get more info visit:
http://tinyurl.com/m785pg
September 14th, 2009 at 11:01 am
i think people should be allowed to drive at higher speeds, having to drive so slow is rather distracting and a person cant even concentrate.
September 14th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
i agree with Iuqmaan, their new rules wont keep street racers off neither will the ghost patrol!!!
November 20th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
i really think people that drive slow on our free way cause the accidents as they are not concentrating on whats happening around them… when you driving you not only driving 1 car but 5 cars the 1 in front, back, left, right, and yours 5 in total…. if you drive fast you know and see whats happening 6 cars in front of you…. dont believe in driving slow.
December 8th, 2009 at 4:59 pm
Karabo I have to disagree…
I enjoy driving fast myself…
However if you driving fast on the free way…yes your concerntration levels are higher…but your reflexs and response time is slower?
If you are drving at +140km on the free way and you tire blows unexpectadely…or some else with weaer skills that you driving fast aswell looses control, those 5 cars “you are apparenly driving” will all be road kill…never mind how many other casualties are involved!
These driving fast and then there is driving fast and driving fast like an idiot!
And well unfortunately atleast 80% of fast drivers are more of a hazard to the rest of the road users!
Im definitely game with the new implementation!
September 21st, 2010 at 11:34 am
What will happen if the owner is not driving his or her own vehicle? What will happen to the person liable for the charge regarding the point system?
September 21st, 2010 at 11:35 am
can points be deducted without writting a fine out to the person liable
September 22nd, 2010 at 4:12 pm
I know someone very well .that is driving a vehicle with NO roadworthy certificate,from 2008.and that vehicle has been scraped.this persons also got 2 bakkies both with same number plates and same disc.says the traffic offerces are to stuiped to catch him.
November 15th, 2010 at 4:30 pm
There seems to be a lot for and perhaps even more against the proposed regulations, many of the reasons from both sides are pertinant, however be that as it may…… one thing is certain, ….with the number of loose unlicensed guns in South African, it wouldn`t surprise me in the least should we see Open Season being declared on Traffic Officials.
November 17th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
I think this new system is brilliant, amen to the fact that finally the taxi driver’s and careless drivers will catch a wake up.
November 21st, 2010 at 6:20 pm
Unfortunately, like everything else, the taxidrivers will NOT be penalised, they will get away with murder, as they usually do. Too many cops and government officials are in cahoots with these drivers, and loads of them own a stake in the taxi business, I have seen transactions going down between these entities many times. Rather do a clamp-down on truly careless and drunk drivers, those are the REAL dangers on the roads.
November 24th, 2010 at 4:47 pm
When would this be activated for real in Cape Town?
December 10th, 2010 at 6:59 pm
I have a truck and just received a fine of R750, for travelling at 85km per hour in a 80km zone. this was on the N3 freeway , at Camperdown . I was led to believe that I would only get a fine if I was doing above 89kms per hour.I was trapped by camera. Please advise if this ticket is correct.
January 18th, 2011 at 12:37 pm
I am fully behind this new rules. I have heard many drivers already worrying about the point system and it has not even been put into use yet. AARTO rules will make the roads much safer and easy to use.
February 1st, 2011 at 7:58 pm
The problem in South Africa is that, We don’t think for other people. What is going to happen to usk as a drivers. We will loss our job, what about those poeple who is their bread to drive? We have to think. Those people who has make this law they don’t drive. How can u stop crime if you never ….
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July 18th, 2011 at 10:53 am
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July 27th, 2011 at 2:52 pm
i am not completly in tune with the demerit system, but yes I agree. one thing I did not find refference to – unroadworthy vehicles. nobody has ever scrutinized the vehicles which had an accident, for roaworthiness noncomplience. where is the law going to take harsh measures on the corrupted official? why not to give demerit system to our traffic officers?
guys and dolls, let me shut-up, before i get the stick
August 15th, 2011 at 7:39 pm
Hi ,this is a money making scheme ,if speeding is such a major problem ,then simply Govern the speed of the Cars at the manufacturers.
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March 15th, 2012 at 1:45 pm
Sounds good in theory, but managed to get a “not wearing a seatbelt fine” whilst wearing one today, just cause they didnt like my white face?
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