Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za
3-minute read | 10 December 2025

📸 RTIA urges motorists to stay alert as AARTO rollout approaches.

A renewed sense of urgency has gripped motorists nationwide as the Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) continues to clarify the upcoming rollout of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) system. While South Africans will start on a clean slate with zero demerit points, the agency warns that unresolved CPA fines and a worrying spike in scams could put many drivers at risk.

Speaking to Radio Islam International, RTIA spokesperson Monde Mkalipi emphasised that scam activity has surged since the initial proclamation of AARTO’s rollout date. “We have seen an escalation of emails going out to road users,” he warned. These fraudulent messages urge motorists to click payment links that appear official but are designed to siphon funds.

Mkalipi firmly cautioned that “electronic service of documents through email is unlawful at the moment,” stressing that the RTIA uses only two legal methods to serve infringement notices:

1. Personal service on the roadside, and
2. Registered mail, which requires a signature upon collection.

No email communication from third-party platforms is authorised, and the RTIA does not issue digital payment requests. He added that some motorists have unknowingly paid fines through unapproved platforms that retain the money rather than transferring it to the RTIA. “You will be told that you’ve got outstanding traffic fines… It means now you have to pay double,” he warned, noting the financial harm already experienced by several road users.

The agency urges motorists to verify any suspicious notification directly with the RTIA and to request the list of approved payment platforms before transacting. Mkalipi urged: “Please verify the information before you press any button.”

Despite the challenges, the agency believes the AARTO system will introduce a fairer, more accountable traffic regime. Under the new system, drivers accumulate points for infractions rather than losing them. A three-month period of violation-free driving removes one point at a time, reinforcing safe road behaviour. However, reaching 15 points triggers suspension, and repeated breaches may ultimately result in licence cancellation.

With the official rollout now scheduled for July 2026, the RTIA continues to prepare motorists for the transition while reminding them that old fines remain enforceable. The conversation concluded with Mkalipi reiterating that while AARTO offers a fresh start regarding demerit points, “no amnesty” exists for historical infringements.

As the nation anticipates the system’s launch, motorists are urged to stay vigilant, stay informed, and avoid fraudulent platforms.

Listen to the full interview on The Daily Round-Up with Moulana Junaid Kharsany and Monde Mkalipi.