The demerit system was in pilot phase in Tshwane and Johannesburg.  It will only be implemented in 2010. I am not sure if  the points you receive in the pilot phase will reflect in 2010. I asked someone and they said No. What I understand from the statement below is that you won’t be penalised now. I am not sure if  it will be reflected in 2010 though. Better be safe then sorry, drive carefully and according to the law..

Looks like the official AARTO website is offline(actually looks like they didn’t pay their domain fees and someone snapped the opportunity and bought it). http://www.aarto.co.za/

This is what AARTO had to say about the rollout on it’s partner RTMC website:

AARTO Developments

Date: 06 July 2008

MEDIA STATEMENT: AARTO DEVELOPMENTS

During his address at the National Assembly on 3 July 2009 the Minister of Transport committed to the implementation of the AARTO (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences) throughout the country in 2010. The AARTO seeks to effect an efficient road traffic management environment in the country. The objective of the AARTO is to enhance road safety and instil the culture of compliance with road traffic safety legislation.

To ensure compliance, the introduction of the points-demerit system will be implemented as part of the national roll out in 2010.

The purpose of the pilot project both in Tshwane and Johannesburg was to identify problem areas in the legislation and operational environment as the forerunner to the national roll out in 2010. Currently, attention is being paid to both aspects of the pilot project namely legislation and operation which includes communication to ensure a smooth roll out.

Infringers issued with infringement notices in both pilot projects will be aware of the allocation of the demerit points on the infringement notices received. This is part of the educational and communication awareness drive to inform infringing motorists of the workings of the demerit points system. Currently motorists are not being penalized in terms of the demerit point system. However, as from 2010 when the demerit point system is implemented throughout South Africa, these demerit points will reflect against the driving license of infringing motorists on the National Contravention Register (NCR) on eNaTIS.

The demerit point system may lead to the suspension and ultimately to the cancellation of the driving license.

For further information please contact Ms. Thandi Moya (RTMC)

……………………………………………………END…………………………………………………………………

Issued by: RTMC (Road Traffic Management Corporation)

Tel: (012) 809-5290

According to IOL 8 July 2009

The points demerit system will only be operational by November 2010.

This was confirmed by Road Traffic Management Corporation CEO Ranthoko Rakgoale on Tuesday.

He said the email being circulated stating that the system was already up and running was false.

A media briefing was called on Tuesday after The Star reported numerous problems with the issuing of fines under the new Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (Aarto) Act.

AARTO in a nutshell