Overview
- Transport Minister Barbara Creecy, with Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa, announced the postponement of the expanded AARTO rollout to 1 July 2026.
- The Department of Transport will issue a new proclamation with staggered implementation dates while maintaining a phased approach.
- A readiness assessment identified incomplete training for law-enforcement and back‑office staff, a need to harmonise municipal systems, and funding shortfalls.
- The prior plan aimed to begin in December 2025 across 69 municipalities, with full national implementation by December 2026.
- Under AARTO, licences suspend once drivers exceed 15 demerit points, points redeem at one per three months, and two suspensions can lead to cancellation, with experts also flagging late regulations and RTIA readiness.