Overview
- Transport Minister Barbara Creecy confirmed the expanded AARTO rollout will start on 1 July 2026, replacing plans to begin phasing it in from 1 December 2025 across 69 municipalities.
- The department cited incomplete training for law enforcement and back‑office staff, the need to harmonise municipal systems, limited administrative capacity, and funding gaps as key obstacles.
- Officials said the phased approach remains intact and a fresh proclamation with staggered implementation dates will be published.
- The Western Cape’s mobility minister, Isaac Sileku, welcomed the deferral, saying the delay creates space to align stakeholders and ensure readiness.
- Civil-society critics, including OUTA, called the delay inevitable and questioned the regulations and fairness of the regime, which suspends licences at 15 demerit points with points redeemed over time.