Overview
- Transport Minister Barbara Creecy set 1 July 2026 for the expanded rollout after conferring with Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa.
- The department will publish a new proclamation with staggered dates while keeping a phased approach across municipalities.
- An internal assessment cited incomplete officer and back‑office training, interoperability problems and funding shortfalls in first‑phase areas.
- The revised timeline replaces a plan to begin in 69 municipalities in December 2025 before expanding nationwide in later phases.
- Once active, AARTO will suspend licences at 15 demerit points with points expiring over time, as critics such as OUTA question late regulations and RTIA readiness.