In South Africa, sweeping alterations to the law regarding driving would, toward the betterment of safety on the roads and the behavioral conduct of driving, find enforcement in about 2025. These amendments, inter alia, will push forth the implementation of the demerit point system under AARTO, calibration of speed limits, and tougher punishments for traffic infringement.
Implementation Of The AARTO Demerit System
Demerit point systems in the AARTO Act impose penalties for drivers who infringe traffic laws. Under this system, each infraction will carry a certain number of points against the driver’s license. Upon accumulating over 15 points during the prescribed 3-year period, the driver’s license shall automatically come under suspension or shall be revoked by the respective authority. For example, exceeding the speed limit by over 16-20 km shall attract a fine of R500 against one demerit point.
Amended Speed Limits and Penalties
The regulations further impose graver punishments for speeding offenses. Such will apply to the following speeding infractions:
- 11-15 km/h above limit: R250 fine; no demerit points.
- 16-20 km/h above limit: A fine of R500; one demerit point.
- 21-25 km/h above limit: R750; two demerit points.
- 26-30 km/h above limit: R1,000 fine; three demerit points.
- 31-35 km/h above limit: R1,250 fine; four demerit points.
- 36-40 km/h above limit: R1,500; five demerit points.
- Speeding over 40 km/h: Criminal offense with 6 demerit points and a court appearance.
Zero Tolerance For Drunk Driving
A slab of zero tolerance for DUI is repeated again. Heavy punitive measures come into effect if the driver’s blood alcohol concentration constitutes over 0.05 g per 100ml triggering court action and awarding 6 demerit points to the license in question.
Driving Implications
Demerit point accumulation would spell doom on a driver’s future. When one attains 15 points, their driver’s license is suspended for a time determined by the authorities. Hence, repeated suspensions could end up leading to total license termination with retesting of driving ability needed for one to regain driving rights.
Conclusion
The driving law amendments are due in South Africa in 2025 just before an all-out effort to secure road safety and reduce traffic law infringement. For this reason, it is strongly suggested that drivers take time to know these rules so as to avoid any penalties and to help in the safe use of roads within the country.
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