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JCA comment: AARTO Phase 2 is here — but don’t panic

Jul 01, 2026 AARTO Phase 2, JC Auditors, Reon du Plessis


JCA comment: AARTO Phase 2 is here — but don’t panic

 

You may have seen news about the latest AARTO rollout and wondered what it means for your fleet. The important message for transport operators is this:

AARTO Phase 2 starts from 1 July 2026 in selected municipalities, but the actual demerit points system does not kick in yet. This phase is mainly about expanding the AARTO administrative process to more municipalities. It affects how traffic infringements are issued, processed, paid, challenged, and managed — but operators still have time to prepare properly before demerit points become fully active. 

 

Whilst the regulations have been published, the effective date of implementation has not yet been announced. What operators should take note of:

Under the new AARTO process, fleet operators need to pay close attention to how traffic infringements are managed.

This includes:

·       receiving and tracking AARTO notices

·       identifying the correct driver at the time of the infringement

·       nominating drivers where applicable

·       keeping accurate vehicle and operator records

·       responding within the required timeframes

·       managing payments, representations and appeals correctly

 

For transport operators, the biggest risk is not only the fine itself — it is missing deadlines, not having proper driver records, or failing to manage notices quickly and correctly. What should you do now?

Now is the ideal time to get your fleet AARTO-ready. We recommend that operators start by checking:

·       Are all vehicle licence and operator card records up to date?

·       Can you prove who was driving each vehicle on a specific date and time?

·       Are driver licences and PrDPs valid and properly filed?

·       Is there one responsible person or department managing AARTO notices?

·       Do you have a register to track notices, due dates, nominations, payments and representations?

·       Are trip sheets, telematics, tracking records and route records aligned?

 

Our advice to transport operators

There is no need to panic.

However, there is a need to prepare.

The operators who will manage AARTO best are those with strong fleet records, disciplined driver management, proper roadworthiness controls and a clear internal process for dealing with infringements. AARTO should not be seen only as a fine-management issue. It is also an opportunity to strengthen fleet compliance, improve driver accountability and reduce road safety risk.

 

Need guidance? JC Auditors will continue to keep transport operators updated as the AARTO rollout progresses. We will host AARTO training sessions unpacking all the details in specific training sessions for management, fleet administrators and drivers. Should you have any questions or need assistance in preparing your fleet for AARTO, please contact our team on mailto:info@jcauditors.com. 

 

JCA’s Road Traffic and AARTO Expert , Reon du Plessis  brings 46 years of lawenforcement experience, including service as Chief Provincial Inspector at the KZN Road Traffic Inspectorate, former Station Commander, and Head of the KZN Traffic Training College for 27 years. He is also a qualified vehicle and licence examiner, RTMS auditor, and PBS vehicle commissioner.

Let’s use this time wisely — prepare now, avoid panic later

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