The quickest way to lose your driver’s licence in South Africa

The fourth phase of implementation of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act will introduce a demerit system, making it possible for a driver to lose their licence after only three violations.

Currently in its second phase in 62 municipalities, including several metros, the act is expected to reach Phase 3 in the third quarter of 2026 and expand to 151 municipalities.

While Phase 4 and the demerit point system do not have a specified launch date, the Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA) plans to issue demerit notices from the 2027/28 financial year.

Once the new system is in effect, traffic violations will be split into two categories – infringements and offences – with the RTIA handling infringements and the country’s legal system handling more severe offences.

Drivers will also receive demerit points on their licences depending on the severity of their violation, and once they reach 15 or more demerit points, their licence will be suspended.

Every point accumulated over the 15-point limit will result in a 3-month licence suspension, and once suspended a third time, will be cancelled, requiring the motorist to retake their learner’s and driver’s tests.

Should they pass these, they will receive a new licence card once the suspension period is over.

Demerit points will be reduced by one for every three months of offence-free driving, while a government rehabilitation programme will remove four points upon completion.

The following table shows the fine amounts and demerit points incurred for common driving violations:

Speedrunning a licence suspension

The implementation of the new system will make it possible for a driver to lose their licence in a single instance, even if they have no prior demerit points.

All motorists will start with zero points, regardless of past infringements, with more severe infringements carrying heavier penalties, including court appearances.

According to the table, the quickest way to accumulate 15 points and have your licence suspended is to exceed the speed limit by more than 40km/h while driving a vehicle without a valid licence disc and while under the influence.

Of course, your troubles will be far more than having your licence revoked for a while, as two of those offences will see you arrested on the spot and could land you jail time and a definite criminal record.

Alternatively, driving an unregistered vehicle without number plates and then furnishing false information when stopped by the officials will carry the same penalty.

Again, two of these violations carry the harshest penalty: six demerit points, immediate arrest and a subsequent court appearance.

That being said, being caught driving 40km/h or more over the posted speed limit could be considered reckless and negligent driving – a conviction that carries penalties like hefty fines or even jail time.

Depending on the severity, being caught driving under the influence could mean facing imprisonment of up to 6 years or a fine of at least R2,000.

While not the most severe transgression on the list, driving with obscured or missing number plates will still lead to immediate arrest, vehicle impoundment pending an investigation, and financial penalties.