AARTO now in effect in eight Mpumalanga municipalities

By Kopano Dibakwane

Eight municipal areas in Mpumalanga have officially started implementing the AARTO (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act) from 01 July 2026, the Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison has confirmed.

The rollout reportedly affects both provincial and local traffic authorities in City of Mbombela, Nkomazi, Thaba Chweu, Steve Tshwete, Emalahleni, Thembisile Hani, Govan Mbeki, and Lekwa.

Mpumalanga DCSSL (Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison) spokesperson, Moeti Mmusi, said the change means traffic officers will no longer issue Section 56 or Section 341 notices under the Criminal Procedure Act in those areas.

“With this implementation, traffic authorities in these areas will no longer issue Section 56 or Section 341 notices to offending motorists in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act. Only infringement notices issued in terms of AARTO will be used,” Mmusi said.

AARTO was reportedly enacted in 1998 to improve road safety and reduce fatal crashes. It is administered nationally by the Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA), an entity of the Department of Transport.

Mpumalanga’s eight municipalities are said to form part of Phase 2 of the national rollout, following pilots in Tshwane and Johannesburg. They are among 62 municipalities identified nationally for implementation.

Mmusi urged motorists to understand the new process and deadlines.

“What motorists need to do within 32 days of being issued with an AARTO infringement notice is to pay the penalty within 32 days to qualify for a 50% discount, nominate the driver who was in control of the vehicle, apply to pay the penalty in installments if the penalty is R750 or more, or lodge an appeal with the Appeals Tribunal,” said Mmusi.

He said if a motorist does not respond within 32 days, a courtesy letter will be issued, and the discount will be lost. Additional administrative fees will also apply.

“Should a motorist fail to respond within 32 days, a courtesy letter will be issued, and the 50% discount will be forfeited. Additional administrative fees will also apply,” Mmusi warned.

“The motorist will then have a further 32 days to respond to the courtesy letter. Failure to do so will result in the issuing of an enforcement order,” he added.

The department also cautioned that motorists who fail to settle penalties will not be allowed to renew driving licences, motor vehicle licenses, or register new vehicles.

Notices issued under the old system before 01 July 2026 are still valid.

“Motorists who received notices issued in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act prior to 01 July 2026 are still required to settle those outstanding notices, “Mmusi added.

Mmusi said for queries on AARTO, members of the public can contact the RTIA Communications Office: Monde Mkhaliphi on 082 575 3976 / 083 305 5212.