AARTO is the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act. It moves traffic fines out of the criminal courts and into an administrative process with fixed deadlines, a 50% discount for paying early, and options to nominate a driver or make representations online. The process is run by the Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA), which says it is the only entity legally authorised to administer and process AARTO fines. AARTO is being rolled out in phases, so whether it applies to a fine depends on where it was issued.
Last checked: 19 September 2026. TrafficDepartment.co.za is an independent guide, not a government website. We do not book appointments, take payments or issue documents. Confirm fees, hours and requirements with the official source before you act: AARTO Online, RTIA and SAnews, 1 July 2026.
How traffic fines and AARTO fit together
AARTO ran in Johannesburg and Tshwane for years. Its national rollout was deferred from December 2025 to 1 July 2026, when a second phase began in 62 more municipalities (SAnews, 1 July 2026). Later phases have been reported but treat those dates as planned until confirmed. Where AARTO does not yet apply, fines are still handled under the Criminal Procedure Act. See traffic fines, the 2026 rollout and CPA vs AARTO.
What an AARTO infringement notice means
An AARTO infringement notice is the first notice you receive for a traffic offence under AARTO. It is not a court summons and it does not give you a criminal record. It starts a 32-day period in which you can pay at a discount, nominate the driver if it was not you, make a representation, or apply to pay in instalments. If the notice refers to the Criminal Procedure Act or a court date, it is not an AARTO notice. See the AARTO infringement notice explained.
How to check an infringement or fine
Check AARTO infringements on AARTO Online (online.aarto.gov.za) using your ID number and driving licence details. See checking AARTO fine status.
AARTO login: the official AARTO website
The official AARTO website for checking, paying and disputing is AARTO Online. AARTO registration means creating a profile there; you then log in to see infringements in your name. The RTMC’s AARTO Mobile App on Google Play also lets you create a profile and query infringements. Be wary of look-alike sites. See using AARTO Online.
Payment options
- Pay within 32 days of the notice to keep the 50% discount. See early payment discount.
- Apply to pay in instalments. See AARTO instalments.
- Pay through AARTO Online or the payment channels printed on your notice.
We do not publish AARTO banking details. Fake payment messages circulate, so use only the details on your own notice or on AARTO Online.
Representations and disputes
- If you were not the driver, nominate the driver within the deadline. See nominate a driver.
- If you believe the infringement is wrong, submit a representation. See AARTO representations.
- If a representation is rejected, the amended Act provides for an appeal. See AARTO appeals.
Demerit-point information
The Act provides for a points system in which each infringement carries points and too many lead to suspension. The demerit system was not part of the July 2026 rollout and no start date has been set. See demerit points.
Deadlines and enforcement steps
- Infringement notice: 32 days to pay, nominate or make a representation. See the 32-day deadline.
- Courtesy letter: sent if you do nothing. The discount is lost and a fee is added. See courtesy letter.
- Enforcement order: issued if the courtesy letter is ignored. It blocks licence, disc and permit transactions. See enforcement order.
- Revocation: an enforcement order can be revoked in some circumstances. See revoking an enforcement order.
AARTO compared with the older fine system
- Process: AARTO is administrative. Criminal Procedure Act (CPA) fines go through the criminal courts.
- Discount: AARTO gives 50% off for payment within 32 days. CPA fines have no fixed national discount, though reductions can be requested.
- Ignoring it: AARTO leads to an enforcement order that blocks transactions. CPA leads to a summons and possibly a warrant.
- Points: AARTO provides for demerit points, not yet in force. CPA fines carry no points.
Where to get official help
Use AARTO Online or the RTIA contact details printed on your notice. There are no separate AARTO offices for the public to visit; for a counter, go to the issuing authority. Find it through traffic department near me or the office directory. AARTO forms are listed in AARTO forms.
Frequently asked questions
What is AARTO in South Africa?
The Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act, which handles traffic fines through an administrative process run by the RTIA instead of the courts.
Does AARTO apply to my municipality?
It applies where the notice was issued under AARTO. Since 1 July 2026 that includes Johannesburg, Tshwane and 62 more municipalities.
What happens if I ignore an AARTO notice?
It moves to a courtesy letter and then an enforcement order, which blocks licence, disc and permit transactions until resolved.
Can AARTO notices be sent by SMS or email?
The amended Act allows electronic service. Verify any notice on AARTO Online before paying.
Does paying an AARTO fine mean I admit guilt?
Paying ends the matter for that infringement. If you believe the notice is wrong, make a representation before paying.
Is this the RTIA or AARTO website?
No. TrafficDepartment.co.za is independent and cannot check, pay or dispute infringements.