AARTO

The infringement notice

A traffic fine issued in terms of the AARTO Act starts off with an infringement notice. The alleged infringer then has 32 days to pay the Traffic fine and still get discount.

The “courtesy” letter

If the alleged infringer fails to act on an infringement notice within 32 days of its service or presumed service, a courtesy letter is issued. The discount is forfeited and an additional fee (currently R60) is added to the penalty. The alleged infringer then has 32 days to pay the Traffic Fine

The enforcement order

If the alleged infringer fails to act on a courtesy letter within 32 days of its service or presumed service, an enforcement order is issued. an additional fee (currently R60) is added to the penalty and:

• The demerit points are applied to the alleged infringer’s driving license or operator card;
• No driving license may be issued;
• No professional driving permit may be issued; and
• No license disc may be issued.

All of this happens in the complete absence of a trial, unless the alleged infringer has elected to be tried in Court.

The warrant of execution

If an alleged infringer fails to act on an enforcement order, the Registrar of the RTIA may, if he or she wishes to do so, issue a warrant of execution. Such warrant authorizes the Sheriff to:

• Seize movable property to the value of the penalty and its fees, together with his or her fees;
• Seize the driving license card of the alleged infringer;
• Seize and/or deface all vehicle license discs belonging to the alleged infringer; and
• “Disable” the alleged infringer’s vehicle.