South Africa Traffic Rule Changes 2025: Major Alert Issued For All Drivers

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With more than 12,500 people dying in 2023 alone, the 2025 traffic laws in South Africa seek to end road deaths, with reforms becoming effective from July 1. At the center of this overhaul is the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) act, enforcing stricter rules and penalties and instilling a tough demerit system for promoting safer driving. With these offenses being addressed, drivers shall face further targeted penalties for speeding, drunk driving, and distracted driving.

Revised Speed Limits

Speed limits decrease for safety purposes:

  • Within the Urban Residential Areas: Reduced from 60 to 50, with fines of R1,000-R2,500.
  • On the Rural Roads: From 100 down to 80, with punishments of R2,000-R3,500.
  • On Highways: It dropped to 110 (freeways in urban areas 100 km/h), while penalties given to those committing serious violations may amount to R5,000 thereby using speed cameras and smart signages to watch speed limits. License would be automatically suspended once a person is caught Speeding excessively.

Zero-Tolerance Alcohol Policy

Any detectable alcohol in a driver’s system shall be prosecuted, setting aside the previously set limit of 0.05%BAC. Punishments include:

  • BAC 0.01 to 0.05 percent-fine of R2,000-R5,000; 6 demerit points; license suspended for 24 hours;
  • BAC more than 0.05 percent-fine of R7,500; 10 points; arrest; appear in court.
  • Refuse to take the Breathalyzer test: R5,000 fine; detention; repeat offenders could face a maximum of R5,000 plus R15,000 fines with a 6-month suspension, and enforcement is stepped up during holidays.

Distracted Driving Penalties

Using mobile phones while driving is a high-risk offense now, with a total prohibition of holding devices even at traffic lights. A first offender will be fined R2,500 and lodge 4 demerit points, and continued offenses will draw R3,000 fines and further points. Drivers are allowed to use hands-free systems but must pull over if they intend to use them for a long time.

Updated AARTO Demerit System

The AARTO system assigns demerits for violations and was to be fully implemented by July 2025; once a person has 12 points, the license gets suspended for 3 months, and with 15 points, it gets canceled for good. The status of demerits can be verified online through the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC).

Also Read: SASSA August 2025 Payment Dates Announced: Check Your Grant Schedule

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