AARTO, or the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences, is an invaluable resource when it comes to dealing with traffic fines in South Africa. However, sometimes one needs a bit of a refresher when it comes to the system. We are about to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about AARTO, traffic fines and more.
- I have received an infringement notice. What are my options?
Once you have received an infringement notice, AARTO provides you with five options. You may select one of the following:
- Pay your fine (and receive a 50% discount if you pay it within 32 days).
- Apply to pay in instalments.
- Nominate the driver of the vehicle (if you were not the person operating the vehicle at the time of the infringement).
- Make a representation.
- Elect to be tried in court.
- Can I pay my fine directly on the AARTO website?
Not at this moment in time. AARTO is, however, in the process of developing their online payment system. For the time being, you may pay your fine via www.paycity.co.za. You may also pay your fine at any of the following locations:
- Motor vehicle registration office.
- Driving licence testing centre.
- Issuing Authority.
- Post Office.
- If I apply to pay in instalments, will I still receive a 50% discount?
Unfortunately, you will not be eligible for a discount. The discount only applies if you pay your fine in full within 32 days of receiving the infringement notice.
- How do I nominate another driver?
You can do so online by filling out the AARTO 07 form on their website here [Link to: http://www.aarto.gov.za/index.php/nominate-driver]. You will need to verify yourself before the form will be made available to you.
- How do I know if the nomination was successful and I am no longer responsible for the fine?
You will receive a notification from the RTIA within 14 days of submitting the nomination. If it was successful, your infringement notice will be cancelled and a new one will be sent to the other driver instead.
- What happens when I make a representation?
If you believe that you should never have received an infringement notice in the first place, you can make a representation to the RTIA. Once received, they will forward it to a private Representations Officer who will review it and make a decision. If the representation is approved, you will be notified and your infringement notice cancelled. If it is rejected, you will also be notified and provided with reasons as to why this decision was made. You have a few options available to you should your representation be rejected:
- You may elect to be tried in court.
- You may apply to pay the total amount owed in instalments.
- If you do not apply to pay in instalments, you are required to pay off the total amount within 32 days.
- What happens if I select to be tried in court?
When the court receives your request via AARTO, you will receive a summons to appear in court that will detail the address, time and date of your appearance. Once the case has been heard, the court will inform AARTO of the result.
- Does AARTO have a demerit system in place?
AARTO is currently working on a demerit system. It will be put in place at a later stage, before which, all citizens will be notified.
- How do I contact AARTO?
You can contact AARTO on 086 122 7861 or send them a fax on 086 662 8861.
Knowing more about AARTO means that you will be able to use it to your advantage. However, it would be beneficial to pay extra attention to the rules of the road, and your own driving habits in general, in order to avoid receiving traffic fines in the first place. After all, prevention is always better than cure!
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Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO)