Here’s how Aarto’s demerit system could affect company fleets and their drivers

Employees have been warned to refuse driving unroadworthy company vehicles, as it could result in demerit points being recorded against their licences and potentially lead to job loss. The Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (Aarto) system, which takes effect on 1 September, sees traffic infringements committed in company vehicles recorded as demerit points against drivers' licences.

Accumulating 15 points can lead to a three-month driving suspension, and three suspensions could result in the cancellation of the driver's licence. Sonja Carstens, spokesperson for the Motor Industry Staff Association, advises employees to understand the importance of maintaining their licences as a workplace issue. She emphasizes that employees must take responsibility for protecting their licences, checking their traffic fines, and seeking assistance if needed.

Companies, meanwhile, must ensure their fleets are roadworthy and establish systems to identify the driver who was fined in case of traffic violations.