The Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison wishes to inform motorists that eight municipal areas in the province have commenced with the implementation of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act (AARTO), with effect from 01 July 2026. This includes both provincial and local traffic authorities.
The affected municipal areas are: City of Mbombela, Nkomazi, Thaba Chweu, Steve Tshwete, Emalahleni, Thembisile Hani, Govan Mbeki, and Lekwa.
With this implementation, traffic authorities in these areas will no longer issue Section 56 or Section 341 notices to offending motorists in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act. Only infringement notices issued in terms of AARTO will be used.
Motorists who received notices issued in terms of the Criminal Procedure Act prior to 01 July 2026 are still required to settle those outstanding notices.
What motorists need to know about AARTO
AARTO was enacted in 1998 to improve road safety and reduce the number of fatal crashes on South African roads. The Act is administered by the Road Traffic Infringement Agency (RTIA), an entity of the National Department of Transport.
The implementation of AARTO is being rolled out in phases nationally. Following the successful pilot in the Tshwane and Johannesburg metros in Gauteng, these eight municipal areas in Mpumalanga form part of Phase 2. They are among 62 municipalities identified nationally.
What motorists need to do within 32 days of being issued with an AARTO infringement notice:
Pay the penalty within 32 days to qualify for a 50% discount
Nominate the driver who was in control of the vehicle at the time the offence was committed
Apply to pay the penalty in installments if the penalty is R750 or more
Lodge an appeal with the Appeals Tribunal. If you are still not satisfied with the outcome of all the processes, you may elect to take the matter to court
Should a motorist fail to respond within 32 days, a courtesy letter will be issued and the 50% discount will be forfeited. Additional administrative fees will also apply.
The motorist will then have a further 32 days to respond to the courtesy letter. Failure to do so will result in the issuing of an enforcement order.
Motorists who fail to settle infringement penalties within the prescribed period will not be allowed to renew their driving licences, motor vehicle licences, or register any new vehicles.
For more information on AARTO, members of the public can contact the RTIA Communications Office: Mr. Monde Mkhaliphi @ 082 575 3976 / 083 305 5212
ENDS…
Issued by: Mpumalanga Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison
Media enquiries:
Moeti Mmusi (Head of Communication): 079 291 0664 or 084 411 3372
Mandla Chauke (Media Liaison Officer) Contacts: 082 330 8167