South Africa: As the holidays approach, the South African motorist should begin to take note of new traffic laws coming into effect, whose aim is to improve road safety during one of the busiest travel times of the year. The amendments introduced by the Department of Transportation focus on issues of stricter enforcement, harsher penalties for offenders, and amended regulations geared towards reducing road accidents and fatalities.
Changes Within These New Traffic Laws
The major change relates to a zero-tolerance approach for drunk driving. The new legislation reduces the existing legal blood-alcohol limit of 0.05% down to 0%, so that any measurable amount of alcohol may lead to prosecution. This is a very tough measure aimed at winning the war against the rampant rise in alcohol-related accidents that have previously marked the festive season.
Another significant change is the instant suspension of a motorist’s driving license caught over the speed limit by more than 30 km/h in urban areas and 40 km/h on highways. Previously, offenders would either pay fines or be summoned to court but this time the offenders will be suspended immediately and asked to appear in court thereafter.
AARTO System Rollout
The gradual implementation of the AARTO system will continue nationwide. AARTO stands for a system whereby demerit points are awarded to drivers for road-traffic violations. Accumulation of more than 12 demerit points will lead to the suspension of a driver’s license; repeat suspensions may result in complete revocation.
Motorists are now aware that traffic fines can be served electronically, meaning it will be easier for the authorities to issue fines and for the drivers to check their infringements online. Should a motorist still not respond to a notice of traffic fine, the relevant department will automatically implement the driver’s license suspension without needing a court appearance.
Tough Rules For Public Transport Operators
The transport operators have to contend with extra regulations which call for a pre-long distance-trip inspection of vehicles, while checks of the compliance to the fitness of the drivers are to be deepened. Those operators who are found guilty of contravening any of these laws might be fined or have their vehicles impounded or licenses suspended.
In addition, the government amended the minimum age for professional driving permits (PrDP) from 21 to 25 years, so the intention here is to make sure that commercial vehicle drivers are sufficiently experienced before they take on the responsibility of transporting passengers or goods.
Impact On South African Road Users
Minister of Transportation Sindisiwe Chikunga has highlighted that new laws form part of an integrated approach to road safety with aims to reduce road fatalities, especially in areas of higher risks like the festive season.
The culture of trying to put less value on human life should immediately change in South Africa with an emphasis on doing so through these laws that Chikunga said are not aimed merely at punishing but rather, at protecting real human lives.
Driving Rules For Motorists
- Be Alert: Check for updates from the Department of Transport on a regular basis for new laws.
- Plan Ahead: For long-distance traveling, ensure that your vehicle is in good shape and roadworthy.
- Avoid Temptation: Once again, don’t drink and drive; keep to the speed limit; follow road signs.
- Keeping an Eye on Your Demerit Points: Keep an eye on your record via the AARTO online portal.
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