As the festive season approaches, South Africa has introduced new traffic regulations to enhance road safety and reduce accidents. The government has enforced stricter penalties, tougher monitoring, and higher fines to curb reckless driving.
Knowing these updated laws will help drivers stay compliant, avoid penalties, and ensure safer travels during the holidays.
How Have Drunk-Driving Penalties Changed in 2025?
South Africa has now enforced a zero-tolerance policy on alcohol consumption while driving. Previously, the legal alcohol limit was 0.05g per 100ml for regular drivers and 0.02g per 100ml for professional drivers.
Under the new law, any amount of alcohol in your system while driving is a criminal offense. This means that even one drink could result in severe penalties.
Penalties for Drunk Driving in 2025:
- Immediate arrest if found intoxicated.
- License confiscation and possible suspension.
- Fines up to R120,000 or imprisonment.
What Is the Demerit Points System & How Does It Affect Drivers?
The Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offenses (AARTO) demerit system is now fully operational, imposing strict penalties for repeated offenses.
Drivers accumulate demerit points for offenses such as speeding, reckless driving, and ignoring traffic lights.
Key Demerit System Rules:
- Every serious offense adds points to a driver’s record.
- If a driver exceeds 15 demerit points, their license will be suspended for three months.
- After three suspensions, the driver’s license is permanently revoked.
What Are the New Regulations for Public Transport & Heavy Vehicles?
The government is tightening control over taxis, buses, and trucks to ensure passenger and road safety.
- Regular breathalyzer and compliance checks will be conducted.
- Strict enforcement of overloading and reckless driving laws.
- Increased roadblocks to inspect public transport vehicles.
Penalties for Violations:
- Heavy fines for overloaded or unsafe vehicles.
- License suspension for repeated offenses.
- Vehicle impounding for non-compliance.
How Have Speeding Fines & Traffic Camera Monitoring Changed?
The government is expanding speed enforcement by installing more speed cameras in high-accident zones.
Speeding fines have increased significantly, and repeat offenders face license suspensions and court action.
READ MORE: 2025 SASSA Payment Increase – Who Qualifies & How Much Will You Get?
New Speeding Fines for 2025:
- 10-20 km/h over the limit – R750 fine
- 20-40 km/h over the limit – R2,000 fine
- 40 km/h or more over the limit – Court summons & possible license suspension
What Are the Stricter Seat Belt & Child Safety Rules?
Children under three years old must now be secured in a car seat. Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts at all times.
Penalties for Non-Compliance:
- Fine up to R3,000 for failing to properly restrain a child.
- Additional demerit points added to the driver’s record.
How Can You Stay Compliant With South Africa’s 2025 Traffic Laws?
To avoid heavy fines, penalties, and potential license suspension, follow these rules:
- Do not drink and drive. Even one drink could cost you your license.
- Respect speed limits and obey traffic signals. Speeding fines are now higher than ever.
- Ensure all passengers wear seat belts. This is now strictly enforced.
- Regularly check your vehicle’s roadworthiness. Unfit vehicles may be impounded.
- Monitor your demerit points. Avoid accumulating points to prevent license suspension.
FAQs
Can I have even a small amount of alcohol and still drive under the new law?
No. The zero-tolerance policy means any amount of alcohol in your system is illegal while driving.
What happens if I accumulate too many demerit points?
If you exceed 15 points, your license is suspended for three months. After three suspensions, your license is revoked permanently.
Are the new speed fines higher than before?
Yes, speeding fines have significantly increased. Driving 40 km/h or more above the speed limit could result in a court summons and license suspension.
How will public transport vehicles be monitored?
More roadblocks, random inspections, and compliance checks will be conducted to ensure taxis, buses, and trucks meet safety standards.
What is the penalty for not securing a child in a car seat?
Failing to secure a child under three years old in a proper car seat can result in a R3,000 fine and demerit points.
How can I check my demerit points balance?
You can check your demerit points via the AARTO website, local traffic department offices, or the SASSA WhatsApp line.
Will there be more traffic cameras to catch speeding drivers?
Yes. Additional speed cameras will be installed in high-accident zones to enforce traffic laws more strictly.
Can my vehicle be impounded for non-compliance?
Yes. If your vehicle is unroadworthy, overloaded, or fails compliance checks, it may be impounded on the spot.
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