Motorists who disregard the rules of the road can expect to face the wrath of the law when the demerit system is rolled out country wide, just before the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup.

The demerit system was signed into law in September 1998 as part of the AARTO (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offenses) Act, which is aimed at changing driver behaviour and reduce road fatalities. It is based on a similar system used in Australia and the United Kingdom, and will be enforced by traffic officials come the 1st March 2010.

The system aims to remove dangerous drivers from South Africa's roads by suspending or revoking their licenses. In line with the system, every driver is given 12 points and could lose points should they be caught violating the rules of the road.

If a driver loses 12 points in a year, their licenses will be suspended. Motorists risk losing their drivers licenses if they receive three suspensions from the traffic department.

The good news for obedient drivers is if they do not lose any points during the year, they will receive additional points the following year.

However, when it comes to major traffic violations, the department of transport will continue with its current court procedures.

How the demerit system works

Every driver starts with 12 points a year and loses points based on their driving

• - 2 points if you drive with an unregistered vehicle, which amounts to R500 fine
• - 2 points if you cannot produce a drivers license, which amounts to a R250 fine
• - 1 point for not wearing a seat belt, amounting to a R250 fine
• - 3 points if you overload your vehicle by 25%, amounting to a R1250 fine
• - 3 points for not stopping at a stop sign, fine not yet determined.

Fines for speeding

• 0 points will be deducted if you are speeding up to 20% over the limit. 
• - 1 point if you are 21% to 30% over the speed limit, amounting to a R500 fine
• - 2 point if you are 31% to 45% over the speed limit, amounting to a R750 fine
• - 3 point if you are 46% to 60% over the speed limit, amounting to a R1250 fine
• - 4 point if you above 60% over the speed limit, and only a court can determine your fine.

Article last updated: 20 January 2010.
Information gathered from: Kwela Express, a national transport publication : 08 January 2010