New Directives for Road Traffic Infringement and Point Adjudication
- Karen Scheepers
- 3 minutes ago
- 4 min read
As of February 2024, the transition toward a modernized Administrative Adjudication system has entered a critical implementation phase. Designed to move enforcement away from a purely criminal prosecution model, this framework introduces a data-driven approach to road safety. While the legislative groundwork for the 2025/2026 cycle is now firmly in place, the rollout is currently transitioning from regional pilot programs to a full-scale national integration. This shift represents a fundamental change in how violations are recorded, how fines are settled, and how driver behavior is monitored through a centralized point-based system.
The Evolution of the Penalty Framework
The new guidelines categorize speeding offenses by the margin by which a driver exceeds the posted limit. This tiered structure is designed to be progressive, ensuring that while minor lapses are met with financial penalties, high-risk behavior carries severe legal and administrative weight.
Speeding Penalty Tiers (2025/2026 Standards)
Infringement Category | Speed Over Limit | Monetary Penalty | Demerit Points |
Minor Offenses | 11–15 km/h | R250 – R400 | 0 Points |
Moderate Offenses | 16–30 km/h | R500 – R1,000 | 1–2 Points |
Major Offenses | 31–40 km/h | R1,250 – R1,500 | 3–4 Points |
Severe Offenses | >40 km/h | No Admission of Guilt | 6 Points |
For Severe Offenses, the administrative process is bypassed in favor of a direct court summons. These violations are classified as criminal acts, potentially resulting in a permanent record, substantial court-ordered fines, and the maximum allocation of demerit points.
Technical and Legal Validity Standards
For a radar or camera-generated fine to be legally enforceable, the capturing agency must adhere to strict technical protocols. These standards protect drivers from faulty equipment and "speed traps" placed in ambiguous zones.
Bi-Annual Calibration: Every speed-measuring device, whether fixed or mobile, must undergo a laboratory calibration check every six months. If an enforcement agency cannot produce a valid calibration certificate for the specific date of the offense, the fine is legally void.
Signage and Visibility: Regulations mandate that a sign indicating speed prosecution by camera must be clearly displayed within the enforcement zone.
Distance Limitations: Operators are restricted by "grace zones." Enforcement may only commence 300 meters after a speed limit sign has been passed, and the equipment cannot be used to capture vehicles further than 500 meters away.
Fixed Housing Requirements: For automated, un-manned prosecutions to be valid, cameras must be installed in permanently secured, tamper-proof housing.
Evidentiary Integrity: The photograph produced must be of sufficient quality to show the vehicle’s registration plate, the exact recorded speed, the date, the time, and a unique location code.
The Phased Implementation and Current Status
A critical distinction for 2026 is the current "live" status of these regulations. While the legislative framework is finalized, the rollout is following a staggered timeline to ensure system stability.
Regional Activation vs. National Rollout
Currently, the full Administrative Adjudication system, including the automated discounting process, is active in the Major Metros (specifically the Johannesburg and Tshwane regions) as part of an established pilot phase. In these areas, the rules regarding Enforcement Orders and license blocks are already in effect.
The Demerit System Timeline
The "Point Counting" system, which tracks a driver's cumulative behavior, is scheduled for a nationwide "switch-on" in September 2026. Until that date, while drivers may receive fines and pay penalties, the points are not yet being deducted from licenses in non-pilot regions. Once active, the threshold for a standard license holder is 15 points; exceeding this will result in an automatic suspension of the license for a period determined by the total points accumulated.
Settlement, Discounts, and Consequences
The system is designed to incentivize early resolution of fines through a structured timeline of notices.
The Infringement Notice: This is the initial notification. If settled within 32 days, the driver is entitled to a 50% discount on the fine amount.
The Courtesy Letter: If the initial notice is ignored, a courtesy letter is issued, adding an administration fee and removing the 50% discount.
The Enforcement Order: This is the most severe administrative stage. Once an Enforcement Order is issued against a vehicle or driver, an "Admin Block" is placed on the national registry. This prevents the individual from:
Renewing their vehicle license disc.
Renewing their driver’s license.
Registering a change of vehicle ownership.
Identification of Drivers and Contesting Fines
Under the new regulations, the responsibility of identifying the driver falls squarely on the registered owner. If a vehicle is caught by a camera, the notice is sent to the owner. If the owner was not driving, they are legally required to submit a sworn declaration identifying the person who was.
Drivers also maintain the right to contest a fine via a Representation. Valid grounds for contestation include proving the equipment was uncalibrated, showing that the vehicle was "cloned" (incorrect make/model in the photo), or demonstrating that the signage in the area was missing or obscured.
Final Note:
As the mid-2026 national deadline approaches, the transition toward a fully automated traffic enforcement landscape is nearly complete. The combination of infrared technology, which allows cameras to operate without a visible flash, and the integration of license blocks makes it increasingly difficult for infringements to be ignored. Drivers are encouraged to utilize official digital portals to check their status regularly, ensuring that minor fines do not escalate into license suspensions or administrative roadblocks.
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