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Yes, the controversial AARTO point system has been given the green light. After numerous deliberations over the past few years over the disputed AARTO (Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences) system Transport Minister, Fikile Mbalula has earlier this year confirmed that the new AARTO Bill has been unanimously welcomed by parliament and has received the signature by President Cyril Ramaphosa to be introduced from June 2021.

“We’re going live. We take points, we take away your driver’s license. The president has signed this into law, and now we’re implementing it,” he said.

But what exactly does this mean? Current figures reflect there are on average over a staggering 13000 motor accident-related deaths on South African roads annually. Inevitably, stricter enforcements are urgently required to curb the high statistics on accidents and road fatalities.
In essence, the AARTO proposed measure of enforcement includes a zero-alcohol limit and a maximum 12-point demerit system (with all motorists starting at zero points) which when reached, will result in the suspension of driver’s license for three months for every demerit point exceeded over the 12-point limit.

Some motorists may argue that this penalty system is a bit excessive, but it is comparable with the European legislation which has proved to advance driving skills, reduce unlicensed drivers and statistics.

The main attribute to the cost of insurance in South Africa is the high number of road accidents and the statistics on vehicle thefts. 

The future of the AARTO system, potentially will affect the cost of insurance positively upon successful implementation as follows:

• The zero-alcohol limit will affect the vehicle policy as it will not qualify for a claim if alcohol has been positively tested in the blood of the driver of the insured vehicle.
• On the same end, drivers who have exceeded their 12 demerits according to the points system, will mean that they are unlicensed drivers for their suspension period and therefore will not qualify to claim on their vehicle insurance policies until their licenses have been reinstated.

Taking these factors into consideration for client profiling, by integrating the AARTO system for the assessment of the competency, law-abidance, and risk analysis of their clients (policy holders) and potential clients this system will essentially benefit the insurance premium calculation and be more affordable, effective and offer a greater number of road users to be insured.

The writing is on the wall, AARTO is rolling out, and without a doubt there will be a few obstacles to overcome, but it is inevitable that the efficient enforcement of the legislation and the co-operation of the South African road users presents greater probabilities of safer roads.

AARTO DEMERIT SYSTEM- CLICK HERE
For more information on AARTO, follow this link:  http://www.rtia.co.za

SOURCE: https://cover.co.za/aarto-enforcement-good-news-for-vehicle-insurance-policy-holders/
https://www.news24.com/news24/southafrica/news/mbalula-motorists-will-have-to-drive-100-sober-traffic-cops-to-wear-body-cameras-20210123