Bill that will introduce demerit system for errant drivers passed
Drivers who lose their licenses can get them back after undergoing a rehabilitation programme.
CAPE TOWN - A bill that will introduce a demerit system for errant drivers has finally been passed by the National Assembly.
Transport Minister Joe Maswanganyi says the new system is not intended to be a purely punitive one.
Drivers who lose their licenses can get them back after undergoing a rehabilitation programme.
“The Act makes provision for electronic service of documents which makes it easier for all road users to be informed of their status of infringers.”
But the Democratic Alliance said it could not support the amendments to the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act because it believes they are unconstitutional.
This includes not informing an infringer that they may choose to be tried in a court.
The party's Manny de Freitas said: “It’s highly likely that road users will be informed of their rights only via courtesy letter. The user would have been R100 poorer due to the cost of that letter.”
