Post the plotting of the system, it was gazetted, under the Road Traffic Act, 29 of 1989, after a general consensus and urging of the World Congress on Road Safety to implement a system of demerits. The AARTO is an attempt to curb the rising deaths amongst livestock. For those who perform the same offence from time to time, depending on the points accumulated, the courts will suspend or cancel their licenses.
What Is the Demerit Points System?
Essentially it is a system put in place whereby a driver incurs a penalty following a set breach of traffic laws. This means that traffic directorates wish to assign certain demerit points against traffic offences:
- Points are given to a driver when crimes like speeding, reckless driving, or driving under the influence are committed.
- After accumulating 15 points, the driver must be suspended.
- Three suspensions shall result in a cancellation of their driving licence.
- All drivers are from car owners to vehicle operators.
Points Assigned to Punishments
Demerit points are assigned accordingly to the degree of the traffic violation committed. For instance:
- Speeding on slight grounds of allegation: 1-2 points.
- Not wearing a seat belt: 1 point.
- Cell phone use: 1-2 points.
- Driving without a driver’s license: 4-5 points.
- Drunken or careless driving: 6 points.
- Overloading of a vehicle: 3-4 points.
Road Traffic Infringement Agency shall prepare and publish a definite schedule of offences and points.
Suspension and Restoring of a Licence
Once suspended, the following rules shall apply:
- Three months for every point exceeded outside the 15-point limit.
- The holder shall be disallowed from driving any motor vehicle during the period of suspension.
- Demerit points shall be reduced over time if the holder does not commit further offences.
- Once suspended thrice, the holder’s licence shall be cancelled and re-application must be done for a learner’s licence to begin the process from scratch.
Effects on Motorists
Here, some repercussions of the working of the demerit point system:
- Safer Roads: This will be an anticipated stringent action against those who would recklessly drive their vehicles to curb vehicular murders.
- More Accountability: Repeat offenders will start seeking actual consequences.
- Compliance: This will create the motivation for drivers to follow traffic rules, such as speed limits, fixed time limits, seat belts, and traffic lights.
- Insurance: Suspended driver’s license may attract higher premiums or no coverage from insurance companies.
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