By 2025, things surrounding traffic and road discipline have to be much strengthened in South Africa. Therefore, several regulations were developed and some clarified by the Government and the Transport Authorities in their attempt to enhance accident reduction and increase safety. With an emphasis on one-strict handling of offences, few very major changes need to be known by every frequent driver.
ATI & Demerit Point System: Set Up?
Changes all in 2025 are generally spoken of as in connection with AARTO for demerit points applied to infringements. At any rate, the so-called national implementation of the Act did never really come into force before mid-2025, and until now, it may be active only in bits and pieces and in certain selected districts (e.g., Johannesburg and Tshwane). This is including, for example, application of demerit points for traffic offences and enforcement of penalties, such as suspensions of licences on accumulation of points beyond a given limit (e.g., 13 points). More important here is the fact: many exaggerate that AARTO decriminalizes all traffic offences or that there shall be no courts. People are still liable to pay fines; tougher penalties exist in courts for serious offences.
A new set of rules has been provided for e-hailing and controlled rides.
The changes to the National Land Transport Act that mostly affected Uber, Bolt, and other ride-hailing operators were published last 12th September 2025.Some of the prominent requirements would be:
- Any persons engaged in ride-hailing services shall obtain appropriate public transport operator licenses, just like the requirement for taxis or metered services.
- Also, emphasis is laid on all e-hail vehicles carrying a mark/logo best describing their functions.
- A panic button shall be provided in the vehicle for emergency response service.
- The e-hailing business shall be duly registered as a taxable entity and ensure the drivers’ compliance; non-compliant drivers may be subjected to a fine of up to R100,000 or imprisonment.
The Common Offenses Will Be More Strictly Enforced
Driving Under the Influence or Impaired Driving:
- More and more stricter are the laws in this regard: There is an absolute zero tolerance to any measurable Level of alcohol in the blood while driving. The enforcement of this law is gaining momentum while penalties have also been on the increase.
- Distracted Driving: Distracted driving is being examined very thoroughly. Under penalty of fine and loss of points goes the person found distracted.
- Speeding in sensitive zones: Limit of speeds in sensitive zones.
Certain provinces are now in the process of erecting new signs and also installing more aggressive speed cameras.
Still in the Pending or Rumoured
Many of these sweeping changes in the laws of the land (for instance, SANSRAL’s “zero tolerance alcohol” being applied to every driver, no exceptions) are either very recent proposals that the media has grasped onto, or out-and-out misinterpretations. Therefore, many changes are not yet laws. The date of implementation of some has been rolling in nature; therefore, enforcement time frames are different for the drivers in some municipalities.
Driver has to: Compliance
- Ensure licence and car comply: Licences, discs, registrations, and compulsory safety equipment should be all in order. Possible defects include seat belts, lights, or tyre.
- No alcohol: Even the slightest alcoholic beverage may be put into jeopardy for the driver because of an increased degree of enforcement.
- Put the cellphone away: Some jurisdictions have stricter laws for hands-free operation.
- Standard speed limits: Especially at school/area zones for they are watching out for new signs.
- For driving Uber/Bolt: vehicle, driver licence, and operating status comply with the new law requirements.