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New Aarto laws offer 10km/h leeway on speeding fines

JOHANNESBURG — Date Not Provided

South African drivers will face fines for exceeding speed limits only if they drive more than 10km/h over, according to new Aarto regulations.

This grace margin accounts for minor speedometer errors. Court systems also avoid overflow from minor offences.

Fines under Aarto will apply from 11km/h over the posted limit. The system uses specific brackets:

Motorists driving 11–15km/h over face a R250 fine. Driving 16–20km/h over costs R500.

A speed of 21–25km/h over results in a R750 fine.

Exceeding by 36–40km/h incurs a R1,500 penalty. Driving over 40km/h above the limit may lead to immediate arrest and a court appearance.

Authorities note this 10km/h leeway does not apply to average speed-over-distance cameras, where “every kilometre counts”.

While demerit points enabling licence suspension start only in September 2026, fines remain the main penalty until then (Department of Transport).