By the year 2026, the local motorists in South Africa are experiencing some of the biggest changes to road traffic regulations in decades. The Department of Transport (DoT) is proceeding with a modernization plan that will make the administration lean and accountability of individual drivers enormously high. Demerit system long awaited, license validity, here are the necessary updates that you need to take note of to remain within the confines of the law on the road this year.
The AARTO Demerit System National Implementation
The biggest transformation that will take place in 2026 is the implementation of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) demerit system. The system will become live across the country in July 2026 after a phased introduction that will start in late 2025 and the points will actually start counting on September 1, 2026. In this new system each driver has zero points. Traffic offences now have a value of between 1-6 penalty points. When a driver passes the mark of 15 demerit points, his or her license will be suspended automatically within a period of three months depending on each exceedance of the limit.
8 Years Extension of Driving Licence
The South African government has affirmed that the expiry period of the license has been changed to eight years instead of five years in a significant victory to motorists. Although this extension is officially approved by the DoT to match international standards, the implementation is still pending as of early 2026 when the department evaluates the financial cost of the Driving Licence Card Account (DLCA). Drivers will have to renew their cards after every five years until the official proclamation is gazetted. Nevertheless, after being in operation, the eight-year cycle is likely to greatly decrease queues and administrative backlogs in testing centers.
New Renewal Requirement of Drivers above 40
Since 2026, the process of renewal is more stringent with regard to some age groups. The 40 and above motorists are now expected to provide a valid eye test certificate with a certified optometrist with every renewal. Although eye testing has never been omitted in the process of testing a driving licence, the new provisions promote the carrying of an external certificate to accelerate the process of application at Driving Licence Testing Centres (DLTCs). Also, individuals with certain long-term medical records might be asked to submit a medical fitness certificate to guarantee that they are still able to use a vehicle without risking their lives.
Digital Driving licence and Online booking
The Department of Communications and Digital Technologies (DCDT) has started to demonstrate the digital driving licence with an anticipated implementation rate of 25 percent as at the end of the 2026/27 financial year. Although physical cards remain obligatory, the transition toward digital authentication by using apps such as the MyMzansi one is expected to remove fraud. Moreover, the eNaTIS internet booking system has become the norm with the majority of larger metros; many walk-ins are becoming less common and motorists are encouraged to make their renewal slots at least four weeks prior to the expiry of their current card in order to be issued with a temporary license.
Fine Increases and Termination of License
The 2026 fines in AARTO are geared towards repeat violators. The suspension of a drivers license can be done twice in lifetime. When a driver scores above the 15 point mark in the third instance, his or her license is cancelled forever. Only after disqualification period, a learner can be re-applied to be qualified to apply a permit and driver license again. Moreover, serious crimes, i.e. drunk driving or reckless endangerment, are still criminal issues that the courts deal with, whereas minor infractions are now purely administrative i.e. guilty unless proved innocent, unless you actually appeal the fine within 32 days.
2026 South Africa Licensing Data
| Feature | 2026 Status / Requirement |
| Demerit Points Start | September 1, 2026 |
| Point Threshold | 15 Points (6 for Learners) |
| License Validity | 5 Years (8-Year Extension Pending) |
| Renewal Age 40+ | Mandatory Eye Test Certificate |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Will the old traffic fines count in my demerit points?
No. The demerit points will be allocated only on the violation after the system becomes active in September 2026.
Q: Will I be able to renew my driving license to full online in 2026?
No. Although you can also book your appointment online and pay some fees with the help of eNaTIS, you have to visit a DLTC to take fingerprints and make a new photograph.
Q: How do I earn less points on the demerit card?
One point is deducted after every three-months, given that you do not commit any new traffic offense within three months.
Disclaimer
The information is to be used merely informational. Official sources will be the way to go since our intention is to deliver reliable information to everyone. To see more information, refer to South African Government Services Portal or the Official AARTO Website.
