A number or important pieces of legislation are expected to take centre stage in South Africa in 2020, with some of the bill focusing on the country's roads.

Taking note of these possible changes and advising clients is important.

The demerit system which has been in the making for decades and I think we all thought we do 
not have to take note soon as it will still take some time..... Well that time has come as the Transport minister Fikile Mbalula has said that South Africa's new Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (Aarto) Act will be in full effect from June 2020.

Signed into law by president Ramaphosa in August 2019, it is time to urgently take not as the act 
will introduce a new demerit system, meaning all traffic fines across the country will now carry the
same penal values.

Take the time and review the regulations that were published in October 2019 by the Department    
of Transport,  which regulations includes some very controversial changes.  According to the AA these changes to the regulations are more geared towards revenue collection than actually dealing with real troubling issues regarding the use of our roads and effectively creating a safer driving environment in South Africa, which is what we all wish for.

Take note of the following:
* A R100.00 penalty will automatically apply to each and every fine
* It may be that you will have to pay to contest a fine
* Payment has to be made to find out how may demerit points you have

Also be on the lookout for some announcements from government regarding E-toll payment as Ramaphosa "personally" stepped in on the matter as existing finance commitments have to be met by utilising the e-toll system.

Wishing every one safe travelling on the roads and hopefully we and our children, being back at school are not receiving a lot of   x    markings on our reports or licenses.