The Organisation Undoing Tax Abuse has widened its investigation into South Africa’s new road traffic enforcement system.
OUTA initially launched legal action seeking to suspend the rollout of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act.
The organisation argued that the Road Traffic Infringement Agency had failed to provide clear information about the independent Appeals Tribunal available to motorists.
According to OUTA, its planned urgent court application prompted the RTIA to disclose details about the tribunal’s members and recruitment process.
The disclosure removed one ground for urgent relief, but OUTA said it raised broader concerns about transparency and accountability.
Motorists need clear appeal process
The tribunal is responsible for reviewing decisions involving motorists who dispute traffic infringements.
OUTA executive director for accountability Stefanie Fick questioned why threatened litigation was needed before information about the body was released.
She said motorists should be able to find clear guidance explaining who serves on the tribunal, how appeals must be submitted and what applicants should expect.
“The right to appeal has little value if ordinary South Africans cannot easily understand how to exercise that right,” Fick said.
OUTA claimed this information was still not readily accessible on the RTIA’s website.
The organisation will now investigate how the tribunal’s members were appointed instead of continuing its case on the basis that the body may not exist.
AARTO rollout began in July
The AARTO Act was passed in 1998 and piloted in Johannesburg and Tshwane from 2008 and 2009.
Its wider rollout began on 1 July 2026 after President Cyril Ramaphosa formally proclaimed the implementation of key sections.
The second phase added 60 local and metropolitan municipalities to the system.
These include major centres such as Ekurhuleni, Durban, Bloemfontein, Gqeberha, East London, Polokwane and Mbombela.
System changes how fines work
AARTO introduces an administrative process for traffic infringements, including notices, payments, representations and enforcement orders.
It also provides for a demerit points system and an Appeals Tribunal to review rejected representations.
OUTA said motorists’ rights must be supported by information that is public, clear and easy to access.
The organisation’s wider legal review of the rollout and the tribunal appointment process will continue.