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The new South Africa driving licence demerit system explained
Obeying the rules of the road is imperative for all drivers, in order to ensure not only their own safety, but the safety of others. The driving licence demerit system was implemented in 2006 and is intended to identify and remove dangerous drivers from South Africa’s roads.
While the system has been successfully implemented in other countries, it is a relatively new initiative in South Africa. Anyone driving on South African roads should be aware that they will be penalised for unlawful driving habits and could, in certain cases explained below, have their driver licences revoked.
Continue reading to learn more about the implications of the driving licence demerit system and how it could affect unlawful motorists. |
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How does the driving licence demerit system work?
Each licensed driver is allocated 12 points per year. Should you lose all 12 points due to unlawful driving, your driver licence will be suspended. If you receive three suspensions, your driver’s licence will be cancelled.
Those drivers who do not receive any suspensions throughout the year are allocated bonus points as a reward for good driving.
The department of transportation will still function as it did in the past. Serious offenders will have to pay all traffic tickets or appear in traffic court, and will also receive demerits. |
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What traffic violations warrant demerits?
There are several offences that will cause drivers to lose points, including:
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Speeding |
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Driving without a licence |
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Drunk driving |
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Driving an unregistered vehicle |
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Hitting a pedestrian |
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Ignoring a stop sign |
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Driving a car with faulty lights |
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How many points are lost for an offence?
Different offences will cost drivers a different number of points, depending of the severity of the offence. For example, driving an unregistered vehicle will cost you two points and driving an overloaded vehicle will cost you three points.
Drivers caught speeding will receive a speeding ticket as well as lose points, depending on how much faster than the speed limit they are driving. If you are caught driving up to 20 percent faster than the official speed limit, no points will be deducted. However, you will receive a speeding ticket. Demerits for speeding above 20 percent of the speed limit are allocated according to a sliding scale:
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21%-30% above the speed limit - one point |
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31%-45% above the speed limit – two points |
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46%-60% above the speed limit – three points |
If you are caught speeding 60 percent faster than the speed limit, you will receive four demerits and will have to appear in traffic court where a judge will decide on a fine or sentence. |
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Help First Car Rental keep our roads safe
By driving responsibly and obeying the rules of the road, you can avoid receiving any demerits. Not only will you have a clear record, but you will be contributing to your safety and the safety of other people on the road. First Car Rental encourages our customers to follow the law and drive carefully at all times. |
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| Contact us for more information regarding our car hire services or book online to reserve a vehicle at any of our branches. |
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