AARTO puts alcohol prevention firmly on the agenda for fleet operators

OPINION - South Africa’s Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) demerit system is changing the consequences of traffic offences for both individual motorists and businesses.

What was once treated by some drivers and fleet operators as little more than an administrative inconvenience could now have serious implications for driving privileges, business continuity and operating costs.

Driving under the influence (DUI) is a particular concern, with the potential consequences extending beyond the driver to employers, fleet operations and the financial viability of a business.

Under the AARTO system, drivers start with zero demerit points, which accumulate as traffic offences are committed.

Exceeding the applicable threshold can result in a licence suspension, with the duration determined by the number of points above the limit. A DUI offence carrying demerit points could therefore push a driver who has already accumulated points closer to suspension.

For businesses that depend on employees being able to drive, the implications are significant.

When losing a licence becomes a business problem

For an individual, losing a driving licence can disrupt everyday life, making it difficult to get to work, transport children or manage routine responsibilities.

For an employer, the consequences can be even more costly. A driver whose licence is suspended may no longer be able to perform essential duties, leaving the business to consider alternative arrangements, reassignment or formal employment processes.

Allowing an employee to continue driving despite a suspension is not a viable solution. Driving without the required valid licence can have legal consequences, while an employer that permits an unlicensed or suspended driver to operate a vehicle may also face serious liability and insurance risks.

Depending on the circumstances and the terms of the policy, an insurer may reject a claim where the driver was not legally authorised to operate the vehicle. If an accident occurs, the resulting financial exposure could be substantial.

Fleet operators must therefore recognise that preventing impaired driving is not simply a matter of employee discipline. It is an essential part of protecting the business.

The hidden cost of a vehicle standing still

The potential impact of the demerit system extends to the operating cards associated with commercial vehicles. Where the applicable AARTO provisions result in an operating card being suspended, the affected vehicle may be prevented from operating for the relevant suspension period.

For a business that relies on deliveries, transport contracts or daily fleet movements, an unavailable vehicle can disrupt schedules, affect customer relationships and reduce revenue.

The costs do not stop when a vehicle is parked. Finance repayments, insurance premiums and depreciation may continue while the vehicle generates no income. Businesses may also have to arrange replacement vehicles or alternative transport to meet contractual obligations.

Attempting to operate a vehicle unlawfully can create further legal and financial exposure, including potential insurance complications.

Fleet operators should consequently view compliance as part of operational planning rather than a task to address only after a fine or suspension has been issued.

Prevention must start before the engine does

Relying on drivers to make responsible decisions after consuming alcohol is not an adequate risk-management strategy. Alcohol can impair judgement and reaction times, making it more difficult for someone to assess whether they are fit to drive.

Employers should establish clear alcohol policies and practical procedures to prevent impaired driving before a vehicle leaves the depot.

For businesses operating from a central yard, mandatory breath testing before vehicles are dispatched and when drivers return can form part of a structured alcohol-screening programme.

The procedures should be applied consistently and supported by clear rules governing positive results, refusals to test and the steps to be followed when a driver may be impaired.

For long-distance transport operators and businesses whose drivers spend extended periods on the road, ignition interlocks can provide an additional safeguard.

These in-vehicle devices require a breath sample before the engine can start and can prevent a vehicle from starting when the detected alcohol level exceeds the configured limit.

The appropriate system will depend on the operation, but the principle remains the same: preventing an impaired driver from getting behind the wheel is preferable to dealing with the consequences afterwards.

Administration is as important as prevention

Alcohol screening is only one part of an effective fleet-compliance strategy. Businesses must also maintain accurate driver records and ensure that traffic offences are managed within the applicable AARTO procedures and deadlines.

Where required, operators should nominate the person responsible for an offence so that demerit points are allocated correctly rather than incorrectly remaining associated with the vehicle or operator.

Appointing a designated AARTO proxy can help ensure that notices, driver nominations and relevant deadlines are managed consistently.

Employment contracts and human resources policies should clearly set out the requirement for employees in driving positions to maintain the appropriate valid licence. They should also establish procedures for reporting infringements and notifying the employer of any change in licence status.

Subject to applicable privacy and employment requirements, written consent and appropriate processes for checking relevant records can help fleet managers identify licence suspensions and address risks before a driver is assigned a vehicle. Telematics and accurate trip records can further assist businesses in linking vehicles and journeys to the responsible drivers.

These measures should form part of a broader compliance framework that includes regular policy reviews, staff education and consistent enforcement.

Protecting people and business continuity

AARTO raises important questions for every business that relies on vehicles: are drivers properly monitored, are alcohol-related risks being addressed, and are administrative systems strong enough to prevent avoidable compliance failures?

The cost of getting these measures wrong can extend well beyond a traffic fine. It can mean losing a driver at a critical time, taking a revenue-generating vehicle off the road, facing disputes over insurance cover or exposing other road users to preventable harm.

By combining clear alcohol policies, appropriate testing technology, accurate driver records and disciplined administration, fleet operators can reduce their exposure to these risks.

Ultimately, alcohol prevention is not simply about avoiding penalties. It is about protecting employees, other road users and the long-term sustainability of the business.