Drivers License Demerit System May Cause Many South Africans To Lose Their Drivers Licenses

REMINDER: the demerit system has started. The 10km/h over the speed limit does not apply anymore either. So if the speed limit is 60, stick to 60, not 63, or 69 - they will fine you.

The license demerit system has been introduced by the department of traffic in Pretoria It is a new system that aims at removing dangerous drivers in South Africa's roads, by suspending or revoking their licenses. The driving license demerit system is based on the Australian model following the drivers card license that makes it possible to store in every record of the driver. The system is actually not a new one it is being practiced in other countries.

What will happen is, every driver will be given 12 points, but if you lose the points through:

· Being caught speeding.
· Not having your license with you.
· Losing your license.
· Not wearing your seatbelt.
· Your car lights are not working.
· Drinking and driving.
· Running over a pedestrian.
· Not stopping at a stop sign.

Then your allocated points will be deducted in any violation of the above.

How will the points be allocated?

Every year each driver will be given the 12 points if you lose the 12 demerits in a year that is when you will be suspended. After receiving 3 suspensions from the traffic department, your license WILL be cancelled, if in a year a driver did not receive any suspensions, the following year, there would be an addition to the last years 12 points plus bonus points. This will be genuinely done to improve the driving behavior that is occurring in South Africa, meaning we are slowly getting rid of all those bad drivers.

In occurrence with other major traffic violations, the department of transport will not change its old system, it will still let drivers face up to the normal procedures in court.

For example this is how the demerits system will be rated to a unit scale...

• · 2 points will be deducted, if you are found with an unregistered car, you'll be left with 10 penalty scores which means a fine of R500.
• · 2 points will be deducted if found not having your drivers license with and you'll be getting a R250 fine.
• · 1 point will be deducted if found not wearing a seatbelt and you'll be getting a fine of R250
• · 3 points will be deducted if found overloaded by 25% and you'll receive a fine of R1 250.
• · 3 points will be deducted if you did not stop at a stop sign.
• · Fines For Speeding Limit
• · 1 point will be deducted from your demerit if you are 21% to 30% over the speed limit and you will getting a fine of R500