Navigating the road isn't just about moving from point A to point B. The way you drive has far-reaching implications, particularly when it comes to your car insurance cover, as well as your premium. Whether it's a speeding ticket or a minor traffic violation, each offence can leave a mark on your driving record and, more importantly, your car insurance cover.
The new Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) points system is scheduled to begin its phased rollout from 1 December 2025 in major municipalities with full implementation and demerit point allocation from 1 September 2026.
Under the AARTO system, traffic violations such as speeding, failure to wear a seatbelt, and running red lights are all risk indicators to insurers. They indicate that a driver is more likely to be in an accident and, as such, is more likely to submit a claim.
There is a direct correlation between driver behaviour and car insurance premiums. Insurers calculate premiums based on risk – and the higher your perceived risk of causing an accident, the higher the premium you’ll pay.
For more serious offences like reckless driving or driving under the influence (DUI), insurers may not only increase premiums substantially but, in some cases, even refuse to provide cover due to unacceptable risk for the insurer.
To keep premiums as low as possible, the most effective approach is to simply drive responsibly, following the rules of the road and avoiding traffic violations. Driving behaviour is a critical determinant of road safety and insurance costs. Risky actions such as speeding, distracted driving (including mobile phone use), aggressive driving (like tailgating and rapid lane changes), fatigue, and driving under the influence can significantly increase the likelihood of accidents, vehicle damage, and reputational harm, as well as insurance consequences. Keeping a clean, legal record on the roads, therefore goes a long way.
