The rules of the road are there to regulate traffic flow, to ensure safety,
and to protect the rights of individual road users. If everyone adheres
to the rules of the road, the chances of accidents will be greatly reduced.
General
- Drive on the left side of a two-way road.
- On a one-way road you may travel on the right side, if it is safe to do
so.
- A traffic officer's instructions always take precedence over a rule of
the road or road sign.
- Maintain a 2 seconds gap behind the vehicle ahead of you (3 seconds for
heavy vehicles).
Speed limits
The general speed limits are:
- 60 kilometres per hour on roads in an urban area;
- 100 kilometres per hour on roads outside an urban area for vehicles under
9000kg, and 80 kilometres per hour for vehicles 9000kg and above;
- 100 kilometres per hour on roads outside an urban area for buses and mini-buses
conveying passengers;
- 120 kilometres per hour on freeways, and 80 kilometres per hour for vehicles
9000kg and above.
Divided roads
Where a road is divided by a painted or physical barrier, always stay on
the left side of the road. Cross this type of road only at an opening or
space specifically indicated for this purpose.
Overtaking and passing
- When passing on-coming traffic, keep to the left and maintain a clear space
between your vehicle and other vehicles.
- When overtaking another vehicle travelling in the same direction, pass
on the right side of that vehicle and keep a safe distance from it. Do
not cut in front of it when you return to the left side of the road.
- Do not drive on the right side of the roadway in the face of oncoming traffic.
- If it is safe to do so, you may overtake on the left when:
- - the vehicle ahead is turning right or has indicated the intention to
turn right;
- or
- - the road is a one-way road;
- or
- - the road is wide enough for two or more lanes of traffic to travel in
the same direction;
- or
- - the road is wide enough and is marked with traffic lanes travelling in
the same direction;
- or
- - instructed by a traffic officer.
- Do not drive on the shoulder or verge of the road when overtaking.
- Do not overtake on a blind rise, curve or any other place where your view
of the road ahead is limited and there might be on-coming traffic.
- Look out for passengers boading or leaving a stationary bus.
When being overtaken:
- Move over to the left to allow the other vehicle to pass.
- Do not accelerate.
Road shoulders
You may not drive on the shoulder of the road, left of the yellow edge
line, except on a single lane roadway between sunrise and sunset to allow
other vehicles to overtake, and if it is safe to do so and visibility is
good for at least 150 metres.
Crossing or entering a road or traffic lane
You may not enter or cross a road or traffic lane if your vehicle is likely
to cause a dangerous situation or obstruct the traffic flow.
Driving signals
- You must indicate your intention to change direction, to reduce speed,
or to stop.
- Indicate in a way that can be clearly seen by other road users for a suitable
length of time, ie. indicators, stop lights, hand signals.
Right of way
At a roundabout you must yield right of way to all traffic approaching
from the right, unless there is a road sign or traffic officer instructing
otherwise. At a mini-circle give way to vehicles that will cross a yield
line before you.
Turning procedure
- When turning left, indicate your intention and keep as close as possible
to the left side of the road.
- When turning right, indicate your intention and keep as close as possible
to the right side of the road.
- Do not turn unless you can do so without obstructing or endangering other
traffic.
- As you turn, pass to the left of any traffic island or traffic officer
controlling the intersection. Do not cut the corner by turning too soon.
Towing
- Motorcycles and motor-tricycles may not tow another vehicle.
- The distance between the two vehicles may not be more than 3,5 metres.
- The towed vehicle must be controlled by a licenced driver unless the front
wheels have been lifted off the road or a device to control the steering
is being used in place of a tow-rope.
- You may not be towed faster than 30 kilometres per hour, unless a solid
bar is used.
- You may not tow a vehicle carrying passengers at a speed of more than 30
km/h unless the towed vehicle is a semi-trailer.
Stopping
- You may not stop on the road unless instructed to do so by a traffic officer
or road sign, to avoid an accident, or for a cause beyond your control.
- You may not stop:
- - next to or opposite an excavation if this would obstruct the traffic
flow;
- and
- - in a tunnel or subway, or on a bridge;
- and
- - within 6 metres of a tunnel, subway or bridge;
- and
- - within 6 metres of a place where the road width has been narrowed;
- and
- - on the right-hand side of the road facing oncoming traffic;
- and
- - next to or opposite another vehicle where the road is less than 9 metres
wide;
- and
- - within a railway reserve at a level crossing;
- and
- - within 9 metres of the approach side of a pedestrian crossing;
- and
- - where you would cause an obstruction or danger to traffic.
Parking
Parking is defined as 'stopping for longer than is necessary to off-load
goods or passengers'.
- You may not park:
- - in any no-stopping area;
- and
- - within 1,5 metres of a fire hydrant;
- and
- - where you would obscure a road sign;
- and
- - on a pavement, unless the vehicle is used for business by a peddler,
street vendor or hawker;
- and
- - across a private vehicle entrance;
- and
- - within 1 metre of the edge of a road outside an urban area, unless it
is in a demarcated parking bay;
- and
- - within 5 metres of an intersection;
- and
- - over the activating mechanism of a traffic light;
- and
- - with the outer edge of the kerbside wheel more than 450 mm into the roadway,
unless permitted by a roadsign;
- and
- - where the road is less than 5,5 metre wide, unless it is a one-way road;
- and
- - on a traffic island, or in a pedestrian mall or lane.
- If a vehicle is illegally parked, it can be impounded and the owner is
liable for the costs of removal and impounding.
- Emergency vehicles, rescue vehicles, construction vehicles and traffic
officers are not subject to these rules if they are in the course of duty.
- You may park on the right side of a one-way road but with the outer edge
of the right side wheel not more than 450 mm into the roadway.
Compulsory stops
You must stop:
- if directed to do so by a traffic officer or road sign;
- at the request of a person herding farm animals;
- if you are involved in an accident.
General duties of drivers and passengers
You may not:
- travel backwards for further than is reasonably necessary;
- follow another vehicle too closely in relation to the speed and traffic
conditions;
- allow another person or animal to interfere with your control of the
vehicle or your ability to indicate your intention to stop, slow down or
turn;
- allow another person to steer unless you become incapable of steering;
- leave a vehicle unattended without setting the brake or using some other
method to prevent it from moving;
- move off from a stationary position if it is not safe to do so;
- allow any portion of your own or a passenger's body to stick out of the
vehicle, excluding a motorcycle, while it is in motion, except to give
hand signals or while testing the vehicle;
- allow a person or animal to be anywhere outside or on the vehicle, excluding
a motorcycle, while moving;
- run the engine if it is giving off excessive smoke or fumes;
- run the engine when fuel is being pumped into the vehicle or the fuel-tank
cap is off;
- leave the engine of an unattended, stationary vehicle running;
- deposit fuel, grease, oil, any other flammable, offensive matter, or
refuse of any nature onto the road or alongside the road;
- allow passengers to get on or off the vehicle while it is moving;
- drive, push or pull a vehicle on a pavement;
- fail to give way to a vehicle sounding an emergency siren or similar
device;
- operate a communication device held in your hand or any other part of
your body while driving. It must be 'hands-free' or a 'hand-set'. This
does not apply to people engaged in offical public duties.
Duties relating to motorcycles, tri-cycles and quadrucycles
- You must keep your feet on the footrests of a motorcycle and sit astride
the saddle.
- You must not convey a passenger if the motorcycle has an engine capacity
of 50 cc or less.
- Passenger must sit astride the saddle with their feet on the footrests,
or must be seated in a side-car.
- Not more than 2 people may travel on a motorcycle and not more than 2 adults
may ride in a side-car.
- No person, animal or bulky object may be carried on a motorcycle in such
a way that it obstructs the rider's view ahead or ability to control the
motorcycle.
- Motorcycles must ride in single-file on the road. (A lane is considered
to be a road.)
- Only one motorcycle at a time may overtake another vehicle travelling in
the same lane.
- Always keep at least one hand on the handlebars at all times.
- Ensure that all the wheels stay in contact with the road surface at all
times.
Lights
- Motorcycle headlights must be on at all times.
- Other vehicle headlights must be switched on between sunset and sunrise.
- Headlights must be switched on when visibility is poor or less than 150
metres.
- The main beam must be dipped for approaching traffic.
- Parking lights must be used when the vehicle is parked on the roadway outside
a demarcated parking bay or more than 12 metres from an illuminated street
light.
- Emergency warning flashing lights must only be used in an emergency or
when the vehicle is stationary in a hazardous position.
- Only official vehicles and those used by medical doctors, vets or breakdown
contractors may be fitted with adjustable spotlights.
Vehicles causing excessive noise
You may not operate a vehicle that is too noisy or has accessories that
are too noisy.
Use of a hooter
- You may use a hooter for safety reasons only and may not hoot unnecessarily.
- The hooter must be audible for a distance of at least 90 metres.
Pedestrians' right of way at a pedestrian crossing
- Where a pedestrian crossing is situated next to traffic lights, pedestrians
must cross according to the signals of the traffic lights.
- Drivers must yield right of way by slowing down or stopping for a pedestrian
who is on or about to enter a pedestrian crossing on the same side of the
road as the approaching driver.
- Do not overtake a vehicle that has stopped at a pedestrian crossing.
- Pedestrians do not have the right to enter a pedestrian crossing suddenly
so that approaching vehicles are unable to stop safely.
- Pedestrians should cross the road at pedestrian crossings only or at a
distance more than 50 metres from the crossing.
Racing and sport on public roads
You may not conduct a race or sports meetings on a public road without
the consent of the relevant traffic authority.
Hindering or obstructing traffic on a public road
You may not hinder or interrupt the free flow of traffic on a public road.
Abandoned vehicles
Vehicles abandoned on a public road or in a public place may be removed
and impounded. The owner of the vehicle will be liable for the removal
and impounding costs. The vehicle may be sold to defray these costs.
Abandoned vehicles include those:
- standing in such a way as to cause a danger or obstruction to other traffic;
- left for 24 hours in the same place on a public road outside an urban
area;
- left in the same place for 7 days on a public road in an urban area,
or at a testing station;
- found on a public road without a registration number or with a false
registration number;
- that have no definite means of identifying the owner;
- parked in a 'no-stopping' area.
Damage to public roads
- You may not drag or spin the wheels of a vehicle on the surface of the
road, except in emergencies.
- You may not use chocks or shoes between the wheels and the surface of the
road.
- You may not do anything that will damage the surface of the road.
Freeways
- Vehicles not allowed on freeways include:
- - Animal-drawn vehicles;
- and
- - Bicycles;
- and
- - Motorcycles with an engine capacity of 50 cc or less;
- and
- - Electrically powered vehicles;
- and
- - Vehicles with a mass of 230 kg or less, designed and constructed specifically
for use by disabled people;
- and
- - Motor tri-cycles or quadrucycles;
- and
- - Tractors, unless in use for road maintenance.
- Pedestrians are not allowed on freeways unless:
- - they are in an area specifically demarcated for stopping or parking;
- and
- - for a cause beyond their control.
- Animals are not allowed on a freeway, except in a vehicle or within an
area specifically demarcated for stopping or parking.
- You may not stop on a freeway unless:
- - instructed to do so by a traffic officer or a road sign;
- and
- - you are within an area specifically demarcated for stopping or parking;
- and
- - for a cause beyond your control;
- and
- - to pick up a citizen force member at a designated pick-up point.
- Hand signals are not given on a freeway, except in an emergency.
- These restrictions do not apply to maintenance workers, emergency crews,
construction workers and officials in the course of duty.
- If the motorist behind you indicates his desire to overtake, by flashing
the head lights, move over to the left if it is safe to do so.
Accidents / collisions
In the event of an accident involving a person, animal or property you
must:
- Stop the vehicle immediately;
- Ascertain the nature and extent of any injuries;
- Provide any assistance possible to the injured;
- Provide your name, address, the name and address of the vehicle owner
and the vehicle's registration number to a person having reasonable grounds
for requiring these details;
- Report the accident and produce your licence to the police within 24
hours, if this was not done at the scene of the accident;
- Not take intoxicating liquor or narcotic drugs before reporting the accident,
unless instructed to do so by a medical practitioner;
- Ensure that in an urban area, the vehicles involved in an accident where
someone has been killed or injured are not moved without a traffic officer's
authorisation, except where the vehicles are completely blocking the road
and only after their position has been marked on the road surface. They
may only be moved enough to allow the traffic to pass.
Reckless, negligent, or inconsiderate driving
You may not drive in a manner that disregards the safety of other road
users or property.
You may not drive without consideration for the rights of other road users.
Tyres
- Motor cycles under 125 cc must have a tread pattern visible on at least
80% of the tread width.
- On other vehicles, the tread pattern must be clearly visible across the
width and circumference of the tyre with a depth of not less than 1 mm.
- The sidewalls should not have deep cuts and the inner cords should not
be visible.
- Motor cycles may not be fitted with retreaded tyres.
Intoxicating liquor and narcotic drugs
You may not be in control of, or behind the controls of a motor vehicle
with the engine running if the alcohol level in your blood exceeds the
permissible level that is laid down from time to time, or if you are under
the influence of any narcotic drug. 0.05 grams per 100 ml of blood / 0.24
milligrams per 1000 millilitres of breath for an ordinary driver. 0.02
grams per 100 ml of blood / 0.10 milligrams per 1000 millilitres of breath
in the case of a professional driver. It is an ofence to refuse to provide
a blood or breath sample.
Carrying loads on motorcycles
Projection limits:
- Not more than 600 mm to the front of the front axle.
- Not more than 900 mm to the rear of the back axle.
- Not more than 450 mm to the side of the motorcycle wheels.
- Not more than 300 mm to the side of the side-car wheel.
- These provisions do not apply to mirrors or crashbars.
No person, animal or article may be carried in front of the driver on the
seat, fuel tank or handlebars.
Carrying loads on motor vehicles
Projection limits:
- Not more than 300 mm beyond the front of the vehicle.
- Not more than 1.8 metres beyond the rear of the vehicle.
- Not more than 4.3 metres high, from the ground, on goods vehicles and not
more than half the height of the vehicle if loaded on the roof of a car,
unless it is a bicycle.
- Not more than 2.5 metres wide and 2.6 metres in the case of a goods vehicle
with a mass of 12 000 kg and above except in the case of abnormal loads
for which permission must be arranged with the local traffic authorities.
Safety markings:
- Loads that project 150 mm or more to the side of the vehicle or more than
300 mm to the rear of the vehicle must be marked with 300 mm square red
flags at each corner during the day and at night with white reflectors
on each corner in the front, red reflectors at each corner at the back
and yellow reflectors on the sides.
- Loads lass than 600 mm wide that project 300 mm or more beyond the rear
of the vehicle must be marked with a single 300 mm square red flag during
the day and with a red reflector at night.
Seat Belts
- The driver and all passengers front and rear must wear seat belts, if seat
belts are fitted to the vehicle, unless reversing or parking.
- If seat belts have been removed the vehicle may not be used on public roads.
- If there is no seat belt on the front seat, children up to the age of 14
must sit on the back seat.
- A passenger may not occupy a seat without a seat belt if there is a seat
vacant with a seat belt fitted.
|
