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You MUST drive on the left hand side of the
road.
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You MUST always have your driving licence
with you when driving.
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You MUST always wear a seatbelt.
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You MUST be 18 years or older to drive.
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You MUST take it in turns to move off at a
4-way stop (more...)
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You MUST give way to pedestrians when you
are turning left or right at a green robot
(more...)
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You MUST park with the front of the car
facing in the direction of the traffic flow, on
the nearside of the road.
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You MUST NOT allow children under 12 years
in the front seats.
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You MUST NOT use a cell (mobile) phone
whilst driving.
The speed limits are
120kph (74mph) on open roads,
100kph
(62mph) on smaller
roads
60kph (37mph) in towns.
Even major national roads cut
through residential areas so there may be a
speed limit of 80 or 60kph on a road that
looks like a major dual carriageway.
Speed limits are often imposed to
protect pedestrians, particularly children,
where main roads pass close to residential
areas (particularly locations and townships
on the edge of main towns).
Speed limits are actively enforced using
fixed and mobile speed cameras. These are
nearly always hidden and will measure your
speed going towards them as well as away
from them.
The drinking and driving laws are very
strict and actively enforced.
The maximum allowable alcohol
blood content is 0.05%.
This is roughly
equivalent to one unit of alcohol (one glass of wine) for the
average woman and perhaps 1.5 or two units for the
average or large man.
The law sets out clearly your duties if
you are involved in an accident on a public
road in which another person is killed or
injured or suffers damage in respect of
property or animal.
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Immediately stop
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Ascertain the nature and extent of
any injury sustained by any person. Call
for emergency services if needed.
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Give the other person your name and
address, and that of the vehicle's owner
if different, and the vehicle's
registration number.
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If these details are not given to a
police officer at the scene, you must
report the collision at a police station
within 24 hours, with your driving
licence.
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Always have a valid driving licence in your
possession.
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Police 10111
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Fire 10111
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Ambulance 10117
Emergency services from a cell (mobile)
phone: 112
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Many road fatalities are caused by
accidents with pedestrians, many of which could be prevented
by the
application of basic principles.
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Many informal settlements are
situated alongside main roads with no formal points of crossing or
pedestrian bridges.
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Do not speed near these settlements
and be prepared to slow down.
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Avoid overtaking in the vicinity of
these settlements, and especially in
hazardous driving conditions such as
heavy rain or darkness.
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Keep you headlamps on during the day
(dipped).
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If visibility is poor, slow down -
avoid driving if your vision is
impaired by strong rain or the
blinding headlights of approaching
vehicles.
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Be on the lookout for small children. Do not assume that you have been
seen.
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Be on the lookout for pedestrians
walking at the side of the road with
their back to you.
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Be aware of intoxicated pedestrians
– especially over weekends and near
informal settlements (shacks).
Gravel roads in are common in South Africa. With
the vast rural areas there is always the possibility of
animals
crossing the gravel roads.
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Excessive speed is the main cause of
accidents - keep to a maximum speed of 60-70kph.
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Lack of concentration is the second cause
- long driving distances and very little
traffic.
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Pay attention to road traffic signs.
Particularly those that indicate a turn ahead or
a
dip in the road.
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Reduce speed when passing oncoming traffic
and keep as far to the left side as possible to prevent stone damage.
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Switch on your headlights in rainy or dusty
conditions so that others can see you.
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In rainy or wet conditions beware of
slippery roads, wash-aways, and running or
stagnant water.
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Always be on the lookout for wild or
domestic animals - slow down.
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Avoid driving at night because of poor
visibility and increasing wild animal movement.
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