Rules of the Road (2024)

*** Please note that this section will be displayed in a larger font size than the rest ***

ROAD SAFETY EDUCATION

RULES OF THE ROAD AND MATTERS RELATING THERETO

This section has been compiled and published by the Department of Transport and can be can be divided into 4 parts:

Part 1 RULES OF THE ROAD

Vehicle to be driven on the left side of roadway
Driving on divided public road
Passing of vehicle
Prohibition on driving on shoulder of public road, except in certain circ*mstances
Crossing or entering public road or traffic lane
Driving signals
Right of way at certain road junctions
Procedure when turning
Towing of vehicles
Stopping of vehicles
Parking of vehicles
Certain vehicles may be stopped and parked at any place where necessary
Compulsory stops
General duties of driver or passenger of vehicle on public road
Prohibition on use of communication device while driving
Duties relating to motor cycle, motor tricycle or motor quadrucycle
Vehicle causing excessive noise
Use of hooter
Riding on pedal cycles
Pedestrian's right of way in pedestrian crossing
Duties of pedestrians
Racing and sport on public roads
Hindering or obstructing traffic on public road
Vehicle left or abandoned on public road
Damage to public roads
Special provisions relating to freeways

Part 2 DRIVING SIGNALS

Left-turn hand signal
Right-turn hand signal
Use of direction indicators in lieu of hand signals
Signal to indicate intention to reduce speed
Permissible hand signals

Part 3 SPEED LIMITS

General speed limits
Speed limit for particular class of vehicles

Part 4 GENERAL

Towing of vehicles

Part 1

RULES OF THE ROAD

Vehicle to be driven on the left side of roadway

Any person driving a vehicle on a public road shall do so by driving on the left side of the roadway and, where such roadway is of sufficient width, in such manner as not to encroach on that half of the roadway to his or her right: Provided that such encroachment shall be permissible-

(a) where it can be done without obstructing or endangering other traffic or property which is or may be on such half and for a period and distance not longer than is necessary and prudent and provided that it is not prohibited by a road traffic sign; or

(b) in compliance with a direction of a traffic officer or a road traffic sign.

These provisions shall not apply in the case of a public road which is restricted to traffic moving thereon in one direction only.

Driving on divided public road

1) Whenever any public road has been divided into two or more roadways by means of an intervening space or by a physical barrier or dividing section so constructed as to impede vehicular traffic, no person shall drive a vehicle upon such public road except upon the left-hand roadway, unless directed or permitted by an appropriate road traffic sign or a traffic officer to use another roadway.

2) No person shall drive a vehicle on, over, across or within any dividing space, barrier or section, except through an opening in such space, barrier or section or at a cross-over or intersection: Provided that no person shall so drive through any such opening or at any such cross-over or intersection where such driving is prohibited by an appropriate road traffic sign or by a traffic officer: Provided further that these provisions shall not apply to a traffic officer in the performance of his or her duties.

Passing of vehicle

1) The driver of a vehicle intending to pass any other vehicle proceeding in the same direction on a public road shall pass to the right thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive on the left side of the roadway until safely clear of the vehicle so passed: Provided that, in the circ*mstances as aforesaid, passing on the left of such vehicle shall be permissible if the person driving the passing vehicle can do so with safety to himself or herself and other traffic or property which is or may be on such road and –

(a) the vehicle being passed is turning to its right or the driver thereof has signalled his or her intention of turning to his or her right;
(b) such road is a public road in an urban area and –

(i) is restricted to vehicles moving in one direction; and
(ii) the roadway is of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles;

(c) such road is a public road in an urban area and the roadway is of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles moving in each direction;

(d) the roadway of such road is restricted to vehicles moving in one direction and is divided into traffic lanes by appropriate road traffic signs; or

(e) he or she is driving in compliance with the directions of a traffic officer or is driving in traffic which is under the general direction of such officer, and in accordance with such direction:

Provided further that in no event shall any passing referred to in paragraph (a), (b), (c) or (d) be done by driving on the shoulders of the roadway or on the verge of the public road concerned.

2) The driver of a vehicle shall not pass other traffic proceeding in the same direction on a public road when approaching –

(a) the summit of a rise;
(b) a curve; or
(c) any other place,

where his or her view is so restricted that any such passing could create a hazard in relation to other traffic which might approach from the opposite direction, unless –

(i) he or she can do so without encroaching on the right hand side of the roadway; or

(ii) the roadway of such road is restricted to vehicles moving in one direction.

3) The driver of a vehicle on a public road shall upon becoming aware of other traffic proceeding in the same direction and wishing to pass his or her vehicle, cause his or her vehicle to travel as near to the left edge of the roadway as is possible, without endangering himself or herself or other traffic or property on the roadway, and shall not accelerate the speed of his or her vehicle until the other vehicle has passed.

4) When about to pass oncoming traffic, the driver of a vehicle on a public road shall ensure that the vehicle driven by him or her does not encroach on the roadway to his or her right in such manner as may obstruct or endanger such oncoming traffic.

5) The driver of a vehicle intending to pass a stationary bus on a public road shall do so with due care for the safety of persons who are approaching or leaving or may approach or leave such bus.

Prohibition on driving on shoulder of public road, except in certain circ*mstances

1) No person shall drive a motor vehicle on the shoulder of a public road.

2) The driver of a motor vehicle may, during the period between sunrise and sunset, drive such motor vehicle on the shoulder of a public road which is designated for one lane of traffic in each direction-

(a) while such motor vehicle is being overtaken by another vehicle; and

(b) if he or she can do so without endangering himself or herself, other traffic, pedestrians or property on such public road;

Crossing or entering public road or traffic lane

1) The driver of a vehicle shall not cross a public road unless the road is clear of moving traffic for a sufficient distance to allow him or her to cross the road without obstructing or endangering any such traffic.

2) The driver of a vehicle shall not enter a public road unless he or she can do so with safety to himself or herself and other traffic.

3) The driver of a vehicle on a public road divided into traffic lanes by appropriate road traffic signs shall not turn from one lane into or across another lane unless he or she can do so without obstructing or endangering other traffic.

Driving signals

The driver of a vehicle on a public road who intends to stop such vehicle or suddenly reduce the speed thereof, or to turn such vehicle to the left or to the right, or to move such vehicle to the left or right on the roadway, shall give a conspicuous signal of his or her intention, visible to any person approaching him or her from the front or from the rear or from the side, and of a duration sufficient to warn any such person of his or her intention.

Right of way at certain road junctions

The driver of a vehicle on a public road shall, when he or she intends entering any portion of a public road which constitutes a junction of two or more public roads where vehicular traffic is required to move around a traffic island within such junction, yield the right of way to all vehicular traffic approaching from his or her right within such junction, unless his or her entry into such junction is controlled by an instruction given by a traffic officer or a direction conveyed by a road traffic sign requiring him or her to act differently.

Procedure when turning

1) The driver of a vehicle on a public road who desires to turn to the left shall, before reaching the point at which he or she intends to turn, indicate, in the manner prescribed in these regulations, his or her intention to turn and shall steer his vehicle as near to the left side of the roadway on which he or she is travelling as circ*mstances may permit and shall make such turn with due care and merge into such traffic stream as may at the time be proceeding along, towards or into the public road into which he desires to turn.

2) The driver of a vehicle on a public road who desires to turn to the right shall, before reaching the point at which he or she intends to turn, indicate in the manner prescribed in these regulations, his or her intention to turn and shall not effect such turning unless he or she can do so without obstructing or endangering other traffic and –

(a) if he or she is driving a vehicle on the roadway of a public road which roadway is intended for traffic in both directions –

i) he or she shall steer such vehicle as near as circ*mstances may permit to the immediate left of the middle of the roadway on which he or she is travelling; and

(ii) where the turn is at an intersection, he or she shall not encroach on the right half of the roadway into or out of which he or she intends to turn, except in the intersection itself, but shall in any event pass to the left of any traffic island in such intersection or comply with the direction conveyed by any appropriate road traffic sign; or

(b) if he or she is driving a vehicle on a roadway of a public road where such roadway is intended for traffic in only one direction –

(i) he or she shall steer such vehicle as near as circ*mstances permit to the right side of such roadway; and

(ii) where the turn is at an intersection he or she shall not encroach on the right half of the roadway into which he or she intends to turn, except in the intersection itself but shall in any event pass to the left of any traffic island in such intersection or comply with the direction conveyed by an appropriate road traffic sign: Provided that where such turn is to be made into a roadway intended for traffic in only one direction, he or she may encroach on the right half of that roadway.

Towing of vehicles

No person may operate any vehicle on a public road while towing or drawing another vehicle save in the manner prescribed in these regulations for the towing or drawing of any vehicle by another vehicle on a public road.

Stopping of vehicles

Except in order to avoid an accident, or in compliance with a road traffic sign or with a direction given by a traffic officer, or for any cause beyond the control of the driver, no person shall stop a vehicle on the roadway of a public road –

(a) alongside or opposite an excavation or obstruction on the public road if other traffic would be obstructed or endangered by such stopping;

(b) within any tunnel or subway or on any bridge or within six metres of any tunnel, subway or bridge;

(c) on, or within six metres from the beginning or end of, any part of such roadway where the normal width thereof has for any reason been constricted;

(d) in contravention of any road traffic sign;

(e) on the right-hand side of such roadway facing oncoming traffic;

(f) alongside or opposite any other vehicle on such roadway where such roadway is less than nine metres wide;

(g) within the railway reserve at a level crossing;

(h) within nine metres of his or her approaching side of a pedestrian crossing demarcated by appropriate road traffic signs; or

(i) in any other place where the stopping of a vehicle would or would be likely to constitute a danger or an obstruction to other traffic.

Parking of vehicles

1) No person shall park a vehicle on a public road –

(a) in contravention of any road traffic sign;

(b) in any place referred to in "stopping of vehicles";

(c) on the same side as a fire hydrant within an area bounded by the centre-line of the roadway and lines at right angles to such centre-line one and a half metres on either side of the hydrant, if such hydrant is clearly visible to and recognizable as such by drivers of moving vehicles, or if it is indicated by an appropriate road traffic sign;

(d) in any place where the vehicle would obscure any road traffic sign;

(e) in such manner as to encroach upon the sidewalk, if any; or

(f) in such manner as to obstruct any private or public vehicular entrance to such road.

2) These provisions shall not apply to any vehicle, other than a motor vehicle, while it is being used in carrying on the business of street vendor, pedlar or hawker, unless it exceeds such maximum weight, height, length or mass as may be prescribed in these regulations.

3) No person shall park a vehicle on any portion of the roadway (excluding the shoulders) of a public road outside an urban area or with any part of such vehicle within one metre of the edge of such roadway except in a parking place demarcated by an appropriate road traffic sign.

4) No person shall park a vehicle on the roadway of a public road within an urban area -

(a) within nine metres of the side from which he or she approaches a pedestrian crossing demarcated by appropriate road traffic signs, unless such parking is permitted by appropriate road traffic signs;

(b) within five metres of any intersection unless such parking is permitted by a road traffic sign;

(d) (i) with the outside of any left-hand wheel thereof more than 450 millimetres within the roadway; or

(ii) where the public road concerned is restricted to vehicles moving in one direction and the vehicle is parked on the side of the roadway, with the outside of any right hand wheel thereof more than 450 millimetres within the roadway, unless such parking is permitted by an appropriate road traffic sign;
or

(e) which is less than five and a half metres wide unless the public road concerned is restricted to vehicles moving in one direction and such parking is permitted by appropriate road traffic signs.

5) No person shall park a motor vehicle on a traffic island or in a pedestrian mall or pedestrian lane.

6) Whenever a vehicle has been parked in contravention of any provision of the Act or any by-law made under the Act, or in contravention of or in disregard of the directions of any road traffic sign or notice board as prescribed in these regulations, such vehicle may be removed or caused to be removed and impounded by a traffic officer, and unless the vehicle has been so parked in the course of a theft thereof, the owner shall bear the costs of such removal and impoundment.

Certain vehicles may be stopped and parked at any place where necessary

1) The driver of a fire-fighting vehicle, a rescue vehicle or an ambulance who drives such vehicle in the execution of his or her duties, a traffic officer who drives a vehicle in the execution of his or her duties, a person who drives a vehicle while he or she is engaged in civil protection as contemplated in section 3 of the Civil Protection Act, 1977 (Act No. 67 of 1977), or a person who drives a vehicle while it is used in connection with the construction or maintenance of a public road or the rendering of an essential public service, may stop or park the vehicle concerned at any place it may be necessary to do so.

2) While such vehicle is so stopped or parked, display the identification lamps as prescribed.

Compulsory stops

The driver of a vehicle on a public road shall stop such vehicle –

(a) in compliance with any direction conveyed by a road traffic sign or given by a traffic officer in uniform; or

(b) at the request or on the signal of a person leading or driving any bovine animal, horse, ass, mule, sheep, goat, pig or ostrich on such road.

General duties of driver or passenger of vehicle on public road

1) No person driving or having a vehicle on a public road shall-

(a) cause such vehicle to travel backwards unless it can be done in safety, or cause it to run backwards for a distance or time longer than may be necessary for the safety or reasonable convenience of any occupant of that vehicle or of other traffic on such road; or

(b) follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent having regard to the speed of such other vehicle and the traffic on and the condition of the roadway, or more closely than is prescribed in these regulations;

(c) permit any person, animal or object to occupy any position in or on such vehicle which may prevent the driver thereof from exercising complete control over the movements of the vehicle or signalling his or her intention of stopping, slowing down or changing direction;

(d) when driving such vehicle, permit any person to take hold of or interfere with the steering or operating mechanism of the vehicle;

(e) when driving such vehicle, occupy such position that he or she does not have complete control over the vehicle or does not have a full view of the roadway and the traffic ahead of such vehicle;

(f) allow such vehicle to remain unattended on such road without setting its brake or adopting such other method as will effectively prevent the vehicle from moving from the position in which it is left;

(g) if such vehicle is parked or is stationary at the side of such road, drive the vehicle from that position unless he or she is able to do so without interfering with moving traffic approaching from any direction and with safety to himself or herself and others;

(h) fail to give an immediate and absolute right of way to a vehicle sounding a device or bell;

(i) allow any portion of his or her body to protrude beyond such vehicle while it is in motion on such road except for the purpose of giving any hand signal which he or she is required or authorised to give in terms of these regulations or unless he or she is engaged in examining or testing or parking such vehicle;

(j) permit any person or animal to occupy the roof, any step or running board or any other place on top of a vehicle while such vehicle is in motion;

(k) cause or allow the engine thereof to run in such manner that it emits smoke or fumes which would not be emitted if the engine were in good condition or ran in an efficient manner;

(l) cause or allow the engine thereof to run while the motor vehicle is stationary and unattended;

(m) negligently or wilfully deposit or cause or permit to be deposited any petrol or other liquid fuel or any oil or grease or other flammable or offensive matter, ashes or other refuse, of whatever nature, from such vehicle upon or alongside such road; or

(n) cause or allow the engine thereof to run while petrol or other flammable fuel is being delivered into the fuel tank of such vehicle, or cause or allow such engine to be started up before the delivery of the petrol or other flammable fuel into the fuel tank of such vehicle has been completed and the cover of such fuel tank has been replaced.

2) No person, other than the driver, shall take hold of or interfere with the steering or operating mechanism of a vehicle while it is in motion on a public road, unless it may reasonable be inferred that the driver is no longer capable of steering or controlling such vehicle.

3) No passenger in a vehicle on a public road shall permit any part of his or her body to protrude beyond such vehicle.

4) No person shall enter or alight from any vehicle on a public road unless such vehicle is stationary and unless he or she can do so with safety to himself or herself and other users of the road.

5) No person shall drive, pull or push a vehicle upon a sidewalk: Provided that these provisions shall not apply to a perambulator, invalid chair, baby cart or child's play vehicle.

Prohibition on use of communication device while driving

1) No person shall drive a vehicle on a public road -

(a) while holding a cellular or mobile telephone or any other communication device in one or both hands or with any other part of the body;

(b) while using or operating a cellular or mobile telephone or other communication device unless such a cellular or mobile telephone or other communication device is affixed to the vehicle or is part of the fixture in the vehicle and remains so affixed while being used or operated, or is specially adapted or designed to be affixed to the person of the driver as headgear, and is so used, to enable such driver to use or operate such telephone or communication device without holding it in the manner contemplated in paragraph (a), and remains so affixed while being used or operated.

2) Abovementioned does not apply to the following persons while driving in execution of their duties:

(a) the driver of a fire-fighting vehicle;

(b) the driver of a rescue vehicle or an ambulance;

(d) a member of the South African Police Service and a member of a municipal police service, both as defined in section 1 of the South African Police Service Act, 1995 (Act No. 68 of 1995);

(e) a member of the South African National Defence Force; and

(f) any person driving a vehicle while engaged in civil protection in accordance with an ordinance made in terms of the Civil Protection Act, 1977 (Act No. 67 of 1977): Provided that he or she drives the vehicle concerned with due regard to the safety of other road users.

3) The word "headgear" includes a device which is specially designed or adapted to allow the driver to use a cellular or mobile telephone or other communication device in such a manner that he or she does not hold it in one or both hands or with any other part of the body, and which is connected to the cellular or mobile telephone or other communication device concerned, directly or indirectly, while being fitted to or attached to one or both ears of the driver.

Duties relating to motor cycle, motor tricycle or motor quadrucycle

1) No person shall drive a motor cycle, motor tricycle or motor quadrucycle on a public road unless his or her feet are resting on the front foot-rests suitable for the purpose and, where the design of such motor cycle, motor tricycle or motor quadrucycle makes it possible to do so, he or she is seated astride on the saddle of such motor cycle, motor tricycle or motor quadrucycle.

2) No person shall on a public road carry a passenger on a motor cycle unless such cycle has an engine with a cylinder capacity exceeding 50 cubic centimetres and unless such passenger is seated in a side-car or astride on a pillion attached to such cycle and, in such latter event, the feet of the passenger are resting on foot- rests suitable for that purpose.

3) Subject to these provisions, not more than two persons shall ride upon a motor cycle on a public road, excluding a person riding in a side-car attached to such motor cycle.

4) Not more than two adult persons shall be carried in a side-car attached to a motor cycle on a public road.

5) No person or animal or object shall be carried on a motor cycle, motor tricycle or motor quadrucycle on a public road in front of the driver thereof: Provided that an object of a non-bulky nature may be so carried if securely attached to the motor cycle, motor tricycle or motor quadrucycle or placed in a suitable carrier fitted thereon for that purpose and carried in such a way as not to obstruct the driver's view or prevent his or her exercising complete control over such motor cycle, motor tricycle or motor quadrucycle.

6) (a) Persons, other than traffic officers in the performance of their duties, driving motor cycles on a public road, shall drive in single file except in the course of overtaking another motor cycle, and two or more persons driving motor cycles shall not overtake another vehicle at the same time: Provided that where a public road is divided into traffic lanes, each such lane shall, for the purposes of this paragraph, be regarded as a public road.

(b) For the purposes of paragraph (a), a motor cycle shall include a motor tricycle or motor quadrucycle.

7) No person driving a motor cycle, motor tricycle or motor quadrucycle on a public road or seated on such motor cycle, motor tricycle or motor quadrucycle shall take hold of any other vehicle in motion.

8) Any person driving a motor cycle, motor tricycle or motor quadrucycle on a public road shall do so with at least one hand on the handlebars of such motor cycle, motor tricycle or motor quadrucycle.

9) Any person driving a motor cycle, motor tricycle or motor quadrucycle on a public road shall do so in such manner that all the wheels of such motor cycle, motor tricycle or motor quadrucycle are in contact with the surface of the road at all times.

Vehicle causing excessive noise

No person shall operate or permit to be operated on a public road a vehicle in such a manner as to cause any excessive noise which can be avoided by the exercise of reasonable care on his or her part.

Use of hooter

No person shall on a public road use the sounding device or hooter of a vehicle except when such use is necessary in order to comply with the provisions of these regulations or on the grounds of safety.

Riding on pedal cycles

1) No person shall ride a pedal cycle on a public road unless he or she is seated astride on the saddle of such pedal cycle.

2) Persons riding pedal cycles on a public road shall ride in single file except in the course of overtaking another pedal cycle, and two or more persons riding pedal cycles shall not overtake another vehicle at the same time.

3) No person riding or seated on a pedal cycle on a public road shall take hold of any other vehicle in motion.

4) No person riding a pedal cycle on a public road shall deliberately cause such pedal cycle to swerve from side to side.

5) No person riding a pedal cycle on a public road shall carry thereon any person, animal or object which obstructs his or her view or which prevents him or her from exercising complete control over the movements of such pedal cycle.

6) A person riding a pedal cycle on a public road shall do so with at least one hand on the handle-bars of such pedal cycle.

7) Whenever a portion of a public road has been set aside for use by persons riding pedal cycles, no person shall ride a pedal cycle on any other portion of such road.

8) A person riding a pedal cycle on a public road or a portion of a public road set aside for use by persons riding pedal cycles, shall do so in such manner that all the wheels of such pedal cycle are in contact with the surface of the road at all times.

Pedestrian's right of way in pedestrian crossing

1) Where a pedestrian crossing is situated in conjunction with a traffic signal, a pedestrian shall not enter such crossing except in accordance with the indications of such traffic signal.

2) The driver of a vehicle shall yield the right of way, slowing down or stopping if need be to so yield to a pedestrian crossing the roadway within a pedestrian crossing when the pedestrian is upon that half of the roadway upon which the vehicle is travelling, or when the pedestrian is approaching so closely from the opposite half of the roadway as to be in danger.

3) No pedestrian shall suddenly enter a pedestrian crossing and walk or run into the path of a vehicle which is so close that it is impossible for the driver to yield.

4) Whenever any vehicle is stopped at a pedestrian crossing to permit pedestrians to cross the roadway, the driver of any other vehicle approaching from the rear shall not pass such stopped vehicle.

Duties of pedestrians

1) Whenever a sidewalk or footpath abuts on the roadway of a public road, a pedestrian shall not walk on such roadway except for the purpose of crossing from one side of such roadway to the other or for some other sufficient reason.

2) A pedestrian on a public road which has no sidewalk or footpath abutting on the roadway, shall walk as near as is practicable to the edge of the roadway on his or her right-hand side so as to face oncoming traffic on such roadway, except where the presence of pedestrians on the roadway is prohibited by a prescribed road traffic sign.

3) No pedestrian shall cross a public road without satisfying himself or herself that the roadway is sufficiently free from oncoming traffic to permit him or her to cross the road in safety.
4) A pedestrian, when crossing a public road by means of a pedestrian crossing or in any other manner, shall not linger on such road but shall proceed with due despatch.

5) No pedestrian on a public road shall conduct himself or herself in such a manner as to or as is likely to constitute a source of danger to himself or herself or to other traffic which is or may be on such road.

6) A pedestrian may cross a public road only at a pedestrian crossing or an intersection or at a distance further than 50 metres from such pedestrian crossing or intersection.

Racing and sport on public roads

1) For the purposes of this regulation the expression "race or sport" includes –

(a) any race, speed trial, reliability trial, hill climbing competition or sports meeting; or
(b) any other activity whatsoever –

(i) which may constitute a source of danger to traffic; or
(ii) which may hamper, impede or disrupt the normal flow of traffic.

2) No person shall organize or take part in any race or sport on a public road, unless the prior written consent of the MEC of the province concerned has been obtained or, where the race or sport will take place wholly within the area of jurisdiction of a local authority, the prior written consent of such local authority has been obtained.

3) In granting consent, the MEC or the local authority concerned, as the case may be, may –

(a) in addition to any requirement prescribed in these regulations, impose such further conditions as he or she or it may deem expedient;

(b) exempt any person concerned with the race or sport for the duration thereof -

(i) from any provision of the Act regarding any speed limit or determine another speed limit for the road concerned;

(ii) from any other provision of the Act or from any by-law; or

(c) levy fees for defraying the expenses incurred by the Provincial Administration or local authority concerned in connection with the race or sport.

4) Any consent granted may be withdrawn at any time.

Hindering or obstructing traffic on public road

1) No person shall wilfully or unnecessarily prevent, hinder or interrupt the free and proper passage of traffic on a public road.

2) Subject to the provisions of the Act or any other law, no person shall place or abandon or cause to be placed or abandoned on a public road any object that may endanger or cause damage to traffic on such road.

Vehicle left or abandoned on public road

1) Any vehicle standing on a public road in a position or in circ*mstances which in the opinion of a traffic officer, is likely to cause danger or an obstruction to other traffic on such road, may be removed forthwith to a safer place by any such traffic officer or person or authority instructed by such officer to remove such vehicle: Provided that such traffic officer or person or authority shall, in removing such vehicle, use such device or devices as may be necessary having regard to the public safety.

2) Any vehicle –

(a) parked in a place where –

(i) the stopping of a vehicle is prohibited; or
(ii) a vehicle of a class to which such vehicle belongs may not be parked;

(b) left for a continuous period of more than –

(i) 24 hours in the same place on a public road outside an urban area;
(ii) seven days in the same place on a public road within an urban area; or
(iii) seven days on the site of any testing station; or

(i) no licence number is affixed or, in the opinion of a traffic officer, a false licence number is affixed; or

(ii) no other number or anything else is affixed which may, in the opinion of a traffic officer, serve to identify the owner, shall be deemed to have been abandoned by the owner and such vehicle may be removed by or on behalf of the authority having jurisdiction over the place or road concerned and such authority shall take all reasonable steps to trace the owner, and the owner shall, except in the case of a stolen vehicle, be liable to such authority for the expenses incurred-

(aa) in the removal of such vehicle;

(bb) in keeping the vehicle in custody for a period not exceeding four months; and

(cc) in connection with the endeavour to trace him or her, and such authority may retain possession of such vehicle until such expenses have been paid.

3) If -

(a) such owner is traced by the authority which owner fails to recover the vehicle concerned and pay the expenses within 14 days after being requested to do so; or

(b) after a lapse of one month from the date of removal, the owner cannot be traced, such vehicle or anything contained therein may be sold in the manner prescribed by any law governing the sale of movable property by such authority and, whenever possible, the authority which registered such vehicle shall be advised of such sale.

4) The proceeds of any sale shall be applied firstly to the costs of the removal, custody and sale of the vehicle concerned and all the endeavours made to trace the owner of such vehicle, and any balance shall be paid to the owner thereof upon his or her establishing his or her claim thereto: Provided that if no claim can be established within one year from the date of such sale, such balance shall be forfeited to the authority concerned.

5) If an authority is unable to sell any vehicle, it may dispose of that vehicle in any manner it deems fit, and any moneys received as a result of such disposal shall be forfeited to such authority.

6) An authority may delegate, either generally or specifically, any power conferred upon it to any person in its employment.

7) The reasonable exercise by any person or authority of the powers conferred by this regulation shall not render such person or authority subject to any liability in respect of the loss or theft of or damage to any vehicle or part thereof or of anything therein or thereon.

8) Subject to the provisions of any other law, no person shall leave a vehicle in the same place on a public road for a continuous period of more than seven days.

Damage to public roads

No person shall on a public road:

(a) cause any wheel of any vehicle to drag or spin upon the surface of the roadway, except in the case of an emergency;

(b) make use of chocks or shoes between any wheel of any vehicle moving along the roadway and the surface of such roadway; or

(c) use any vehicle or thing or move any vehicle or thing on the roadway in a manner causing or likely to cause damage thereto.

Special provisions relating to freeways

1) No person shall operate on a freeway –

(a) a vehicle drawn by an animal;

(b) a pedal cycle;

(c) a motor cycle having an engine with a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimetres or which is propelled by electrical power or which is a vehicle as contemplated in paragraph (b) of the definition of motor vehicle in the Act;

(d) a motor tricycle or motor quadrucycle;

(e) a vehicle with a mass not exceeding 230 kilograms and specially designed, constructed or adapted for the use of a person suffering from a physical defect or disability; or

(f) a tractor

2) No person shall –

(a) be on a freeway on foot except -

(i) within an area reserved for the stopping or parking of vehicles by an appropriate road traffic sign;

(ii) for a cause beyond his or her control; or

(iii) in the case of any person performing service in the Citizen Force as contemplated in section 21 of the Defence Act, 1957 (Act No. 44 of 1957), between the junction of an offramp and the junction of an on-ramp on the left-hand side of the roadway, unless a prescribed road traffic sign forbids the presence of such person on such freeway or junction;

(b) leave or allow an animal to be on a freeway except in or on a motor vehicle or within an area reserved for the stopping or parking of vehicles by an appropriate road traffic sign, or leave an animal in a place from where it may stray onto a freeway;

(i) in compliance with a road traffic sign or a direction given by a traffic officer;

(ii) within an area reserved for the stopping or parking of vehicles by an appropriate road traffic sign;

(iii) for any cause beyond his or her control; or

(iv) in an area referred to in paragraph (a)(iii) for the purpose of allowing persons so performing service there to board or alight from such vehicle;

(d) give a hand signal when driving a motor vehicle on a freeway except for a cause beyond his or her control.

3) In a prosecution for a contravention, it shall, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, be presumed that an animal was left or allowed on the freeway or place concerned by the owner of such animal.

4) These provisions –

(a) shall not apply to a person who operates a tractor in connection with the construction or maintenance of a freeway;

(b) shall not apply to -

(i) a traffic officer while he or she is engaged in the performance of his or her duties;

(ii) a person while he or she is engaged in rescue or salvage work;

(iii) a person while he or she is engaged in the construction or maintenance of a freeway or the rendering of an essential public service; or

(iv) a person while he or she is engaged in civil protection as contemplated in section 3 of the Civil Protection Act, 1977 (Act No. 67 of 1977); and

(i) the driver of -

(aa) an ambulance, fire-fighting vehicle or rescue vehicle; or

(bb) a breakdown vehicle while he or she is engaged in the salvaging of another motor vehicle;

(ii) a traffic officer who drives a vehicle in the performance of his or her duties;

(iii) a person who drives a vehicle while it is used in connection with the construction or maintenance of a freeway or the rendering of an essential public service; or

(iv) a person who drives a vehicle while he or she is engaged in civil protection as contemplated in section 3 of the Civil Protection Act, 1977 (Act No. 67 of 1977).

5) Where the driver of a motor vehicle which is being driven in the right hand traffic lane or in the traffic lane furthest to the right on a freeway (hereinafter referred to as the first vehicle) becomes aware that the driver of another motor vehicle (hereinafter referred to as the second vehicle) intends to overtake the first vehicle, the driver of the first vehicle shall steer that vehicle to a lane to the left of the one in which he or she is driving, without endangering himself or herself or other traffic or property on the freeway, And shall not accelerate the speed of his or her vehicle until the second vehicle has passed.

6) The driver of the second vehicle may make the driver of the first vehicle aware that he or she intends to overtake the first vehicle by giving the driver thereof a visible signal by means of flashing the headlights of his or her vehicle.

Part 2

DRIVING SIGNALS

Left-turn hand signal

The driver of a vehicle on a public road who intends to turn to the left or move to the left shall, before reaching the point at which he or she intends to turn or move to the left, extend his or her right arm sideward from the shoulder with the forearm in a vertical and downward position and move his or her forearm in a circular anticlockwise motion: Provided that in the case of a driver of a tractor, a two-wheel vehicle or an animal drawn vehicle, such driver may, in lieu of the hand signal aforesaid, extend his or her left arm and hand sideward from the shoulder and fully horizontal to the road with the palm of the hand turned to the front.

Right-turn hand signal

The driver of a vehicle on a public road who intends to turn to the right or move to the right shall, before reaching the point at which he or she intends to turn or move to the right, extend his or her right arm and hand sideward from the shoulder and fully horizontal to the road with the palm of the hand turned to the front.

Use of direction indicators in lieu of hand signals

1) (a) The driver of a vehicle which is fitted with direction indicators shall signal his or her intention to turn or move to the left or right by operating the direction indicator on the left or right side, as the case may be, of the vehicle.

(b) The driver of a vehicle who has put a direction indicator into operation to signal his or her intention to turn or move to the left or right shall, as soon as the need to signal has passed, cease to keep such indicator in operation.

2) The driver of a tractor or of a combination of motor vehicles of which the drawing vehicle is a tractor, may in lieu of giving the appropriate hand signal, signal his or her intention to turn to the left or to the right or move to the left or to the right by extending a portable direction indicator which complies with the following requirements:

(a) When in use, the indicator shall project at least 300 millimetres beyond the widest art of the vehicle or load thereon, whichever is the wider;

(b) the portable direction indicator shall consist of a red fluorescent arrow of adequate rigidity, with dimensions as shown in Diagram A hereto, attached to a handle the length of which shall comply with the requirements of paragraph (a); and

(c) a yellow retro-reflector complying with the definition of a retro-reflector shall be fitted to the front and back surfaces of the arrow as illustrated hereunder.

Signal to indicate intention to reduce speed

The driver of a vehicle on a public road who intends to stop or to reduce speed suddenly shall before doing so extend his or her right arm sideward from the shoulder with the forearm held in a vertical and upward position and the palm of the hand turned to the front.

Permissible hand signals

The driver of a vehicle may, in addition to the signals prescribed in the preceding regulations, give the following hand signals:

(a) If he or she intends to slow down, he or she may extend his or her right arm sideward from the shoulder with the palm of the hand turned downward and move his or her arm slowly up and down; and

(b) If he or she desires to indicate to following traffic that it may overtake his or her vehicle on the right, he or she may fully extend his or her right arm below the level of the shoulder with the palm of the hand turned forward and move it backward and forward from the shoulder.

Part 3

SPEED LIMITS

General speed limits

A general speed limit of –

(a) 60 kilometres per hour shall apply in respect of every public road or section thereof, situated within an urban area;

(b) 100 kilometres per hour shall apply in respect of every public road or section thereof, other than a freeway, situated outside an urban area; and

Speed limit for particular class of vehicles

1) A speed limit of –

(a) 80 kilometres per hour shall, subject to the proviso to the said section,
apply in respect to –

(i) a goods vehicle the gross vehicle mass of which exceeds 9 000 kilograms

(ii) a combination of motor vehicles consisting of a goods vehicle, being the drawing vehicle, and one or two trailers of which the sum of the gross vehicle mass of the goods vehicle and of the trailer or trailers exceeds 9 000 kilograms; or

(iii) an articulated motor vehicle, of which the gross combination mass of the truck-tractor exceeds 9 000 kilograms;

(b) 100 kilometres per hour shall, subject to the proviso to the said section, apply in respect to -

(i) a bus; and

(ii) a minibus used for the conveyance of persons for reward.

2) (a) There may be displayed on the rear of a goods vehicle, a sign denoting that such goods vehicle is subject to a speed limit of 80 kilometres per hour, and such sign shall comply with the requirements of standard specification SABS 1329 "Retro-reflective and Fluorescent Warning Signs for Road Vehicles", Part 3: "Signs other than triangles, chevron signs and abnormal load vehicle signs" with respect to the colours displayed on such sign.

(b) There shall from 1 May 2000, be displayed on the rear of a bus, a sign denoting that such bus is subject to a speed limit of 100 kilometres per hour, and such sign shall comply with the requirements of the standard specification referred to in paragraph (a) with respect to the colours displayed on such sign.

Part 4

GENERAL

TOWING OF VEHICLES

No person shall operate a vehicle on a public road towing another vehicle-

(a) if the length of the tow-rope, chain or tow-bar between the two vehicles exceeds three and a half metres;

(b) if the towed vehicle is connected to the towing vehicle in such a manner that both vehicles are not under control;

(c) unless the steering gear of the vehicle being towed is controlled by a person holding a code of driving licence authorising him or her to drive the class of such vehicle, if the towed vehicle is fitted with steering gear: Provided that the provisions of this paragraph shall not apply in the case where –

(i) the steerable wheels of the towed vehicle are being carried
clear of the ground; or

(ii) the device connecting the towing vehicle to the towed vehicle is such that the steerable wheels of the towed vehicle are controlled by such vehicle;

(d) if the brakes of the towed vehicle do not comply with the provisions of regulation 155, unless the towing vehicle is connected to the towed vehicle by means of a drawbar or tow-bar;
(e) at a speed in excess of 30 kilometres per hour, unless the towing vehicle is connected to the towed vehicle by means of a drawbar or a tow-bar;

(f) if the towed vehicle is conveying persons at a speed in excess of 30 kilometres per hour, unless the towed vehicle is a semi-trailer; or

(g) if the towing vehicle is a motor cycle, motor tricycle, motor quadrucycle or pedal cycle.

The Road Traffic Sign System has recently been harmonised with the rest of the Southern African Development Community Road Traffic Sign System and one of the primary objectives was to develop a system capable of meeting the road traffic and safety needs of all road users in an efficient manner, with due regard to potential environmental and other conflicts. Some of the changes include a new class of signs i.e. the local direction sign for use in urban areas; several existing sign symbols and signs have been revised; and some new signs have been added to harmonise with the SADC system. The philosophy of “a picture is worth a thousand words” was adopted in 1993 and the use of symbols rather than text, to obviate the need to use multiple languages and to reduce observation time of signs, has been perpetuated. The human factor element of the road environment and the needs of road users were taken into account. The system implemented on 1 November 1993 was to have been phased in by the end of the year 2000. This harmonised system is expected to be phased in by the year 2005.
This publication has been compiled to provide you with the opportunity to learn and understand the harmonised SADC system.

FAQs

What is the most important rule of the road? ›

So, the most important rule of using the road is to drive to avoid accidents or harm to other road users. You can do this by anticipating other drivers' actions, leaving a safety bubble and driving within the law.

Tell Me More ›

Is it illegal to pass on the right in NY? ›

You are permitted to pass on the right only in certain circ*mstances and it must be done only when necessary and safe. When you pass other vehicles or change lanes to keep away from hazards, do so with caution and only when necessary. You must not exceed the speed limit to pass another vehicle.

Learn More ›

What are the four S's in the vehicle movement checklist? ›

Georgia Drivers Ed Unit 3 Questions and Answers Graded A+ The accelerator can be used while backing up at any time False The four S's in the vehicle movement checklist are: Search, signal, select, steer Brake fluid is a hydraulic fluid that pressurizes the braking system allowing for the activati...

Show Me More ›

What is the meaning of the rule of the road? ›

: a customary practice (such as driving always on a particular side of the road or yielding the right of way) developed in the interest of safety and often subsequently reinforced by law. especially : any of the rules making up a code governing ships in matters relating to mutual safety.

See Details ›

What is the easy on the rule of the road about? ›

'On the Rule of the Road'is a famous and amusing essay by A.G. Gardiner. In this essay "The Rule Of The Road." Gardiner strikes the bull's eye when he declares that, in order to preserve the freedoms of all, it is necessary to curtail everyone's freedoms. He points out what constitutes true liberty.

Get More Info ›

What are the key points of the rule of the road? ›

The rule of the road means that in order “to preserve the liberties of all the liberties of everybody must be curtailed”. When the policeman put out his hand at Piccadilly circus street, we must not think that our liberty has been violated.

Know More ›

Why can't you pass on the right? ›

Just like staying in the left lane is a problem for traffic, passing on the right can also throw traffic off. The sudden shift in speed between lane changes can lead to a domino effect where the drivers behind you have to rapidly adjust, and if drivers can't adjust, major traffic accidents can happen.

Find Out More ›

Can you cross a solid white line in NY? ›

One solid line: You can pass other vehicles or change lanes, but you can only do so when obstructions in the road or traffic conditions make it necessary.

Keep Reading ›

What is the most important passing rule? ›

Always make sure that the road ahead is clear before passing, and that you have a large enough gap in oncoming traffic – don't create a dangerous situation because you have short patience. Avoid passing vehicles such as motorcycles and bicycles, especially on a two-lane road. Never exceed the speed limit when passing!

Learn More Now ›

When turning a car while backing it? ›

To steer the car in reverse, turn the wheel in the direction you want the rear of the car to go. Turning the wheel to the right steers the back of the car to the right. Turning the wheel to the left steers to the left.

Find Out More ›

When parking uphill with a curb? ›

When headed uphill at a curb, turn the front wheels away from the curb and let your vehicle roll backwards slowly until the rear part of the front wheel rests against the curb using it as a block. Downhill: When you stop your car headed downhill, turn your front wheels toward the curb.

What are the 4 basic car maneuvers? ›

We're talking about the types of maneuvers you will have to perform every time you get behind the wheel: turning, passing, parking, and yielding to others on the road.