Rules of the road in South Africa, part one
General rules of the road.
The general rules of the road are as follows:
- Police officers overrule any law of the road.
- Always drive on the left-hand side of any road and overtake on the right (golden rule!)
- If the rules of the road are not adhered to, it is a criminal offence, and prosecution of drivers may result.
Rules when using driving signals.
- Signal an intention early enough to warn other road users.
- Signal by using indicators, brake lights and, where necessary, hand signals. Indicate before braking.
- Use indicators whenever the intention is to turn or move left or right into another lane.
- Check the blind spot when changing lanes by looking over the correct shoulder.
- Always cancel the indicator after moving into a new lane or turning left or right.
K53 Hand Signals Meanings.
Study the below illustration on the K53 hand signals meanings and how to use them:
- Stop – place the right arm outside the driver’s window pointing up.
- Turning right – put the right hand in a horizontal position outside the driver’s window.
- Turning left – place the right hand outside the driver’s window and rotate the wrist in an anti-clockwise direction.
- Slowing down/braking – put the right hand outside the driver’s window and wave it up and down in a controlled manner.
Seat belts.
- Drivers must wear seatbelts while driving a vehicle. They must be worn in the front and, if fitted, in the vehicle’s rear.
- If there is no seatbelt for the front passenger seat, then children 14 years of age and younger must sit in the vehicle’s rear.
- The vehicle may not be used on a public road if there are no seat belts in the car.
- Passengers must wear a seat belt if a seat has a seat belt.
- A driver may unfasten a seat belt while parking or reversing.
Reckless and inconsiderate driving.
- Drive off from a stationary position only if it is safe to do so without causing any danger to other traffic (remember defensive driving).
- Do not deliberately disregard the safety of people or property when driving.
- Do not drive recklessly or without consideration for other drivers on the road.
Emergency red triangle.
- At least one double-sided red triangle must appear in all commercial vehicles.
- In an emergency, the triangle must be displayed on the road at least 45 metres behind the vehicle facing oncoming traffic.
The use of lights.
- When driving between sunset and sunrise, always switch the headlights on.
- The beam must light up objects at least 100 metres ahead.
- If visibility is not clear for at least 150m, drivers must switch on the headlights.
- If traffic is approaching and the brights are on, switch them to the dimmer beam to not affect the vision of other drivers.
- Parking lights may be used in demarcated parking areas or when vehicles get parked 12m or more from a street light.
- Use the emergency warning lights (two flashing indicators) in an emergency only or when your vehicle is in a potentially hazardous position.
Alcohol and drugs.
A driver may not sit in the driver’s seat while the vehicle’s engine runs under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Use of roads and freeways.
On a two-way road, keep as far left as possible while remaining in the correct lane not to obstruct oncoming traffic.
Divided roads.
- If a road gets divided by open space, e.g. grass, an island, or a painted divider, keep to the left.
- A driver may cross a division only at an opening or intersection where a traffic officer or road sign does not prohibit it.
Speed limits.
Non-urban roads:
- Light motor vehicles (LMV) – 100km/h.
- Goods vehicles – 80km/h.
- Vehicles that weigh 9000kg or more – 80km/h.
Urban roads:
- 60km/h for all vehicles.
Freeways:
- Light motor vehicles – 120km/h.
- Buses with passengers – 100km/h.
- Vehicles 9000kg and more – 80km/h.
Passing and overtaking
A driver may overtake a vehicle at any place on the road, provided it is a two-lane road not prohibited by a road sign or road marking.
When overtaking a vehicle in front:
- Pass to the vehicle’s right, be aware of oncoming traffic and practice the defensive driving method.
- Keep a safe distance from the car when overtaking.
- Ensure the vehicle is safely clear of the car overtaken before signalling to move back into the left-hand lane.
- When overtaking a stationary bus, be sure to look for passengers leaving the bus.
Overtaking on the left
A driver may overtake the vehicle in front on the left when:
- The driver in front has indicated to turn right.
- The road is wide enough to do so.
- The driver does not drive on the left verge or the road’s left shoulder.
Overtaking on a two-way road
- Do not try to overtake on the right-hand side of the road if the view is restricted.
- Never overtake on the right-hand side when approaching the crest of a hill, rise or curve in the road.
- Do not overtake across a solid white line.
- Never overtake when it is prohibited by a traffic sign, signal or road marking.
- Lastly, do not overtake at a scholar patrol or pedestrian crossing.
Turning right
- Before turning right, keep close to the centre of the road without touching the dividing line.
- Keeping in the centre also allows vehicles at the rear to pass safely on the left.