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1 Rules of The Road Manual

K53 Driving Manual

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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
91 views

1 Rules of The Road Manual

K53 Driving Manual

Uploaded by

malaika5555
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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SA

 Learner  Driver  Manual     Rules  of  the  Road  

South  African    
Learner  Driver  Manual  
 

Version 1

Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport


i   June 2012  
SA  Learner  Driver  Manual     Rules  of  the  Road  

COMPILED  BY  THE  DEPARTMENT  OF  TRANSPORT  OF  


THE  REPUBLIC  OF  SOUTH  AFRICA  
Department  of  Transport  
Forum  Building  
157  Struben  Street  
Pretoria  
0001  
www.transport.gov.za  
Tel:  +27  12  309  3000  
 
Disclaimer:    
This  manual  is  the  property  of  the  Department  of  Transport  and  may  not  be  copied  and  distributed  
for  any  financial  gain.  

Version 1

Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport


i   June 2012  
SA  Learner  Driver  Manual     Rules  of  the  Road  

Table of contents
Section  1:   Rules  of  the  Road  
1   INTRODUCTION  .......................................................................................................................   1  
2   ACRONYMS  AND  DEFINITIONS  .................................................................................................   2  
3   INFORMATION  FOR  LEARNER’S  LICENCE  TEST  AND  THE  APPLICATION  THEREOF  .....................  11  
4   SPECIAL  REQUIREMENTS  ARE  COVERED  BY  THE  LEGISLATION  AS  FOLLOWS:  ...........................  11  
4.1   A  PERSON  IS  D ISQUALIFIED  FROM  O BTAINING  O R  H OLDING  A  LEARNER’S  O R  D RIVING  LICENCE:  ..........  11  
5   THE  CODES  ARE  COVERED  BY  THE  LEGISLATION  AS  FOLLOWS:  ................................................  12  
5.1   TYPE  OF  LEARNER'S  LICENCE  CODES  ...............................................................................................  12  
5.2   DRIVER  OF  MOTOR  VEHICLE  TO  BE  LICENSED  ...................................................................................  13  
5.3   LICENCE  TO  DRIVE,  EITHER  LEARNER’S  OR  DRIVING  LICENCE  ...............................................................  14  
5.4   MANNER  OF  APPLICATION  FOR  LEARNER’S  LICENCE  ..........................................................................  14  
5.5   HOLDER  OF  LICENCE  TO  DRIVE  MOTOR  VEHICLE  SHALL  GIVE  NOTICE  OF  CHANGE  OF  PLACE  OF  RESIDENCE  ..  14  
5.6   UNLICENSED  DRIVER  NOT  TO  BE  EMPLOYED  OR  PERMITTED  TO  DRIVE  MOTOR  VEHICLE  ........................  14  
5.7   PROFESSIONAL  DRIVER  TO  HAVE  PERMIT  ........................................................................................  14  
5.8   PERIOD  OF  VALIDITY  OF  MOTOR  VEHICLE  LICENCE  AND  LICENCE  DISC  ................................................  15  
5.9   OFFENCES  .................................................................................................................................  15  
6   ROAD  TRAFFIC  RULES  ..............................................................................................................  16  
6.1   LIGHTS  ....................................................................................................................................  16  
6.1.1   Motorcycles  .....................................................................................................................  16  
6.1.2   Light  and  Heavy  Motor  Vehicles  ......................................................................................  16  
6.2   MAIN  BEAM  (BRIGHT)    ................................................................................................................  16  
6.3   DIPPED  BEAM    ...........................................................................................................................  16  
6.4   PARKING  LAMPS  .........................................................................................................................  17  
6.5   REAR  LAMPS  ..............................................................................................................................  17  
6.6   STOP  LAMP  ...............................................................................................................................  17  
6.7   NUMBER  PLATE  LAMP  .................................................................................................................  17  
6.8   NUMBER  PLATES  .........................................................................................................................  17  
6.9   FOG  LAMPS  ...............................................................................................................................  18  
6.10   SPOT  LAMP  .............................................................................................................................  18  
6.11   DRIVING  VIEW  TO  BE  UNOBSTRUCTED  –  (REAR-­‐VIEW  MIRRORS)  ........................................  18  
6.12   STEERING  GEAR  ....................................................................................................................  19  
6.12.1   Motorcycle  .....................................................................................................................  19  
6.12.2   Light  and  Heavy  motor  vehicles  .....................................................................................  19  
6.13   TURNING  RADIUS  .................................................................................................................  19  
6.14   BRAKES  .................................................................................................................................  19  
6.14.1   Motorcycle  .....................................................................................................................  19  
6.14.2   Light  and  Heavy  motor  vehicles  .....................................................................................  20  
6.15   HOOTER  ...............................................................................................................................  20  
6.16   EMERGENCY  WARNING  DEVICE  (SIREN)  ..............................................................................  20  
6.17   SEATBELTS  ............................................................................................................................  20  
6.17.1   Children  .........................................................................................................................  21  
6.18   PROTECTIVE  HELMET  FOR  MOTORCYCLE  RIDERS   ................................................................  21  
6.19   WINDSCREEN  .......................................................................................................................  21  
6.20   WINDSCREEN  WIPERS  ..........................................................................................................  22  
6.21   EXHAUST  SILENCERS  /  EXHAUST  PIPES  .................................................................................  22  
6.22   FUEL  TANK,  ELECTRICAL  WIRING  AND  BATTERY  ...................................................................  22  
6.23   ENGINE  .................................................................................................................................  22  
6.24   EMERGENCY  WARNING  SIGNS  (TRIANGLES)    .......................................................................  23  
6.25   EXCESSIVE  NOISE  ..................................................................................................................  23  
Version 1

Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport


ii   June 2012  
SA  Learner  Driver  Manual     Rules  of  the  Road  

6.26   SPEEDOMETERS  ...................................................................................................................  24  


6.27   SPEED  LIMITS  ........................................................................................................................  24  
6.28   SPEED  LIMIT  IN  RESPECT  OF  PASSENGER  VEHICLES  CONVEYING  PERSONS  FOR  REWARD  ...  24  
6.29   SPEED  LIMIT  FOR  A  PARTICULAR  CLASS  OF  VEHICLES  ...........................................................  24  
6.30   OVERALL  LENGTH  OF  VEHICLES  ............................................................................................  24  
6.31   OVERALL  HEIGHT  OF  VEHICLE  ..............................................................................................  25  
6.32   OVERALL  WIDTH  OF  VEHICLES  .............................................................................................  25  
6.33   CONVEYANCE  OF  GOODS  .....................................................................................................  25  
6.34   CIRCUMSTANCES  UNDER  WHICH  PERSONS  MAY  BE  CARRIED  ON  GOODS  VEHICLE  ............  26  
6.35   PROJECTIONS/OVERHANG  ...................................................................................................  26  
6.36   WARNING  FLAGS/REFLECTORS  ....................................................................................................  27  
6.37   DRIVING  ON  DIVIDED  PUBLIC  ROAD  .....................................................................................  27  
6.38   DRIVING  ON  LEFT  SIDE  OF  ROADWAY  ..................................................................................  27  
6.39   PROHIBITION  ON  DRIVING  ON  SHOULDER  OF  ROAD,  EXCEPT  IN  CERTAIN  CIRCUMSTANCES
  28  
6.40   LANE  CHANGING  ..................................................................................................................  28  
6.41   DRIVING  SIGNALS  .................................................................................................................  28  
6.42   DIRECTION  INDICATORS  .......................................................................................................  28  
6.43   RETRO-­‐REFLECTORS  .............................................................................................................  29  
6.43.1   Motorcycles  ...................................................................................................................  29  
6.43.2   Light  Motor  Vehicles  ......................................................................................................  29  
6.43.3   Heavy  Motor  Vehicle  .....................................................................................................  29  
6.44   YELLOW  REFLECTIVE  MATERIAL  ...........................................................................................  29  
6.45   OVERTAKING  /  PASSING  .......................................................................................................  29  
6.46   INTERSECTIONS  ....................................................................................................................  30  
6.47   PARKING  ...............................................................................................................................  31  
6.48   STOPPING  .............................................................................................................................  31  
6.49   GENERAL  DUTIES  OF  DRIVER/RIDER  .....................................................................................  32  
6.50   DUTIES  RELATING  TO  MOTORCYCLES  ..................................................................................  33  
6.51   MANNER  IN  WHICH  SIDE  CAR  TO  BE  ATTACHED  TO  MOTORCYCLE  ......................................  34  
6.52   CELL  PHONES  ........................................................................................................................  34  
6.53   PEDESTRIANS  RIGHT  OF  WAY  ...............................................................................................  34  
6.54   VEHICLE  LEFT  /  ABANDONED  ...............................................................................................  34  
6.55   DAMAGE  TO  PUBLIC  ROADS  .................................................................................................  35  
6.56   FREEWAYS  ............................................................................................................................  35  
6.57   TOWING  ...............................................................................................................................  36  
6.58   RESTRICTION  ON  COMBINATION  OF  MOTOR  VEHICLES  .......................................................  36  
6.59   CROSSING  /  ENTERING  PUBLIC  ROAD  ...................................................................................  36  
6.60   COMPULSORY  STOPS  ...........................................................................................................  36  
6.61   TYRES  ...................................................................................................................................  37  
6.61.1   Light  Motor  Vehicle  .......................................................................................................  37  
6.61.2   Motorcycle  .....................................................................................................................  37  
6.62   ACCIDENTS  ...........................................................................................................................  37  
6.63   INCONSIDERATE  DRIVING  ....................................................................................................  38  
6.64   RECKLESS  OR  NEGLIGENT  DRIVING  ......................................................................................  38  
6.65   DRIVING  WHILE  UNDER  THE  INFLUENCE  OF  INTOXICATING  LIQUOR  OR  DRUGS  .................  38  
6.66   FUEL  TANK,  ELECTRICAL  WIRING  AND  BATTERY  ...................................................................  38  
 
Section  2:   Road  Traffic  Signs  
Section  3:   Vehicle  and  Motorcycle  Controls  and  Components

Version 1

Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport


iii   June 2012  
 

1 INTRODUCTION  

The   aim   of   this   document   is   to   provide   a   clear   guide,   in   simple   form,   of   the   vehicle   controls,  
rules   of   the   road   and   road   traffic   signs   that   a   driver   is   required   to   observe   and   apply   in  
everyday  driving.  This  manual  also  highlights  the  various  procedures  relating  to  learner  and  
driving  licences.  It  further  provides  advice  on  the  safe  operation  of  a  vehicle  under  certain  road  and  
weather  conditions.  

The  statements  in  this  manual  should  not  be  taken  as  precise  legal  interpretations  of  the  road  
traffic  laws.  If   a   more   detailed   and   precise   statement   of   the   law   is   required,   you   are   advised   to  
refer  to  the  Road  Traffic  Act,  (Act  no  93  of  1996)  and  its  Regulations.    

How  to  use  this  manual  

This  Learner  Driver  manual  provides  you  with  comprehensive  information  about  what  you  must  
and  must  not  do  on  the  roads  as  a  driver  of  a  motor  vehicle  or  rider  of  a  motorcycle.  

The   manual   covers   aspects   regulated   under   the   South   African   Road   Traffic   Act   that   directly  
affect  drivers  and  riders  and,  is  set  out  in   a   clear   format   to   enable   all   road  users  to  gain  an  
understanding  of  the  law  and  their  obligations  to  other  road  users.  

It  is  divided  into  three  main  sections.  

Learner  Driver  Manual  

1   Rules  of  the  Road  

2   Road  Traffic  Signs    

3   Vehicle  and  Motorcycle  Controls  and  Components  

You   will   often   see   references   to   both   drivers   of   motor   vehicles   and   riders   of   motorcycles   and   to  
driving   and   riding.   For   the   purposes   of   the   manual,   the   terms   'driver'   and   'driving'   also   refer   to  
motorcycle  riders  and  to  riding  a  motorcycle.  

This   manual   has   been   written   to   help   you   become   a   safer,   more   considerate   and   more   courteous  
driver,  making  our  roads  safer  for  all  road  users.  

Version 1

Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport


1   June 2012  
 

2 ACRONYMS  AND  DEFINITIONS  

“acceptable  identification”  means—  

(a) in   the   case   of   a   person,   a   temporary   identity   certificate,   an   identity   document   or  


identity  card  issued  in  terms  of  the  Identification  Act,  1997  (Act  No.  68  of  1997);  

   

(b) in  the  case  of  a  person,  a  valid  South  African  passport  issued  to  a  South  African  citizen;  

(c)   in   the   case   of   a   person   not   permanently   resident   in   the   Republic,   an   identity  
document   issued   by   a   foreign   country   or   a   traffic   register   number   certificate  
issued  in  terms  of  regulation  335;  

Traffic  Register  Number  Certificate  

(c) in  the  case  of  a  person,  a  driving  licence  card  issued  in  terms  of  regulation  108;  

Version 1

Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport


2   June 2012  
 

“articulated  motor  vehicle”  means  a  combination  of  motor  vehicles  consisting  of  a  truck-­‐tractor  and  
a  semi-­‐trailer;  

“bridge”  includes  a  culvert  and  a  causeway;  

“bus”   means   a   motor   vehicle   designed   or   adapted   for   the   conveyance   of   more   than   16   persons  
(including  the  driver,  if  any);  

“combination  of  motor  vehicles”  means  two  or  more  motor  vehicles  coupled  together;  

“cross”,  or  any  like  expression,  means  to  move  on  a  public  road  in  a  direction,  which  intersects  the  
normal  course  of  travel  of  traffic  on  such  road;  

“dedicated  lane”  means  a  portion  of  the  public  road  reserved  during  certain  period  for  the  exclusive  
use   of   a   certain   categories   of   motor   vehicles,   the   use   and   the   categories   of   vehicles   of   which   are  
prescribed  by  an  appropriate  sign;  

“direction  indicator”  means  a  device  fitted  to  a  motor  vehicle  for  the  purpose  of  enabling  the  driver  
of  such  motor  vehicle  to  intimate  his  or  her  intention  to  change  the  direction  of  travel  of  such  motor  
vehicle  to  the  right  or  to  the  left;  

 “DLTC"   means   driving   licence   testing   centre,   which   is   registered   according   to   the   National   Road  
Traffic  Act  (93  of  1996);  

“drawing”  means  drawing  a  vehicle  designed  or  adapted  solely  for  the  purpose  of  being  drawn,  by  a  
motor  vehicle  that  is  designed  or  adapted  solely  for  the  purpose  of  drawing  such  vehicle;  

driver”  means  any  person  who  drives  or  attempts  to  drive  any  vehicle  or  who  rides  or  attempts  to  
ride  any  pedal  cycle  or  who  leads  any  draught,  pack  or  saddle  animal  or  herd  or  flock  of  animals,  and  
“drive”  or  any  like  word  has  a  corresponding  meaning;  

“driving  licence  card”  means  a  driving  licence  card  issued  in  terms  of  the  Act;  

 “driving   time”   means   any   period   of   time   that   the   driver   of   a   motor   vehicle   contemplated   in   the  
regulations   occupies   the   drivers’   seat   of   such   motor   vehicle,   whilst   such   motor   vehicle   is   being  
operated  on  a  public  road  or  occupies  the  drivers’  seat  of  such  motor  vehicle,  whilst  the  engine  is  
running;  

“edge   of   the   roadway”   means   the   boundary   between   the   roadway   and   the   shoulder,   which   is  
indicated  by  an  appropriate  road  traffic  sign,  or  in  the  absence  of  such  sign—  

(a)   in   the   case   of   a   road   with   a   bituminous   or   concrete   surface,   the   edge   of   such  
surface;  or  

(b)   in   the   case   of   any   other   road,   the   edge   of   the   improved   part   of   the   road  
intended  for  vehicular  use;  

“emergency  brake”  means  a  brake,  other  than  a  service  brake,  which  can  stop  a  vehicle;  

Version 1

Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport


3   June 2012  
 

“freeway”  means  a  public  road  or  a  section  of  a  public  road,  which  has  been  designated  as  a  freeway  
by  an  appropriate  road  traffic  sign;  

 “front  end”,  in  relation  to—  

(a)   a  vehicle,  other  than  a  semi-­‐trailer,  means  that  part  of  the  vehicle  which  projects  
furthest  forward;  or  

(b)   a   semi-­‐trailer,   means   a   line   running   parallel   with   the   centre-­‐line   of   the   kingpin  
and  connecting  the  sides  of  the  semi-­‐trailer  at  the  widest  and  furthest  point  in  
front  of  the  kingpin;  

“goods”  means  any  movable  property;  

“goods  vehicle”  means  a  motor  vehicle,  other  than  a  motorcycle,  motor  tricycle,  motor  quadrucycle,  
motorcar,   minibus   or   bus,   designed   or   adapted   for   the   conveyance   of   goods   on   a   public   road   and  
includes  a  truck-­‐tractor,  adaptor  dolly,  converter  dolly  and  breakdown  vehicle;  

GOODS  VEHICLE  
This  is  a  very  important  definition  and  is  used  throughout  the  regulations.  Note  that  the  following  
vehicles  are  by  definition  goods  vehicles:  
– Truck-­‐tractor  
– Breakdown  vehicle  
 
– Converter  dolly  
 
– Adopter  dolly  
 

“gross   combination   mass   (GCM)”,   in   relation   to   a   motor   vehicle   which   is   used   to   draw   any   other  
motor   vehicle,   means   the   maximum   mass   of   any   combination   of   motor   vehicles,   including   the  
drawing   vehicle,   and   load   as   specified   by   the   manufacturer   thereof   or,   in   the   absence   of   such  
specification,  as  determined  by  the  registering  authority;  

“gross   vehicle   mass   (GVM)”,   in   relation   to   a   motor   vehicle,   means   the   maximum   mass   of   such  
vehicle  and  its  load  as  specified  by  the  manufacturer  thereof  or,  in  the  absence  of  such  specification,  
as  determined  by  the  registering  authority;  

“haulage   tractor”   means   a   motor   vehicle,   designed   or   adapted   mainly   for   drawing   other   vehicles,  
and   with   a   gross   combination   mass   exceeding   24   000kg,   but   does   not   include   a   truck-­‐tractor   or  
tractor;  

 “instructor”  means  any  person  who  for  direct  reward—  

(a)   instructs  any  other  person  in  the  driving  of  a  motor  vehicle;  

(b)   teaches  any  other  person  the  rules  of  the  road  or  road  traffic  signs  in  order  to  
obtain  a  learner’s  or  a  driving  licence;  

Version 1

Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport


4   June 2012  
 

“intersection”   means   the   area   embraced   within   the   prolongation   of   the   lateral   boundary   lines   of  
two  or  more  public  roads,  open  to  vehicular  traffic,  that  join  one  another  at  any  angle,  whether  or  
not  one  such  public  road  crosses  the  other;  

 “junction”   means   that   portion   of   an   intersection   contained   within   the   prolongation   of   the   lateral  
limits   of   the   intersecting   roadways   and   includes   any   portion   of   the   roadway   between   such   lateral  
limits,  and  any  stop  or  yield  line  marking  which  is  painted  at  such  intersection;  

INTERSECTION  AND  JUNCTION  


A  junction  is  the  area  within  the  intersection  on  the  improved  part  of  the  road.  An  intersection  
includes  all  parts  of  the  road  (sidewalks,  verges,  etc.)  
 

“kerb   line”   means   the   boundary   between   the   shoulder   and   the   verge   or,   in   the   absence   of   a  
shoulder,  the  part  between  the  edge  of  the  roadway  and  the  verge;  

“licence  disc”  means  a  disc  issued  in  terms  of  the  Act  that  licenced  a  vehicle  to  be  used  on  a  public  
road  and  is  only  valid  for  12  months;  

PLACEMENT  OF  DISC  


Cut  out  disc  and  affix  to  the  lower  left-­‐hand  corner  on  the  inside  of  windscreen  or  disc  holder  as  
per  Regulation  36.  
 

“medical   practitioner”   means   any   person   registered   as   such   in   terms   of   the   Medical,   Dental   and  
Supplementary  Health  Service  Professions  Act,  1974  (Act  No.  56  of  1974);  

“midibus”   means   a   sub-­‐category   of   a   bus,   designed   or   modified   solely   or   principally   for   the  
conveyance  of  more  than  16  and  not  more  than  35  persons  (including  the  driver);  

 “minibus”   means   a   motor   vehicle   designed   or   adapted   solely   or   principally   for   the   conveyance   of  
more  than  nine,  but  not  more  than  16  persons,  including  the  driver;  

 “motor  car”  means  a  motor  vehicle,  other  than  a  motorcycle,  motor  tricycle  or  motor  quadrucycle,  
designed   or   adapted   solely   or   principally   for   the   conveyance   of   not   more   than   nine   persons,  
including  the  driver;  

 “motorcycle”   means   a   motor   vehicle   that   has   two   wheels   and   includes   any   such   vehicle   having   a  
sidecar  attached;  

 “motor  quadrucycle”  means  a  motor  vehicle,  other  than  a  tractor,  which  has  four  wheels  and  which  
is  designed  to  be  driven  by  the  type  of  controls  usually  fitted  to  a  motorcycle;  

 “motor   tricycle”   means   a   motor   vehicle,   other   than   a   motorcycle   or   a   tractor,   which   has   three  
wheels  and  which  is  designed  to  be  driven  by  the  type  of  controls  usually  fitted  to  a  motorcycle;    
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“motor  vehicle”  means  any  self-­‐propelled  vehicle  and  includes—  

(a)   a  trailer;  and  

(b)   a   vehicle   having   pedals   and   an   engine   or   an   electric   motor   as   an   integral   part  
thereof  or  attached  thereto  and  which  is  designed  or  adapted  to  be  propelled  by  
means   of   such   pedals,   engine   or   motor,   or   both   such   pedals   and   engine   or  
motor,  but  does  not  include—  

(i)   any  vehicle  propelled  by  electrical  power  derived  from  storage  batteries  and  
which  is  controlled  by  a  pedestrian;  or  

(ii)   any  vehicle  with  a  mass  not  exceeding  230  kilograms  and  specially  designed  
and   constructed,   and   not   merely   adapted,   for   the   use   of   any   person  
suffering   from   some   physical   defect   or   disability   and   used   solely   by   such  
person;  

“number   plate”   means   a   prescribed   plate   on   which   the   licence   number   of   a   motor   vehicle   or   motor  
trade  number  is  displayed;  

 “operate  on  a  public  road”  or  any  like  expression,  in  relation  to  a  vehicle,  means  to  use  or  drive  a  
vehicle  or  to  permit  a  vehicle  to  be  used  or  driven  on  a  public  road,  or  to  have  or  to  permit  a  vehicle  
to  be  on  a  public  road;  

“owner”,  in  relation  to  a  vehicle,  means—  

(a)   the  person  who  has  the  right  to  the  use  and  enjoyment  of  a  vehicle  in  terms  of  
the   common   law   or   a   contractual   agreement   with   the   title   holder   of   such  
vehicle;  

(b)   any  person  referred  to  in  paragraph  (a),  for  any  period  during  which  such  person  
has   failed   to   return   that   vehicle   to   the   title   holder   in   accordance   with   the  
contractual  agreement  referred  to  in  paragraph  (a);  or  

(c)   a  motor  dealer  who  is  in  possession  of  a  vehicle  for  the  purpose  of  sale,  

and  who  is  licensed  as  such  or  obliged  to  be  licensed  in  accordance  with  the  regulations  made  under  
section  4,  and  ‘owned’  or  any  like  word  has  a  corresponding  meaning;  

“overall  length”,  in  relation  to  a  vehicle,  means  the  distance  between  the  front  end  and  the  rear  end  
of  the  vehicle  and,  in  relation  to  a  combination  of  vehicles,  the  distance  between  the  front  end  of  
the  leading  vehicle  and  the  rear  end  of  the  rearmost  vehicle;  

“overall   height”,   in   relation   to   a   vehicle,   means   the   distance   measured   from   ground   level   to   the  
highest  part  of—  

• any  part  of  such  vehicle;  or  


• any  load  thereon,  

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whichever  part  is  the  highest  but,  in  the  case  of  a  vehicle  driven  by  electrical  power,  the  overall  
height  does  not  include  any  overhead  electrical  contacting  gear  or  catwalk  protruding  above  such  
vehicle;  

“overall  width”  in  relation  to  a  vehicle,  means  the  width  measured  between  two  planes  parallel  to  
the   longitudinal   centre-­‐line   of   the   vehicle   and   passing   through   the   extreme   projecting   points   on  
either   side   of   such   vehicle,   excluding   any   side   mirror   or   direction   indicator   or   30   millimetres   on  
either  side  in  respect  of  the  fitment  of  air  deflectors,  reflectors  or  dangerous  goods  placards;  

“park”  means  to  keep  a  vehicle,  whether  occupied  or  not,  stationary  for  a  period  of  time  longer  than  
is  reasonably  necessary  for  the  actual  loading  or  unloading  of  persons  or  goods,  but  does  not  include  
any   such   keeping   of   a   vehicle   by   reason   of   a   cause   beyond   the   control   of   the   person   in   charge   of  
such  vehicle;  

“parking   brake”   means   a   brake,   normally   a   hand   brake,   used   in   the   ordinary   course   of   events   to  
keep  a  vehicle  stationary;  

 “pedestrian  crossing”  means—  

(a)   any   portion   of   a   public   road   designated   as   a   pedestrian   crossing   by   an  


appropriate  road  traffic  sign;  or  

(b)   that   portion   of   a   public   road   at   an   intersection   included   within   the   prolongation  
or  connection  of  the  kerb  line  and  adjacent  boundary  line  of  such  road,  when  no  
pedestrian  crossing  has  been  designated  by  appropriate  road  traffic  sign;  

“public  road”  means  any  road,  street  or  thoroughfare  or  any  other  place  (whether  a  thoroughfare  or  
not)   which   is   commonly   used   by   the   public   or   any   section   thereof   or   to   which   the   public   or   any  
section  thereof  has  a  right  of  access,  and  includes—  

(a)   the  verge  of  any  such  road,  street  or  thoroughfare;  

(b)   any  bridge,  ferry  or  drift  traversed  by  any  such  road,  street  or  thoroughfare;  and  

(c)   any  other  work  or  object  forming  part  of  or  connected  with  or  belonging  to  such  
road,  street  or  thoroughfare;  

Take  note:  For  the  purpose  of  this  document  a  “road”  refers  to  a  public  road.  

“professional   driver”   means   the   driver   of   a   motor   vehicle,   which   drive   a   motor   vehicle   of   a  
prescribed  class;  

No  person   shall  drive   a  motor   vehicle  of   a  prescribed  class  on  a  public   road  except   in   accordance  
with   the   conditions   of   a   professional   driving   permit   issued   to   him   or   her   and   unless   he   or   she  
keeps   such   permit  with   him   or   her  in   the   vehicle:   Provided  that   this   shall  not   apply   to   the   holder  
of   a   learner’s   licence   who   drives   such   vehicle   while   he   or   she   is   accompanied   by   a   person  
registered  as  a  professional  driver  in  respect  of  that  class  of  vehicle.  
 
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“rear   end”,   in   relation   to   a   vehicle,   means   that   part   of   the   vehicle   which   projects   furthest   to   the  
rear;  

“retro-­‐reflector”  means   a   reflector   which   complies   with   the   standard   specification   SABS   513   “Retro-­‐
reflectors   (reflex   reflectors)”,   and   which   bears  a  certification  mark  or  an  approval  mark,  but  where  a  
reflector   is   incorporated   in   a   cluster   of   lamps,   the   certification   or   approval   mark   can   be   on   the  
cluster  instead  of  the  reflector;  

“road   traffic   sign”   means   a   road   traffic   sign   for   the   purpose   of   prohibiting,   limiting,   regulating   or  
controlling  traffic  in  general  or  any  particular  class  of  traffic  on  a  public  road  or  a  section  thereof;  

“roadway”   means  that  portion  of  a  road,  street  or  thoroughfare  improved,  constructed  or  intended  
for  vehicular  traffic,  which  is  between  the  edges  of  the  roadway;  

“roadworthy”,   in   relation   to   a   vehicle,   means   a   vehicle,   which   complies   with   the   relevant   provisions  
of  this  Act  and  is  otherwise  in  a  fit  condition  to  be  operated  on  a  public  road;  

“semi-­‐trailer”   means   a   trailer   having   no   front   axle   and   so   designed   that   at   least   15   per   cent   of   its  
tare  is  super-­‐imposed  on  and  borne  by  a  vehicle  drawing  such  trailer;  

 “service   brake”   means   a   brake,   normally   a   footbrake,   used   in   the   ordinary   course   of   events   to  
reduce  the  speed  of  a  vehicle  or  to  stop  the  vehicle;  

“shoulder”  means  that  portion  of  a  road,  street  or  thoroughfare  between  the  edge  of  the  roadway  
and  the  kerb  line;  

“sidewalk”  means  that  portion  of  a  verge  intended  for  the  exclusive  use  of  pedestrians;  

“stop”  means  the  bringing  to  a  standstill  of  a  vehicle  by  the  driver  thereof;  

“stop   lamp”   means   a   device   fitted   to   a   vehicle   for   the   purpose   of   signalling,   by   means   of   a   light,   the  
intention  of  the  driver  of  such  vehicle  to  stop  or  reduce  the  speed  of  such  vehicle;  

“tare”,  in  relation  to  a  motor  vehicle,  means  the  mass  of  such  vehicle  ready  to  travel  on  a  road  and  
includes  the  mass  of—  

(a)   any   spare   wheel   and   of   all   other   accessories   and   equipment   supplied   by   the  
manufacturer  as  standard  for  the  particular  model  of  motor  vehicle  concerned;  

(b)   anything,  which  is  a  permanent  part  of  the  structure  of  such  vehicle;  

(c)   anything   attached   to   such   vehicle   so   as   to   form   a   structural   alteration   of   a  


permanent  nature;  and  

(d)   the  accumulators,  if  such  vehicle  is  self-­‐propelled  by  electrical  power,  

but  does  not  include  the  mass  of—  

(i)   fuel;  and  


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(ii)   anything  attached  to  such  vehicle,  which  is  not  of  the  nature  referred  to  in  
paragraph  (b)  or  (c);  

“the  Act”  means  the  National  Road  Traffic  Act,  1996  (Act  No.  93  of  1996);  

“towing”  means  towing  a  vehicle  that  is  not  designed  or  adapted  for  the  purpose  of  being  drawn;  

“traffic   island”   means   a   physical   island   that   serves   as   a   channelizing   device   within   a   junction   or   on   a  
public  road;  

traffic  lane”  means  a  longitudinal  division  of  a  public  road  of  sufficient  width  to  accommodate  the  
passage  of  a  single  line  of  vehicles;  

“traffic   signal”   means   a   road   traffic   sign,   which,   by   means   of   automatic   light   signals,   alternately  
directs  traffic  to  stop  and  permits  it  to  proceed;  

 “tractor”  means  a  motor  vehicle  designed  or  adapted  mainly  for  drawing  other  vehicles  and  with  a  
gross  combination  mass  not  exceeding  24  000kg,  but  does  not  include  a  truck-­‐tractor;    

 “trailer”  means  a  vehicle  which  is  not  self-­‐propelled  and  which  is  designed  or  adapted  to  be  drawn  
by  a  motor  vehicle,  but  does  not  include  a  side-­‐car  attached  to  a  motorcycle;  

“truck-­‐tractor”  means  a  motor  vehicle  designed  or  adapted—  

 (a)   for  drawing  other  vehicles;  and  

(b)   not  to  carry  any  load  other  than  that  imposed  by  a  semi-­‐trailer  or  by  ballast,  

but  does  not  include  a  tractor  or  a  haulage  tractor;  

“urban  area”  means  that  portion  of  the  area  of  jurisdiction  of  a  local  authority,  which  has  by  actual  
survey  been  subdivided  into  erven  or  is  surrounded  by  surveyed  erven,  and  includes  the  public  roads  
abutting  thereon;  

“vehicle”   means   a   device   designed   or   adapted   mainly   to   travel   on   wheels   or   crawler   tracks   and  
includes   such   a   device   which   is   connected   with   a   draw-­‐bar   to   a   breakdown   vehicle   and   is   used   as  
part   of   the   towing   equipment   of   a   breakdown   vehicle   to   support   any   axle   or   all   the   axles   of   a   motor  
vehicle  which  is  being  salvaged  other  than  such  a  device  which  moves  solely  on  rails;  and  

“verge”   means   that   portion   of   a   road,   street   or   thoroughfare,   including   the   sidewalk,   which   is   not  
the  roadway  or  the  shoulder.  

“LMV”   -­‐   means   Light   Motor   Vehicle   of   which   the   Tare/Gross   Vehicle   Mass   shall   not   be   more   than  
3500  kg.  

“HMV”  -­‐  means  all  Heavy  Motor  Vehicle  of  which:    

• the T (Tare) exceeds 3500 kg.

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• a minibus, a bus or a goods vehicle GVM (gross vehicle mass) exceeds 3500 kg.

• articulated vehicle and combinations of vehicles of which GCM (gross combination


mass) of the drawing vehicle exceeds 3500 kilograms and  

• combinations  of  vehicles  of  which  the  (GVM)  of  the  trailer  exceed  750kg.  

“MC”  -­‐  means  Motorcycle  that  includes  a  motorcycle,  tricycle  and  quadrucycle.  

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3 INFORMATION  FOR  LEARNER’S  LICENCE  TEST  AND  THE  APPLICATION  


THEREOF  

A  learner’s  licence  is  required  before  a  person  can  legally  be  trained  to  drive  a  vehicle  on  a  public  
road.    

You   can   apply   to   be   tested   for   a   learner’s   licence   at   any   registered   driving   licence   testing   centre  
(DLTC)  on  the  appropriate  application  form  (form  LL1).  

On  issuance  of  the  receipt,  the  DLTC  will  determine  a  date  and  time  on  which  you  will  have  to  report  
for  the  approved  learner's  licence  test.    

The  test  will  cover  the  following  aspects;  

(a) rules  of  the  road  and  other  legislative  matters,  

(b) road  traffic  signs,  signals  and  road  markings,  and  

(c) the  use  of  controls  of  a  vehicle.  

Once   the   approved   learner’s   licence   test   was   passed,   your   learner’s   licence   will   be   valid   for   a   period  
of  24  months  from  the  day  of  the  test.  

4 Special  requirements  are  covered  by  the  legislation  as  follows:    

4.1 A  PERSON  IS  DISQUALIFIED  FROM  OBTAINING  OR  HOLDING  A  LEARNER’S  OR  
DRIVING  LICENCE:  

(a) If   such   person   is   addicted   to   the   use   of   any   drug   having   a   narcotic   effect   or   the  
excessive  use  of  intoxicating  liquor  and  ;    

(b) during  any  period  in  respect  of  which  he  or  she  has  been  declared  by  a  competent  
court  or  authority  to  be  disqualified  from  obtaining  or  holding  a  licence  to  drive  a  
motor  vehicle,  while  such  disqualification  remains  in  force;  

(c) where   a   licence   to   drive   a   motor   vehicle   held   by   him   or   her   has   been   suspended   by  
a  competent  court  or  authority,  while  such  suspension  remains  in  force;  

(d) where  a  licence  to  drive  a  motor  vehicle  held  by  him  or  her  has  been  cancelled  by  a  
competent   court   or   authority,   for   such   period   as   he   or   she   may   not   apply   for   a  
licence;  

(e) if   such   licence   relates   to   a   class   of   motor   vehicle   which   he   or   she   may   already   drive  
under  a  licence  held  by  him  or  her;  

(f) If  suffering  from  one  of  the  following  diseases  or  disabilities:  

(i)   uncontrolled  epilepsy;  


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(ii)   sudden  attacks  of  disabling  giddiness  or  fainting  due  to  hypertension  or  any  
other  cause;  

(iii)   any  form  of  mental  illness  to  such  an  extent  that  it  is  necessary  that  he  or  
she  be  detained,  supervised,  controlled  and  treated  as  a  patient  in  terms  of  
the  Mental  Health  Act,  1973  (Act  No.  18  of  1973);  

(iv)   any  condition  causing  muscular  in  coordination;  

(v)   uncontrolled  diabetes  mellitus;  

(vi)   defective  vision  ascertained  in  accordance  with  a  prescribed  standard;  

(vii)   any   other   disease   or   physical   defect   which   is   likely   to   render   him   or   her  
incapable  of  effectively  driving  and  controlling  a  motor  vehicle  of  the  class  to  
which   such   licence   relates   without   endangering   the   safety   of   the   public:  
Provided  that  deafness  shall  not  of  itself  be  deemed  to  be  such  a  defect.  

5 The  codes  are  covered  by  the  legislation  as  follows:  

5.1 TYPE  OF  LEARNER'S  LICENCE  CODES  

(1) Code  1  learner's  licence    

a) The  holder  of  a  code  1  learner’s  licence  is  authorised  to  ride  motorcycle  on  a  public  road  
however  a  motor  quadrucycles  are  not  allowed  to  be  ridden  on  a  public  road.  

b) To  obtain  a  code  1  learner’s  licence  you  must  be  at  least  16  years  of  age.  

c) If  you  are  under  the  age  of  18,  you  may  only  ride  a  motorcycle  with  a  cylinder  capacity  
not  exceeding  125  cubic  centimetres.  

d) A  code  1  learners  licence  does  not  authorise  the  carrying  of  passengers.  

e) A   learner’s   licence   in   respect   of   a   motorcycle,   shall   not   authorise   the   holder   to   drive   a  
motorcycle  on  a  public  road  while  carrying  another  person.  

Code  1   Motorcycles  

(2) Code  2  learner's  licence    

a) The   holder   of   a   code   2   learner’s   licence   is   authorised   to   drive   any   motor   vehicle   or  
combination   of   motor   vehicles   other   than   a   motorcycle   or   a   motor   tricycle,   of   which  
neither   the   “Tare”,   “Gross   Vehicle   Mass”,   nor   the   “Gross   Combination   Mass”   of   such  
vehicle,  or  vehicles  exceeds  3500  kilograms.  

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b) The   holder   of   a   code   2   learner’s   licence   shall   drive   only   those   vehicles   he   or   she   is  
authorised   to   drive   while   under   the   direct   supervision   of   a   person   who   holds   a   driving  
licence  for  the  applicable  class  of  vehicle.  

c) To  obtain  a  code  2  learner’s  licence  you  must  be  at  least  17  years  of  age.    

d) Your  learner’s  licence  will  be  valid  for  24  months  from  the  date  on  which  the  approved  
test  was  passed.  

Code  2   Light  Motor  Vehicles  

(3) Code  3  learner's  licence    

a) The   holder   of   a   code   3   learner’s   licence   is   authorised   to   drive   any   motor   vehicle   or  
combination  of  motor  vehicles  other  than  a  motorcycle,  a  motor  tricycle  or  a  motor  quadru  
cycle,   of   which   neither   the   “Tare”,   “Gross   Vehicle   Mass”,   nor   the   “Gross   Combination   Mass”  
of  such  vehicle,  or  vehicles  exceeds  3500  kilograms.  

b) The   holder   of   a   code   3   learner’s   licence   shall   drive   any   motor   vehicle   or   combination   of  
motor  vehicles  other  than  a   motorcycle,   or   tricycle   while   under   the   direct   supervision   of   a  
person  who  holds  a  driving  licence  for  the  applicable  class  of  vehicle.  

c) To  obtain  a  code  3  learner’s  licence  you  must  be  at  least  18  years  of  age.    

d) Your   learner’s   licence   will   be   valid   for   24   months     from   the   date   on   which   the   approved   test  
was  passed.  

Code  3   Light   and   Heavy   Motor  


Vehicles  

5.2 DRIVER  OF  MOTOR  VEHICLE  TO  BE  LICENSED  

No  person  shall  drive  a  motor  vehicle  on  a  public  road—  


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(a) except  under  the  authority  and  in  accordance  with  the  conditions  of  a  licence  issued  to  him  or  
her  in  terms  of  the  National  Road  Traffic  Act  
(b) unless  he  or  she  keeps  such  licence  or  document  with  him  or  her  in  the  vehicle.  

5.3 LICENCE  TO  DRIVE,  EITHER  LEARNER’S  OR  DRIVING  LICENCE  

A   licence   authorising   the   driving   of   a   motor   vehicle   shall   be   issued   by   a   driving   licence   testing   centre  
in  accordance  with  the  National  Road  Traffic  Act  and  shall  be  either—  

(a)     a  provisional  licence,  to  be  known  as  a  learner’s  licence;  or  

(b)     a  licence,  to  be  known  as  a  driving  licence,  

5.4 MANNER  OF  APPLICATION  FOR  LEARNER’S  LICENCE  

An  application  in  terms  of  the  National  Road  Traffic  Act  shall  be  made  by  the  applicant  at  a  driving  
licence  testing  centre  on  form  LL1  and  shall  be  accompanied—  

(a)     by  two  identical  black  and  white  or  colour  photographs  of  the  applicant:  

(b)     acceptable  identification  of  the  applicant  and  a  photo  copy  thereof;  

(c)     in  the  case  of  an  applicant  who  is  65  years  of  age  or  older,  by  the  medical  certificate  on  form  
MC  signed  by  a  medical  practitioner  or  occupational  health  practitioner,  certifying  that  the  
applicant  is  not  disqualified  in  terms  of  National  Road  Traffic  Act  from  obtaining  a  learner’s  
or  driving  licence;  and  

(d)     by  the  appropriate  fee  as  determined  by  the  MEC  of  the  province  concerned.  

5.5 HOLDER  OF  LICENCE  TO  DRIVE  MOTOR  VEHICLE  SHALL  GIVE  NOTICE  OF  CHANGE  OF  
PLACE  OF  RESIDENCE  

When   the   holder   of   a   licence   to   drive   a   motor   vehicle   which   was   issued   in   terms   of   the   National  
Road  Traffic  Act  has  changed  his  or  her  place  of  residence  permanently,  he  or  she  shall,  within  14  
days  after  such  change,  notify  in  the  prescribed  manner  the  registering  authority  in  whose  area  he  or  
she  is  ordinarily  resident  of  his  or  her  new  residential  and  postal  address.  

5.6 UNLICENSED  DRIVER  NOT  TO  BE  EMPLOYED  OR  PERMITTED  TO  DRIVE  MOTOR  
VEHICLE  

No  person  who  is  the  owner  or  operator,  or  is  in  charge,  or  control,  of  a  motor  vehicle  shall  employ  
or  permit  any  other  person  to  drive  that  vehicle  on  a  public  road  unless  that  other  person  is  licensed  
in  accordance  with  the  National  Road  Traffic  Act  to  drive  the  vehicle.  

5.7 PROFESSIONAL  DRIVER  TO  HAVE  PERMIT  

No   person   shall   drive   a   motor   vehicle   of   a   prescribed   class   on   a   public   road   except   in   accordance  
with   the   conditions   of   a   professional   driving   permit   issued   to   him   or   her   in   accordance   with   the  

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National   Road   Traffic   Act   and   unless   he   or   she   keeps   such   permit   with   him   or   her   in   the   vehicle:  
Provided  that  this  requirement  shall  not  apply  to  the  holder  of  a  learner’s  licence  who  drives  such  
vehicle  while  he  or  she  is  accompanied  by  a  person  registered  as  a  professional  driver  in  respect  of  
that  class  of  vehicle  and  unless  he  or  she  keeps  such  professional  driving  permit  with  him  or  her  in  
the  vehicle.  

5.8 PERIOD  OF  VALIDITY  OF  MOTOR  VEHICLE  LICENCE  AND  LICENCE  DISC  

A  motor  vehicle  licence  and  licence  disc  shall  be  valid  for  a  period  of  12  months  from  the  first  day  of  
the  month  in  which  such  licence  and  licence  disc  were  issued  and  the  date  of  expiry  of  such  licence  
shall  be  shown  on  the  motor  vehicle  licence  and  licence  disc.  

1.1.1.1 Period  of  Grace  

A  motor  vehicle  may  within  a  period  of  21  days  after  the  date  of  expiry,  be  operated  on  a  
public  road  while  the  licence  number  allocated  to  such  motor  vehicle  and  the  licence  d isc  
issued  in  respect  of  such  motor  vehicle  prior  to  the  date  on  which  the  motor  vehicle  licence  
and  licence  disc  became  null  and  void,  are  displayed  in  the  manner  prescribed.  
 

5.9 OFFENCES  

The  owner  of  a  vehicle  is  also  responsible  for  all  offences  committed  with  his/her  vehicle  on  a  public  
road,  if  he/she  permitted  the  use  of  the  vehicle.  

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6 ROAD  TRAFFIC  RULES  

6.1 LIGHTS  

6.1.1 Motorcycles  

You  may  not  operate  any  motorcycle,  on  a  public  road  unless  all  lamps  fitted  to  such  
motorcycles  are  undamaged,  properly  secured  and  capable  of  being  lighted  at  all  times;  

When  riding  a  motorcycle  on  a  public  road,  the  headlamp  must  be  lighted  at  all  times.  
(During  night  and  day)  

6.1.2 Light  and  Heavy  Motor  Vehicles  

When  using  any  light  or  heavy  motor  vehicle  on  a  public  road;  all  lamps  must  be  
undamaged,  unobscured,  properly  secured,  and  capable  of  being  lit  at  all  times;    

The  headlamps,  rear  lamps  and  number  plate  lamps  must  be  kept  lighted  during  the  period;  

• between  sunset  and  sunrise,  and    


• at   any   other   time   when,   due   to   insufficient   light   or   unfavourable   weather  
conditions,  persons  and  vehicles  upon  the  public  road  are  not  clearly  discernible  at  a  
distance  of  150  metres.    

Provided  that  these  provisions  shall  not  apply  to  a  motor  vehicle,  which  is  parked;  

• off  the  roadway  of  a  public  road,    


• in  a  parking  place  demarcated  by  an  appropriate  road  traffic  sign,  or  
• within  a  distance  of  12  metres  from  a  lighted  street  lamp  illuminating  the  road  on  
which  such  vehicle  is  parked.  

6.2 MAIN  BEAM  (BRIGHT)    

Every  headlamp  emitting  a  main-­‐beam  (bright),  must  be  so  adjusted  and  maintained  that  it  
shall  be  capable  of  adequately  illuminating  an  area  ahead  of  the  motor  vehicle,  enabling  the  
driver/rider  to  see  any  person,  vehicle  or  substantial  object  at  a  distance  of  at  least  100  
metres.  

Remember  to  dip  the  main-­‐beam  (bright)  of  your  vehicle  for  oncoming  traffic,  as  well  as  
when  following  another  vehicle.  

6.3 DIPPED  BEAM    

Every  headlamp  emitting  a  dipped-­‐beam  must  be  so  adjusted  and  maintained  to  be  capable  
of  adequately  illuminating  an  area  ahead  of  the  motor  vehicle,  enabling  the  driver/rider  to  

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see  any  person,  vehicle  or  substantial  object  at  a  distance  of  at  least  45  metres  ahead  of  the  
motor  vehicle.  

6.4 PARKING  LAMPS  

A  vehicle  may  not  be  driven  on  a  public  road  with  only  the  parking  lamps  lighted  while  such  
vehicle  is  in  motion.    

6.5 REAR  LAMPS  

You  may  not  ride  any  motorcycle  or  a  motor  tricycle  on  a  public  road  unless  such  cycle  is  
fitted  with  a  rear  lamp  emitting  a  red  light  to  the  rear.  

You  may  not  drive  a  light  motor  vehicle  on  a  public  road  unless  it  is  fitted  with  lamps  at  the  
rear,  emitting  a  red  light  to  the  rear.  

You  may  not  drive  a  heavy  motor  vehicle  on  a  public  road  unless  such  motor  vehicle  is  fitted  
with  at  least  one  lamp  on  each  side  at  the  rear  emitting  a  red  light  to  the  rear.  

6.6 STOP  LAMP  

You  may  not  drive  a  light  motor  vehicle  or  motorcycle  on  a  public  road  unless  it  is  fitted  with  
stop  lamps  at  the  rear.      When  in  use,  they  must  emit  a  red  light,  which  must  be  greater  
than  that  of  the  light  emitted  by  the  rear  lamps  and  must  be  visible  in  normal  sunlight  at  a  
distance  of  30  metres  to  a  person  of  normal  eyesight.  

A  person  may  not  drive  a  heavy  motor  vehicle  on  a  public  road  unless  it  is  fitted  with  at  least  
one  stop  lamp  on  each  side  at  the  rear  of  the  motor  vehicle  which  shall,  when  in  use,  emit  a  
red  light  and  the  intensity  of  which  shall  be  greater  than  that  of  the  light  emitted  by  the  rear  
lamp  on  the  motor  vehicle  and  shall  be  visible  in  normal  sunlight  at  a  distance  of  not  less  
than  30  metres  to  a  person  of  normal  eyesight.  

When   a   stop   lamp   is   illuminated,   this   indicates   that   the   vehicle   is   decreasing   speed   and   may  
stop.  

6.7 NUMBER  PLATE  LAMP  

You  may  not  drive  a  motor  vehicle  on  a  public  road,  unless  it  is  fitted  with  at  least  one  
number-­‐plate  lamp  at  the  rear,  illuminating  the  number  plate.    Every  letter  and  figure  of  
such  plate  must  be  visible  from  a  distance  of  20  metres  by  a  person  of  normal  eyesight.  

6.8 NUMBER  PLATES  

A  South  African  Bureau  of  Standards  (SABS)  approve  number  plate  shall  be  affixed—  

(a)   in  such  a  manner  that  it  is  not  easily  detachable;  

(b)   in  an  upright  position  or  within  30  degrees  of  such  position;  

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(c)   in  such  a  manner  that  each  letter  and  figure  thereon  is  clearly  legible;  

(d)   in  such  a  manner  that  the  whole  number  plate  is  clearly  visible;  

(e)   to  the  back  of  a  motor  cycle,  motor  tricycle,  or  trailer;  and  

(f)   one  to  the  back  and  one  to  the  front  of  all  other  motor  vehicles.  

6.9 FOG  LAMPS    

Front  fog  lamps  -­‐         Rear  fog  lamps  -­‐    

No  vehicle  may  be  driven  on  a  public  road  while  any  fog  lamp  fitted  to  such  vehicle  is  lit,  
except  in  conditions  of  poor  visibility  caused  by;  

• snow,    
• fog,    
• mist,    
• dust,  or    
• smoke.  

6.10 SPOT  LAMP  

A  motor  vehicle  may  not  be  used  on  a  public  road  if  it  is  fitted  with  a  spot  lamp,  which  can  
be  so  adjusted  as  to  enable  a  beam  of  light  emit  therefrom  to  be  deflect  in  any  direction;  

Provided  that  a  spot  lamp  which  is  adjustable—  

• may  be  fitted  and  used  for  official  purposes  on  any  ambulance,  rescue  vehicle,  fire-­‐
fighting  vehicle,  police  vehicle  or  traffic  control  vehicle,  
• may  be  fitted  to  a  vehicle  owned  by  a  medical  practitioner  or  veterinarian,  and  used  
for  professional  duties  only;  or  
• may  be  fitted  to  a  breakdown  vehicle  or  a  vehicle  employed  in  connection  with  the  
supply  of  electricity  or  other  public  essential  services:  Provided  that  it  is  used  solely  
at  the  scene  of  an  accident  or  breakdown  or  for  the  examination  of  overhead  
telephone,  telegraph  or  power  lines.  

6.11 DRIVING  VIEW  TO  BE  UNOBSTRUCTED  –  (REAR-­‐VIEW  MIRRORS)  

No  person  shall  operate  on  a  public  road  a  motor  vehicle—  

• if  the  driver/rider  thereof  have  a  full  and  clear  view  of  the  roadway  ahead  and  to  his  
or  her  right  and  left  when  the  vehicle  is  in  use;  
• which  is  not  fitted  with  a  rear-­‐view  mirror  or  mirrors  enabling  the  driver/rider  of  
such  vehicle,  to  see  in  clear  weather,  a  clear  reflection  of  traffic  to  the  rear:  Provided  
that  this  shall  not  apply  in  respect  of  a  tractor;  

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• which  is  a  motor  car,  minibus,  bus  or  goods  vehicle,  unless  it  is  fitted  with  an  
exterior  rear-­‐view  mirror  on  the  driving  side  and  an  interior  rear-­‐view  mirror:  
Provided  that  where  the  interior  rear-­‐view  mirror  does  not  enable  the  driver,  when  
he  or  she  is  in  the  driving  position,  to  see  in  clear  weather,  a  clear  reflection  of  
traffic  to  the  rear,  an  additional  exterior  rear-­‐view  mirror  shall  be  fitted  on  the  side  
opposite  to  the  driving  seat  and  in  such  a  case  it  shall  not  be  necessary  to  fit  an  
interior  rear-­‐view  mirror;  

6.12 STEERING  GEAR  

6.12.1 Motorcycle  

You  may  not  use  a  motorcycle  on  a  public  road-­‐  

unless  all  parts  of  the  steering  gear  are  maintained  in  a  condition,  which  enables  the  
motorcycle  to  be  steered  safely  and  efficiently;  
unless  the  distance  between  the  outside  edges  of  the  handlebars  is    

(i)     between  600  and  800  millimetres  in  respect  of    motorcycles  having  an  
  engine  with  a  cylinder  capacity  of  200  cubic  centimetres  more,  and  

(ii)     between  500  and  800  millimetres  in  respect  of  motorcycles  having  an  
  engine  with  a  cylinder  capacity  of  less  than  200  cubic  centimetres.  

of  which  the  outer  ends  of  the  handgrips  on  the  handlebars  are-

(i)   higher  than  500  millimetres  above  the  seat  height;  or    

(ii)   lower  than  the  seat  height,  

6.12.2 Light  and  Heavy  motor  vehicles  

A  motor  vehicle  may  not  be  used  on  a  public  road  unless  all  parts  of  the  steering  are  
maintained  in  a  condition,  which  enables  the  vehicle  to  be  steered  safely  and  efficiently  

6.13 TURNING  RADIUS  

A  motor  vehicle  may  not  be  used  on  a  public  road  if  the  turning  radius  of  such  vehicle  
exceeds  13,1  metres.  

6.14 BRAKES  

6.14.1 Motorcycle  

You  may  not  ride  a  motorcycle  on  a  public  road,  which  is  not  equipped  with  two  
independent  braking  systems  -­‐  

• one  of  which  shall  act  on  the  front  wheel,  and  
• and  the  other  which  shall  act  on  the  rear  wheel  or  wheels.  
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which  is  in  good  working  order.  

6.14.2 Light  and  Heavy  motor  vehicles  

Every  light  and  heavy  motor  vehicle  used  on  a  public  road  must  be  equipped  with;  

• a  service  brake,    
• a  parking  brake,  and    
• an  emergency  brake.  (Same  as  parking  brake)  

which  is  in  good  working  order.  

Provided  that  the  emergency  brake  and  parking  brake  may  be  one  and  the  same  brake.  

6.15 HOOTER  

No  person  shall  use  the  hooter  of  a  vehicle  except  when  such  use  is  necessary  on  the  
grounds  of  safety.  

You  may  not  use  a  light  motor  vehicle  on  a  public  road  unless-­‐  

• it  is  equipped  with  a  warning  device  (hooter),  which  is  in  good  working  order  and,    
• when  used,  capable  of  emitting  a  sound,  which  is  clearly  audible  by  a  person  of  
normal  hearing  from  a  distance  of  90  metres.  
• Sirens  or  warning  devices  that  play  a  tune  may  not  be  used  in  private  vehicles.  

6.16 EMERGENCY  WARNING  DEVICE  (SIREN)  

The  driver/rider  of  a  motor  vehicle  shall  give  immediate  right  of  way  to  all  emergency  
vehicles  sounding  a  siren  and  displaying  emergency  warning  lights.  

The  following  vehicles  are  regarded  as  an  emergency  vehicles-­‐  

• a  fire-­‐fighting  vehicle  (red  warning  light),    


• a  fire-­‐fighting  response  vehicle  (red  warning  light),    
• a  rescue  vehicle  (red  warning  light),    
• a  emergency  medical  response  vehicle  (red  warning  light),    
• ambulance  (red  warning  light),  
• vehicle  driven  by  a  traffic  officer  in  the  carrying  out  of  his  or  her  duties  (blue  warning  
light),    
• to  a  vehicle  driven  by  a  person  while  engaged  in  civil  protection  (green  warning  
light).  

6.17 SEATBELTS  

Seatbelts  are  compulsory  to  wear  when  moving  forward  for  children  and  adults  but  it  only  
covers  persons  3  years  of  age  and  older.  

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If  seatbelts  are  fitted,  rear-­‐seat  passengers  must  wear  such  seatbelts  whilst  the  vehicle  is  
driven.  

A  child  is  defined  as  a  person  between  the  ages  of  3  and  14  years,  except  when  such  person  
is  taller  than  1,5  metres,  then  he  or  she  is  regarded  as  an  adult,  irrespective  of  age.  A  person  
older  than  14  years  is  defined  as  an  adult.  

No  adult  shall;    

• occupy  a  seat  in  any  motor  vehicle  unless  such  person  wears  a  seatbelt:    
• occupy  a  seat  on  a  row  of  seats,  which  is  not  fitted  with  a  seatbelt,  unless  all  other  
seats  on  such  row  which  are  fitted  with  seatbelts,  are  already  occupied.  

6.17.1 Children  

The  driver  of  a  motor  vehicle  shall  ensure  that  a  child  seated  on  a  seat;  

• where  it  is  available,  uses  an  appropriate  child  restraint;  or  
• if  no  child  restraint  is  available,  wears  a  seatbelt  when  available.  

If  a  seat,  equipped  with  a  seatbelt,  is  not  available,  the  driver  shall  ensure  that  a  child  shall,  
if  such  motor  vehicle  is  equipped  with  a  rear  seat,  be  seated  on  the  rear  seat.  

It  is  not  compulsory  to  wear  a  seatbelt  while  reversing  or  moving  in  or  out  of  a  parking  bay  
or  area.    

The  driver  of  a  motor  vehicle  shall  ensure  that  all  persons  travelling  in  such  motor  vehicle  
shall  wear  a  seat  belt.    

6.18 PROTECTIVE  HELMET  FOR  MOTORCYCLE  RIDERS  

You  may  not  ride  a  motorcycle  or  be  a  passenger  on  a  motorcycle,  motor  tricycle  or  a  motor  
quadru  cycle,  or  be  a  passenger  in  the  sidecar  attached  to  a  motorcycle,  on  a  public  road,  
unless  a  protective  helmet  is  worn-­‐

• which  is  specially  designed  for  use  in  connection  with  such  cycle;  and    
• which  fits  properly  and  of  which  the  chin  strap  is  properly  fastened  under  the  chin.    

The  rider  of  a  motorcycle  shall  ensure  that  any  passenger  in  or  on  such  cycle  who  is  younger  
than  14  years,  wears  such  protective  helmet.  

The  rider  and  passenger  on  a  motorcycle  may  not  wear  a  protective  helmet  when  the  
motorcycle  is  equipped  with  a  seatbelt  that  complies  with  the  requirements  of  the  SABS,  
and  the  engine  can  not  move  unless  the  driver  and  passengers  (if  any),  of  the  motorcycle  
wear  such  seatbelt.  

6.19 WINDSCREEN    

The  transparent  windscreen  of  a  light  motor  vehicle,  must;  


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• afford  the  driver  sufficient  visibility  for  safe  driving,  


• be  of  safety  glass,  and  
• have  visible  light  transmittance  through  the  windscreen  of  at  least  70%  

6.20 WINDSCREEN  WIPERS  

A  light  and  heavy  motor  vehicle  with  a  windscreen  must  be  fitted  with  at  least  one  
windscreen  wiper  and  must,  when  in  operation,  wipe  the  outside  of  the  windscreen  directly  
in  front  of  the  driver,  continuously,  evenly  and  adequately.  

6.21 EXHAUST  SILENCERS  /  EXHAUST  PIPES  

A  motor  vehicle  must  be  equipped  with  an  efficient  exhaust  silencer,  which  must;  

• allow  the  exhaust  gas  from  the  engine  to  be  projected  through  such  silencer;    
• not  emit  exhaust  gas  or  smoke  from  the  engine  which  is  so  dense  as  to  cause  a  
nuisance  to,  or  obstruct  the  vision  of  other  road  users,  or  
• be  in  such  a  position  that  oil  or  other  flammable  liquid  or  material  cannot  drip  or  fall  
onto  it,    
• be  so  maintained  that  exhaust  gas  or  smoke  does  not  leak  into  the  driving  cab  or  
passenger  compartment  of  the  vehicle.  

A  motor  vehicle  may  not  be  used  on  a  public  road-­‐  

• without  an  efficient  exhaust  silencer.  


• unless  the  gas  from  the  engine  is  projected  through  such  silencer    
• if  the  exhaust  gas  or  smoke  from  the  engine  is  so  dense  as  to  cause  a  nuisance  to,  or  
obstruct  the  vision  of  other  road  users,  or  
• if  the  exhaust  pipe  or  silencer  thereof  is  in  such  a  position  that  oil  or  other  
flammable  liquid  or  material  can  drip  or  fall  onto  it,  or    
• is  not  in  efficient  working  order,  or    
• is  so  placed  and  maintained  that  exhaust  gas  or  smoke  leaks  into  the  driving  cab  or  
passenger  compartment  of  the  vehicle.  

6.22 FUEL  TANK,  ELECTRICAL  WIRING  AND  BATTERY  

A  motor  vehicle  may  not  be  used  on  a  public  road—  

• if  the  fuel  tank,  carburettor,  fuel  receptacle  or  fuel  pipes  thereof  is  defective  or  so  
exposed  that  it  constitutes  a  source  of  danger;    
• if  the  fuel  tank  is  not  fitted  with  an  effective  cap;  or    
• unless  the  electrical  wiring  and  battery  are  properly  installed,  insulated  and  
maintained  so  that  such  wiring  and  battery  do  not  constitute  a  source  of  danger.  

6.23 ENGINE    

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• A  light  and  heavy  motor  vehicle  may  not  be  used  on  a  public  road,  unless  the  engine  
thereof  is  so  covered  as  not  to  be  a  source  of  danger.  

6.24 EMERGENCY  WARNING  SIGNS  (TRIANGLES)    

Any  heavy  motor  vehicle  (GVM  exceeds  3500kg),  all  goods  vehicles,  minibuses  and  busses,  
(excluding  motor  cars,  ambulances  and  motorcycles)  may  not  be  used  on  a  public  road,  
unless  there  is  carried  on  such  vehicle  at  least  one  emergency  warning  sign.    

Provided  that  in  the  case  of  a  combination  of  motor  vehicles  (vehicle  with  one  or  more  
trailers),  the  emergency  warning  sign  for  every  motor  vehicle  of  such  combination  may  be  
carried  on  the  drawing  vehicle.  

Where  a  motor  vehicle  is  for  any  reason  stationary  on  the  roadway  of  a  public  road,  the  
driver  of  such  vehicle  shall  display  at  least  one  emergency  warning  sign  in  the  following  
manner—  

• the  sign  shall  be  placed  not  less  than  45  metres  from  the  motor  vehicle  along  
the  roadway  of  the  public  road  concerned  in  the  direction  from  which  traffic  
will  approach  such  vehicle  when  travelling  on  the  side  of  the  roadway  closest  
to  such  motor  vehicle;  
• the  sign  shall  be  placed  approximately  as  far  from  the  edge  of  the  roadway  as  
the  transverse  centre  of  the  motor  vehicle  is  from  the  edge  of  the  roadway;  
and  
• the  reflective  side  of  the  sign  shall  face  in  the  direction  from  which  any  traffic  
will  approach.  

This  shall  not  apply  where  a  motor  vehicle  is  stationary—  

• in  a  place  where  a  road  traffic  sign  authorises  the  loading  or  unloading  of  a  
vehicle;  
• in  compliance  with  any  direction  conveyed  by  a  road  traffic  sign  or  given  by  a  
traffic  officer;  
• on   account   of   other   traffic   on   the   public   road   concerned   and   while   the   driver  
occupies  the  driving  seat  of  such  motor  vehicle;  or  
• in  the  course  of  events  accompanying  the  carrying  out  of  a  State  or  municipal  
function.  

6.25 EXCESSIVE  NOISE  

No  person  shall  operate  on  a  public  road  a  vehicle  in  such  a  manner  as  to  cause  any  
excessive  noise.  

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6.26 SPEEDOMETERS  

A  motor  vehicle,  which  is  designed  for  or  capable  of  reaching  a  speed  of  60  km/h  or  more,  
must  be  equipped  with  a  speedometer,  which  is  in  a  good  working  order.  

6.27 SPEED  LIMITS  

A  general  speed  limit  is  applicable  on  all  roads  and  does  not  have  to  be  displayed  by  a  road  
traffic  sign.  

• Unless  otherwise  indicated  by  a  road  traffic  sign,  a  speed  limit  of—  
• 60   kilometres   per   hour   shall   apply   in   respect   of   every   public   road   situated  
within  an  urban  area;    
• 100  kilometres  per  hour  shall  apply  in  respect  of  every  public  road  other  than  a  
freeway,  situated  outside  an  urban  area;  and    
• 120  kilometres  per  hour  shall  apply  in  respect  of  every  freeway.    

Exceeding  the  speed  limit  is  an  offence.  

6.28 SPEED  LIMIT  IN  RESPECT  OF  PASSENGER  VEHICLES  CONVEYING  PERSONS  FOR  
REWARD  

A  speed  limit  of  100  kilometres  per  hour  shall  apply  in  respect  of-­‐  

• bus,  and  
• a  minibus  

6.29 SPEED  LIMIT  FOR  A  PARTICULAR  CLASS  OF  VEHICLES  

A  speed  limit  of  80  kilometres  per  hour  shall  apply  in  respect  to-­‐  

• a  goods  vehicle  with  a  GVM  of  more  than  9000  kilograms;    


• 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  
• an  articulated  motor  vehicle,  of  which  the  gross  combination  mass  of  the  truck-­‐
tractor  exceeds  9000  kilograms;  
• Any  breakdown  vehicle  that  is  towing  another  vehicle:  

6.30 OVERALL  LENGTH  OF  VEHICLES  

Legislation  provides  for  restrictions  on  the  overall  length  of  certain  types  of  vehicles.  

The  restricted  lengths  are  as  follows;  

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• a  trailer  (not  semi-­‐trailer)  of  which  the  GVM  is  less  than  12  000  kilograms      -­‐      shall  
not  exceed  8  metres  
• a   trailer   (not   semi-­‐trailer)   of   which   the   GVM   is   more   than   12   000   kilograms       -­‐       shall  
not  exceed  12,5  metres  
• an  articulated  motor  vehicle  -­‐  shall  not  exceed  18,5  metres  
• a  bus-­‐train  -­‐  shall  not  exceed  22  metres  
• any  other  vehicles  -­‐  shall  not  exceed  12,5  metres  
• any  combination  of  motor  vehicles  _1  shall  not  exceed  22  metres  

6.31 OVERALL  HEIGHT  OF  VEHICLE  

The   following   motor   vehicles   may   not   be   used   on   a   public   road   together   with   any   load  
thereon,  if  the  overall  height-­‐  

• in  the  case  of  a  double-­‐deck  bus  exceeds  4,65  metres;  and    


• in  the  case  of  any  other  motor  vehicle  exceeds  4,3  metres.    

6.32 OVERALL  WIDTH  OF  VEHICLES  

The  following  motor  vehicles  may  not  be  used  on  a  public  road-­‐  

• a  bus  of  which  the  distance  between  the  centre-­‐lines  of  the  tyres  of  the  two  front  
wheels  exceeds  1,9  metres,  if  the  overall  width  of  such  bus  exceeds  2,6  metres;  
• a  goods  vehicle  the  gross  vehicle  mass  of  which  is  12  000  kilograms  or  more,  if  the  
overall  width  thereof  exceeds  2,6  metres,  or    
• any  other  vehicle,  if  the  overall  width  thereof  exceeds  2,5  metres.  

6.33 CONVEYANCE  OF  GOODS  

Goods  may  not  be  loaded  onto  a  vehicle  in  such  a  manner  that  it  may-­‐  

• come  into  contact  with  the  surface  of  the  road,  


• obscure  the  drivers/riders  view  of  traffic  to  the  front  or  on  either  side,  or  his  or  her  
view  in  the  rear-­‐view  mirror  or  mirrors  of  traffic  to  the  rear;  

which  are  not—  

• safely  contained  within  the  body  of  such  vehicle;  or  


• securely  fastened  to  such  vehicle,    

and  which  are  not  properly  protected  from  being  dislodged  or  spilled  from  such  vehicle;  

• on  the  roof  thereof,  in  the  case  where  such  vehicle  is  a  motorcar,  if  the  height  of  
such  goods  measured  from  the  highest  point  of  such  roof  exceeds  one-­‐half  of  the  
height  of  the  motor  car,  measured  from  ground  level:  Provided  that  the  provisions  
of  this  paragraph  shall  not  be  applicable  in  respect  of  pedal  cycles  being  transported  
on  the  roof  of  a  motor  vehicle.  

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Any  container,  which  has  provision  for  fastening  by  means  of  “twist  locks”,  unless  such  
container  is  securely  fastened  by  at  least  four  “twist  locks”.  

Transporting  baggage  on  a  motorcycle  in  the  best  possible  way  is  to  place  the  baggage  into  
suitable  carriers  attached  securely  to  the  motorcycle.  

6.34 CIRCUMSTANCES  UNDER  WHICH  PERSONS  MAY  BE  CARRIED  ON  GOODS  
VEHICLE  

If  persons  are  carried  on  a  goods  vehicle,  that  portion  of  the  vehicle  in  which  the  persons  are  
being  conveyed  must  be  enclosed  to  a  height  of—  

• at  least  350  millimetres  above  the  surface  upon  which  such  person  is  seated;  or    
• at  least  900  millimetres  above  the  surface  on  which  such  person  is  standing.  

It  is  against  the  law  for  passengers  to  ride  in  a  caravan.    

6.35 PROJECTIONS/OVERHANG  

A  motorcycle  may  not  be  used  on  a  public  road  if  any  goods  carried  thereon,  or  on  any  
sidecar  project  more-­‐

• than  600  millimetres  to  the  front  of  the  axle  of  the  front  wheel;  
• than  900  millimetres  to  the  rear  of  the  axle  of  the  rear  wheel;  
• than  450  millimetres  on  either  side  of  the  wheels,  and  
• than  300  millimetres  to  the  outside  of  the  wheel  of  the  sidecar.  

A  light  &  heavy  motor  vehicle  may  not  be  used  on  a  public  road  carrying  any  goods,  which  
project:  

a) either  side  of  the  longitudinal  centre-­‐line  of  the  vehicle  by  more  than;  
 
i. in  the  case  a  bus  or  a  goods  vehicle  of  which  the  gross  vehicle  mass  of  exceeds  
12  000   kilograms   -­‐   1,3   metres;   or   (therefore   maximum   width   of   goods   is   2,6  
metres)  
ii. in   the   case   of   any   other   vehicle,   1,25   metres.   (therefore   maximum   width   of  
goods  is  2,5  metres)  

Provided   that   any   side   mirror   or   direction   indicator   on   the   vehicle   shall   not   be   taken   into  
account;  

A  light  &  heavy  motor  vehicle  may  not  be  used  on  a  public  road  carrying  any  goods,  which  
project:  

a) more  than  300  millimetres  beyond  the  front  end  of  the  vehicle.  
b) more  than  1,8  metres  beyond  the  rear  end  of  the  vehicle.  
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A  light  &  heavy  motor  vehicle  may  not  be  used  on  a  public  road:  

• Of  which  any  bracket  projects  more  than  150  millimetres  beyond  the  widest  part  of  
the  vehicle.  (Side  rear  view  mirrors  or  direction  indicators  are  excluded)  

6.36 WARNING  FLAGS/REFLECTORS  

Where  any  load  projects  more  than  150  millimetres  to  the  side,  or  more  than  300  
millimetres  to  the  rear,  it  must  be  marked  by  means  of;    

• a  red  flag  or  flags  (300mm  x  300mm)  during  the  day,  and  
• retro  reflectors  at  night,  or    
• any  other  time  when  persons  and  vehicles  are  not  clearly  visible  due  to  
unfavourable  conditions.  White  retro  reflectors  to  the  front  and  red  retro  reflectors  
to  the  rear.  

6.37 DRIVING  ON  DIVIDED  PUBLIC  ROAD  

Whenever  any  public  road  has  been  divided  into  two  or  more  roadways,  no  person  shall  
drive/ride  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.  

6.38 DRIVING  ON  LEFT  SIDE  OF  ROADWAY  

Any  person  driving  a  vehicle  on  a  public  road  shall  drive  on  the  left  side  of  the  roadway  and,    

where  the  roadway  is  wide  enough,  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—  

• where  it  can  be  done  without  obstructing  or  endangering  other  traffic,  or    
• in  compliance  with  a  direction  of  a  traffic  officer  or  a  road  traffic  sign.  

When  you  become  aware  of  other  traffic  proceeding  in  the  same  direction  and  wishing  to  
pass  your  vehicle  –  

• drive   as   near   to   the   left   edge   of   the   roadway   as   is   possible,   without  


endangering  yourself,  other  traffic  or  property,  and    
• do   not   accelerate   the   speed   of   your   vehicle   until   the   other   vehicle   has  
passed.  

When  about  to  pass  oncoming  traffic,  the  driver  of  a  motor  vehicle  must  ensure  that  his/her  
vehicle  does  not  encroach  on  the  roadway  to  his/  her  right  in  such  manner  as  may  obstruct  
or  endanger  such  oncoming  traffic  

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

6.39 PROHIBITION  ON  DRIVING  ON  SHOULDER  OF  ROAD,  EXCEPT  IN  CERTAIN  
CIRCUMSTANCES    

No  person  shall  drive  a  light  motor  vehicle  on  the  shoulder  of  a  public  road,  however,  during  
the  period  between  sunrise  and  sunset,  such  vehicle  may  be  driven  on  the  shoulder  of  a  
public  road  which  is  designated  for  one  lane  of  traffic  in  each  direction  while  such  vehicle  is  
being  overtaken  by  another  vehicle;  and  ;    

• while  such  motor  vehicle  is  being  overtaken  by  another  vehicle;  and  
• if  he  or  she  can  do  so  without  endangering  himself  or  herself,  other  traffic,  
pedestrians  or  property  on  such  public  road;  e.g.  when  you  have  a  flat  tyre.  
• if  persons  and  vehicles  upon  such  public  road  are  clearly  discernible  at  a  distance  of  
at  least  150  metres.  

6.40 LANE  CHANGING    

When  driving  a  motor  vehicle  on  a  public  road  which  is  divided  into  traffic  lanes  by  means  of  
road  markings,  the  driver/rider  shall  not  turn  from  one  lane  into  another  unless  he  or  she  
can  do  so  without  obstructing  or  endangering  other  traffic.  

6.41 DRIVING  SIGNALS  

The  driver/rider  of  a  vehicle  who  intends  to  stop,  or  to  turn  such  vehicle  to  the  left  or  to  the  
right,  shall  in  good  time,  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.  

6.42 DIRECTION  INDICATORS  

You  may  not  drive  your  motor  vehicle  on  a  public  road,  unless  it  is  equipped  on  both  sides  
with  flasher  type  direction  indicators.  

Each  time  when  turning  left  or  to  the  right  and  when  changing  lanes  on  a  public  road,  it  is  
compulsory  to  make  use  of  direction  indicators.  

A  light  motor  vehicle  must  be  equipped  with  direction  indicators.  and;  

• each  indicator  must  have  a  lamp;  


• when   in   use,   the   lamp   must   show   an   intermittently   flashing   light   of   such   intensity  
that  it  is  clearly  visible  in  normal  daylight  at  a  distance  of  30  metres  to  a  person  of  
normal  eyesight.  

Indicator  lamps,  when  in  use,  must  emit  white,  yellow  or  amber  light  to  the  front,  and  
yellow,  amber  or  red  light  to  the  rear.  

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6.43 RETRO-­‐REFLECTORS  

6.43.1 Motorcycles  

You  may  not  ride  your  motorcycle,  motorcycle  with  a  sidecar  or  motor  tricycle,  on  a  public  
road  unless  there  is  fitted  on  the  rear  of  such  cycle  a  red  retro  reflector.  

6.43.2 Light  Motor  Vehicles  

A  light  motor  vehicle  must  be  fitted  on  the  rear  of  it  with  two  red  retro-­‐reflectors,  one  on  
each  side.  

6.43.3 Heavy  Motor  Vehicle  

A  heavy  motor  vehicle  may  not  be  used  on  a  public  road  unless  there  are  fitted  on  the  rear  
of  such  vehicle  at  the  same  height  two  red  retro-­‐reflectors,  one  on  each  side.  

A  heavy  motor  vehicle  or  a  combination  of  motor  vehicles  may  not  be  used  on  a  public  road,  
if  the  overall  length  of  such  vehicle  or  combination  exceeds  7  metres,    

unless  there  is  fitted,  on  each  side  of  such  vehicle  so  many  yellow  retro-­‐reflectors  as  
may  be  necessary  to  ensure  that  no  two  successive  yellow  retro-­‐reflectors  are  more  
than  3,6  metres  apart,  

If   yellow   reflective   strips   are   fitted   to   a   goods   vehicle,   yellow   retro-­‐reflectors   are   not  
necessary.  

6.44 YELLOW  REFLECTIVE  MATERIAL  

As  from  1  January  2001,  yellow  reflective  material  (as  prescribed),  shall  be  fitted  to  the  sides  
and  rear  of  all  goods  vehicles  of  which  the  gross  vehicle  mass  exceeds  10000  kilograms.  

Goods  vehicles  of  which  the  GVM  does  not  exceed  10000  kilograms,  may  be  fitted  with  such  
strips  on  the  sides  and  rear,  but  is  not  compulsory.    

6.45 OVERTAKING  /  PASSING  

The  driver/rider  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.    

Exceeding  the  speed  limit  when  overtaking/passing  is  not  permissible.  

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,  and—  

a. the   vehicle   being   passed   is   turning   to   its   right   or   the   driver/rider   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—  
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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.  

Provided  further  that  in  no  event  shall  any  passing  be  done  by  driving  on  the  shoulder  of  
the  roadway  or  on  the  verge  of  a  public  road.  

The  driver/rider  of  a  vehicle  shall  not  pass  other  traffic  moving  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  the  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.  

When  you  become  aware  of  other  traffic  proceeding  in  the  same  direction  and  wishing  to  
pass  your  vehicle  –  

• drive   as   near   to   the   left   edge   of   the   roadway   as   is   possible,   without   endangering  
yourself,  other  traffic  or  property,  and    
• do  not  accelerate  the  speed  of  your  vehicle  until  the  other  vehicle  has  passed.  

When  about  to  pass  oncoming  traffic,  the  driver/rider  of  a  motor  vehicle  must  ensure  that  
his/her  vehicle  does  not  encroach  on  the  roadway  to  his/  her  right  in  such  manner  as  may  
obstruct  or  endanger  such  oncoming  traffic  

The  driver/rider  of  a  vehicle  intending  to  pass  a  stationary  bus  must  do  so  with  due  care  for  
the  safety  of  persons  who  are  approaching  or  leaving  or  may  approach  or  leave  such  bus.  

A  driver  of  a  vehicle  who  wishes  to  overtake  another  vehicle  ahead  that  is  not  in  the  left  
hand  lane  can  make  the  driver  of  such  vehicle  aware  that  he  or  she  intends  to  overtake  by  
giving  a  visible  signal  by  means  of  flashing  the  headlights  of  his  or  her  vehicle.  

Vehicles  must  kept  left  and  overtake  to  the  right  on  any  freeway.  

6.46 INTERSECTIONS  

The   driver/rider   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  
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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.  

6.47 PARKING  

No  person  shall  park  a  vehicle  on  the  roadway  of  a  public  road—  

• with  a  direction  given  by  a  traffic  officer,    


• for  any  cause  beyond  the  control  of  the  driver/rider,    

• in any place where “Stopping” is not permitted.

• in contravention of any road traffic sign;

• on the same side as a fire hydrant within 1,5 metres on either side of the
hydrant,

• in any place where the vehicle would obscure any road traffic sign;

• in such manner as to encroach upon the sidewalk; or

• in such manner as to obstruct any private or public vehicular entrance.

• except for any reason beyond the control of the driver/rider.

• 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 1 metre of the
edge of such roadway.

No  person  shall  park  on  the  roadway  of  a  public  road  within  an  urban  area—  

• within  9  metres  of  the  side  from  which  he  or  she  approaches  a  pedestrian  crossing.  
• within  5  metres  of  any  intersection.  
• upon  or  over  the  actuating  mechanism  of  a  traffic  signal.  
• with   the   outside   of   any   left-­‐hand   wheel   thereof   more   than   450   millimetres   within  
the  roadway.  
• which  is  less  than  5,5  metres  wide.  
• on  a  traffic  island  or  in  a  pedestrian  mall  or  pedestrian  lane.  

6.48 STOPPING  

No  person  shall  stop  a  vehicle  on  the  roadway  of  a  public  road-­‐  

• except  in  order  to  avoid  an  accident,    


• with  a  direction  given  by  a  traffic  officer,    
• for  any  cause  beyond  the  control  of  the  driver/rider,    

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• alongside or opposite an excavation or obstruction on the public road if other


traffic would be obstructed or endangered by such stopping;

• within any tunnel or subway or on any bridge or within 6 metres of any


tunnel, subway or bridge;

• on, or within 6 metres from the beginning or end of, any part of such
roadway where the normal width thereof has for any reason been constricted;

• in contravention of any road traffic sign;

• on the right-hand side of such roadway facing oncoming traffic;

• alongside or opposite any other vehicle on such roadway where such


roadway is less than 9 metres wide;

• within the railway reserve at a level crossing;

• within 9 metres of his or her approaching side of a demarcated pedestrian


crossing;

• in any other place where the stopping of a vehicle would constitute a danger
or an obstruction to other traffic.

6.49 GENERAL  DUTIES  OF  DRIVER/RIDER    

No  person  driving  a  vehicle  on  a  public  road  shall-­‐  

• disobey   any   road   traffic   sign   or   rule   of   the   road   unless   so   ordered   to   do   so   by   a  
traffic  officer.  
• cause  such  vehicle  to  travel  backwards  unless  it  can  be  done  in  safety,  
• follow   another   vehicle   more   closely   than   is   reasonable,   INCLUDE   FOLLOWING  
DISTANCE.  See  Australia  Drivers  Handbook  Crash  Facts  (Rear  end  Crashes)  
• Maintain   a   minimum   2-­‐second   following   distance   for   light   motor   vehicles   and  
motorcycles.  
• Maintain  a  minimum  3-­‐second  following  distance  for  heavy  motor  vehicles.    
• Under  adverse  conditions  such  as  rain,  slippery  surface,  poor  visibility  or  when  being  
followed  too  closely,  the  following  distance  shall  be  increased.  
• permit   any   person,   animal   or   object   to   occupy   any   position   in   or   on   such   vehicle  
which   may   prevent   the   driver/rider   thereof   from   exercising   complete   control   over  
the  movements  of  the  vehicle,  
• when  driving/riding  such  vehicle,  permit  any  person  to  take  hold  of  or  interfere  with  
the  steering  or  operating  mechanism  of  the  vehicle;    
• when   driving/riding   such   vehicle,   occupy   a   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.  

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• 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;    
• 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;    
• fail  to  give  an  immediate  and  absolute  right  of  way  to  a  vehicle  sounding  a  device  or  
bell.  
• 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  
• 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;  
• 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;  
• cause  or  allow  the  engine  thereof  to  run  while  the  motor  vehicle  is  stationary  and  
unattended;    
• negligently  or  wilfully  deposit  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    
• cause   or   allow   the   engine   thereof   to   run   while   petrol   or   other   flammable   fuel   is  
being  delivered  into  the  fuel  tank.  
• drive,  pull  or  push  a  vehicle  upon  a  sidewalk.  

6.50 DUTIES  RELATING  TO  MOTORCYCLES  

When  riding  any  motorcycle  on  a  public  road  -­‐    

• A  rider  may  not  disobey  any  road  traffic  sign  or  rule  of  the  road  unless  so  ordered  to  
do  so  by  a  traffic  officer.  
• a  riders  feet  must  rest  on  the  front  foot  rests;  
• a  rider  must  be  seated  astride  on  the  saddle;  
• a   rider   must   have   at   least   one   hand   on   the   handlebars   of   such   motorcycle   at   all  
times;  
• a  passenger  must  be  briefed  by  the  rider  and  shall  be  seated  on  securely  fastened  
seat  and  their  feet  must  rest  on  securely  fastened  foot  rests  astride  the  motorcycle;  
• not   more   than   two   persons   shall   ride   upon   such   cycle,   excluding   a   person   riding   in   a  
side  car  attached  to  such  motorcycle;  
• a   rider   is   not   allowed   to   carry   a   passenger   on   a   motorcycle   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  motorcycle;  
• a   rider   is   not   allowed   to   carry   more   than   two   adult   persons   in   a   side   car   attached   to  
a  motorcycle;  
• a  rider  may  not  carry  any  person  or  animal  or  object  in  front  of  him/her.  Provided  
that   an   object   of   a   non   bulky   nature   may   be   so   carried,   if   securely   attached   or  

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placed   in   a   suitable   carrier   fitted   thereon   and   carried   in   such   a   way   as   not   to  
obstruct   the   rider’s   view   or   prevent   his   or   her   exercising   complete   control   over  
such  motorcycle;    
• a  rider  or  his/her  passenger  shall  not  take  hold  of  any  other  vehicle  in  motion;  
• a   rider   shall   do   so   in   such   manner   that   all   the   wheels   of   such   motorcycle   are   in  
contact  with  the  surface  of  the  road  at  all  times;  
• all   riders,   shall   drive   in   single   file   in   the   same   lane,   except   in   the   course   of  
overtaking   another   motorcycle   in   such   lane,   and   two   or   more   persons   driving  
motorcycles   shall   not   overtake   another   vehicle   at   the   same   time:   Provided   that  
where  a  public  road  is  divided  into  traffic  lanes,  each  such  lane  shall  be  regarded  as  
a  public  road.    

6.51 MANNER  IN  WHICH  SIDE  CAR  TO  BE  ATTACHED  TO  MOTORCYCLE    

No  person  shall  use  a  motorcycle  with  sidecar  on  a  public  road,  unless  such  sidecar  is  
attached  to  the  left  side  of  the  motorcycle.  

No  sidecar  may  be  attached  to  a  motorcycle  having  an  engine  with  a  cylinder  capacity  of  less  
than  50  cubic  centimetres.  

6.52 CELL  PHONES  

No  person  shall  drive/ride  a  vehicle  on  a  public  road  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.  

6.53 PEDESTRIANS  RIGHT  OF  WAY  

The  driver/rider  of  a  vehicle  must  yield  right  of  way,  slow  down  or  stop,  if  necessary  in  order  
to  yield  right  of  way  to  a  pedestrian  crossing  a  roadway  within  a  pedestrian  crossing.  

Whenever  any  vehicle  has  stopped  at  a  pedestrian  crossing,  the  driver/rider  of  any  other  
vehicle  may  not  pass  the  stopped  vehicle.  

The  “red  man”  light  signal  shows  pedestrians  that  they  may  not  cross  the  road  at  an  
intersection  until  the  green  man  light  signal  is  displayed.    The  pedestrians  must  remain  
stationary  on  the  sidewalk  until  a  “green  man”  light  signal  is  displayed.  If  red  man  light  signal  
flashes,  pedestrians  who  have  not  entered  the  roadway  must  wait  until  a  “green  man”  light  
signal  is  displayed.  Pedestrians  who  are  already  in  the  intersection  must  cross  the  
intersection  as  quickly  as  possible.  

6.54 VEHICLE  LEFT  /  ABANDONED  

Any  vehicle  left  for  a  continuous  period  of  more  than;  

• 24  hours  in  the  same  place  on  a  public  road  outside  an  urban  area;  
• 7  days  in  the  same  place  on  a  public  road  within  an  urban  area,  

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shall  be  deemed  to  been  abandoned  by  the  owner.  

6.55 DAMAGE  TO  PUBLIC  ROADS  

You  may  not;  

• cause  any  wheel  of  a  vehicle  to  drag  or  spin  upon  the  surface  of  the  roadway,  except  
in  the  case  of  an  emergency;  
• make  use  of  chocks  or  shoes  between  any  wheel  of  a  vehicle  moving  along  the  
roadway  and  the  surface  of  that  roadway,  or  
• use  any  vehicle  or  thing  or  move  any  vehicle  or  thing  on  a  roadway  in  a  manner  
causing  damage  thereto.  

6.56 FREEWAYS  

The  following  vehicles  may  not  be  used  on  a  freeway—  

• a  vehicle  drawn  by  an  animal;  


• a  pedal  cycle;  
• a  motorcycle  having  an  engine  with  a  cylinder  capacity  not  exceeding  50cc  (cubic  
centimetres)  or  which  is  propelled  by  electrical  power;  
• a  motor  quadrucycle;  
• 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    
• a  tractor,  except  when  such  tractor  is  used  in  connection  with  the  construction  or  
maintenance  of  a  freeway.  

No  person  shall  stop  a  vehicle  on  a  freeway  except—  

• in  compliance  with  a  road  traffic  sign  or  a  direction  given  by  a  traffic  officer;    
• within  an  area  reserved  for  the  stopping  or  parking  of  vehicles  by  an  appropriate  
road  traffic  sign,  or  
• for  any  reason  beyond  his  or  her  control.  

No  person  shall  –  

• give  a  hand  signal  when  driving/riding  a  motor  vehicle    on  a  freeway  except  for  a  
reason  beyond  his  or  her  control.  
• be  on  a  freeway  on  foot  under  normal  circumstances.  
• leave  or  allow  an  animal  to  be  on  a  freeway  or  leave  an  animal  in  a  place  from  
where  it  may  stray  onto  a  freeway.    

When  a  driver/rider  of  a  vehicle  travelling  on  a  freeway  notices  a  vehicle  in  front  of  him/her  
wishing  to  merge  from  an  On-­‐ramp,  such  driver/rider  must  allow  a  vehicle  to  merge  in  front  
of  them.  

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6.57 TOWING    

No  person  shall  use  any  motorcycle  to  tow  another  vehicle.  

No  person  shall  be  allowed  to  tow  another  vehicle  on  a  public  road—  

• if   the   length   of   the   tow-­‐rope,   chain   or   tow-­‐bar   between   the   two   vehicles   exceeds  
3,5  metres;    
• with  a  tow-­‐rope  or  chain  in  excess  of  30km/h,  unless  the  towing  vehicle  is  connected  
to  the  towed  vehicle  by  means  of  a  draw  bar  or  a  tow-­‐bar;    
• if  the  towed  vehicle  is  conveying  persons  at  a  speed  in  excess  of  30  km/h,  unless  the  
towed   vehicle   is   a   semi-­‐trailer.   Therefore   a   towed   vehicle   not   exceeding   30km/h  
may  convey  passengers.  
• 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   brakes   of   the   towed   vehicle   do   not   comply   with   the   provisions,   unless   the  
towing  vehicle  is  connected  to  the  towed  vehicle  by  means  of  a  draw  bar  or  tow-­‐bar.  

6.58 RESTRICTION  ON  COMBINATION  OF  MOTOR  VEHICLES  

A  combination  of  motor  vehicles  is  restricted  to  a  drawing  vehicle,  and—  

• a  maximum  of  two  trailers;    


• one  other  motor  vehicle  which  is  not  a  trailer;    

In  an  emergency  it  is  permitted  to  draw  or  tow  one  other  motor  vehicle,  which  is  not  a  
trailer,  and  a  trailer.  

6.59 CROSSING  /  ENTERING  PUBLIC  ROAD    

The  driver/rider  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  traffic.  

The  driver/rider  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.  

6.60 COMPULSORY  STOPS  

The  driver/rider  of  a  vehicle  on  a  public  road  shall  stop  such  vehicle—  

• in   compliance   with   any   direction   conveyed   by   a   road   traffic   sign   or   given   by   a   traffic  
officer  in  uniform;  or    
• at   the   request   or   on   the   signal   of   a   person   leading   or   driving   any   bovine   animal,  
horse,  donkey,  mule,  sheep,  goat,  pig  or  ostrich  on  the  road.  
• when   animals   are   seen   crossing   a   road   and   driver/rider   may   only   move   when   all   the  
animals  have  crossed  and  the  road  is  safe  to  continue  driving.  

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6.61 TYRES  

6.61.1 Light  Motor  Vehicle  

A  light  motor  vehicle  must  be  fitted  with  pneumatic  tyres,  which  display  throughout,  across  
the  breadth  and  around  the  entire  circumference,  a  pattern  that  is  clearly  visible,  and  has  a  
tread  of  at  least  1  millimetre  in  depth.  

6.61.2 Motorcycle  

You  may  not  ride  a  motorcycle  on  a  public  road-­‐

• having  an  engine  with  a  cylinder  capacity  exceeding  50  cubic  centimetres,  every  
tyre  displays  throughout,  across  its  breadth  and  around  its  entire  circumference,  a  
pattern  which  is  clearly  visible,  and  has  a  tread  of  at  least  one  millimetre  in  depth;  
• with  an  engine  having  a  cylinder  capacity  not  exceeding  50  cubic  centimetres,  which  
is  fitted  with  a  pneumatic  tyre  which  does  not  at  any  position  on  the  tread  thereof  
have  a  visible  tread  pattern  over  at  least  80  percent  of  the  full  width  of  the  tread,  
or  
• which  is  equipped  with  a  retreated  tyre.  

6.62 ACCIDENTS  

Any  driver/rider  of  a  motor  vehicle  involved  in  an  accident  or  who  contributes  to  any  
accident  must  –  

• immediately  stop  his/her  vehicle;  


• ascertain  the  nature  and  extent  of  any  injuries;  
• render  such  assistance  to  an  injured  person  as  he/she  may  be  capable  of  rendering;  
• ascertain  the  nature  and  extent  of  any  damage  sustained;  
• if   required   to   do   so   by   any   person   having   reasonable   grounds   to   request   it,   give  
his/her  name  and    address,    name  and    address  of  the  owner  of  the  vehicle  driven  by  
him/her,  and  the  registration  number  of  the  vehicle;  
• if   he/she   has   not   already   furnished   his/her   and   the   owner’s   names   and   addresses,  
and  the  registration  number  a  traffic  officer  at  the  scene  of  the  accident,  within  24  
hours  report  it  to  a  police  station  and  furnish  any  additional  information  that  may  be  
required  of  him/her.  
• not,   except   on  the  instructions  of  a  medical  practitioner,  take  any  intoxicating  liquor  
or  narcotic  drugs  before  he/she  has  reported  the  accident.  
• If   a   person   has   been   killed   or   injured   in   an   accident,   and   such   accident   causes   a  
complete   obstruction   on   the   roadway,   no   vehicle   may   not   be   moved   from   the  
position  from  where  it  came  to  rest,  unless  its  position  has  been  clearly  marked  on  
the   road   surface   by   the   person   moving   the   vehicle,   or   such   removal   has   been  
authorised  by  a  traffic  officer.  

The  driver  or  owner  of  a  vehicle,  which  was  damaged  in  a  collision/accident,  must  give  
permission  before  such  vehicle  can  be  removed  from  the  scene  of  an  accident/collision.  
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6.63 INCONSIDERATE  DRIVING  

No  person  shall  drive  a  vehicle  on  a  public  road  without  reasonable  consideration  for  any  
other  person  using  the  road.  

6.64 RECKLESS  OR  NEGLIGENT  DRIVING  

 No  person  shall  drive  a  vehicle  on  a  public  road  -­‐  

• recklessly  or  negligently;  and  


• in  a  manner  that  wilfully  disregard  the  safety  of  persons  or  property.  

6.65 DRIVING  WHILE  UNDER  THE  INFLUENCE  OF  INTOXICATING  LIQUOR  OR  
DRUGS  

No  person  shall  drive  a  motor  vehicle  on  a  public  road  while  the  concentration  of  alcohol  in  
a  person’s  body  is:  

• 0,05  grams  per  100ml  of  blood  or  more,  and;  


• 0,02  grams  per  100ml  of  blood  or  more  in  a  case  of  a  professional  driver.  

No  person  shall  -­‐  

• drive  a  vehicle  on  a  public  road;  or  


• occupy  the  drivers/riders  seat  of  a  motor  vehicle  of  which  the  engine  is  running,  
• while  under  the  influence  of  intoxicating  liquor  or  a  drug  having  a  narcotic  effect.  

6.66 FUEL  TANK,  ELECTRICAL  WIRING  AND  BATTERY  

 A  heavy  motor  vehicle  may  not  be  used  on  a  public  road-­‐  

• if  the  fuel  tank,  carburettor,  fuel  receptacle  or  fuel  pipes  thereof  is  defective  
or  so  exposed  that  it  constitutes  a  source  of  danger;    
• if  the  fuel  tank  is  not  fitted  with  an  effective  cap;  or    
• unless   the   electrical   wiring   and   battery   are   properly   installed,   insulated   and  
maintained   so   that   such   wiring   and   battery   do   not   constitute   a   source   of  
danger.  

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