K53 Rules of the Road

• GENERAL RULES:

  • ALWAYS drive on the left-hand side of a two-way road. (may drive on the right-hand side of a one-way road if safe)
  • Following distance: 2 seconds (light motor), 3 seconds (heavy motor or truck)
  • Always display vehicle licence disk. Valid for 12 months.
  • Instructions of traffic officer takes precedence over any road rules or traffic signs.
• DRIVING ON A DIVIDED ROAD:

  • Always drive on the left-hand side of a division (painted line of physical barrier).
  • Barrier or division may only be crossed at an opening or space where specifically indicated to do so.
• DRIVING ON THE SHOULDER OF THE ROAD:

  • DO NOT drive continuously on the shoulder of the road.
  • If another vehicle wants to overtake, may move onto the shoulder of the road if you can clearly see no other obstructing vehicles or pedestrians at least 150m ahead.
  • May only be done on a single-lane road and between sunrise and sunset.
• OVERTAKING OR PASSING ANOTHER VEHICLE:

  • Unless prohibited by road sign or marking, you may overtake where it is safe to do so by passing on the right of the vehicle.
  • Only return to left side when safely past the vehicle.
  • Never overtake where visibility is limited.
  • Never overtake a vehicle that has stopped at a pedestrian crossing.
• OVERTAKING OR PASSING ON THE LEFT:

  • May overtake on the left where the vehicle in front of you is turning right.
  • May overtake on the left where there are 2 or more lanes for vehicles travelling in the same direction. However, "Keep left, pass right" is safest.
  • Never cross over the yellow line when overtaking on the left.
• BEING OVERTAKEN:

  • When another vehicle intends to overtake, move over to the left if safe to do so and maintain speed without accelerating.
• SIGNALS/INDICATING:

  • Always signal your intention to turn, reduce speed or stop by use of indicators, brake lights or hand signals.
  • Ensure that you do this allowing sufficient time to warn all other road users of your intention.
  • Hand signals are not to be used on a freeway.
• WHEN TURNING LEFT:

  • Ensure that you are in the correct lane according to any lane direction arrows. Indicate well in advance.
  • Keep as far left as possible as you are about to make your turn.
  • Once you have turned, adjust your speed accordingly.
• WHEN TURNING RIGHT:

  • Keep as far right as possible as you're about to make the turn.
  • Give way to oncoming traffic and wait for a suitable opportunity to turn.
  • Allow ample space for vehicles behind you to pass on your left
  • Before making your turn, ensure you pass the cross-roads entire line.
  • Do not cut corners.
• ALWAYS STOP WHEN:

  • Directed by a traffic officer or road sign
  • Involved in an accident
  • Any pedestrian is about to enter a pedestrian crossing
  • Requested to do so by any person herding animals over the road
• NOT ALLOWED ON A FREEWAY:

  • Any animal-drawn vehicle
  • Bicycles
  • Motor tricycles or quadracycles
  • Vehicles with a mass of 230kgs or less, specifically for disabled people
  • Tractors
  • Pedestrians, unless within an area reserved for stopping or situations beyond their control
  • Animals, unless in a vehicle or in an area reserved for stopping
• MAY NOT STOP ON A FREEAY UNLESS:

  • Instructed to do so by a traffic officer
  • In an area reserved for stopping or parking
  • In a situation beyond your control
• TOWING:

  • Length of tow-bar or chain cannot exceed 3.5m
  • Licenced drivers must be behind the wheel (in control) unless wheels are clear of the ground or a device is controlling the steering.
  • If brakes of towed vehicle are defective, must be hooked up with appropriate tow-bar.
  • Draw or tow-bar must be used in excess of 30km/h
  • No passengers allowed in towed vehicle, unless it's a semi-trailer
  • Motorcycles, tricycles and quadracycles not to be used for towing
• SPEED LIMITS

  General:

  • 60km/h in urban areas
  • 100km/h outside urban areas
  • 120km/h on freeways

  Particular classes of vehicles:

  • 80km/h goods or combination vehicle exceeding 9000kgs
  • 100km/h bus or minibus
• SEAT BELTS:

  • Worn at all times (except reversing and parking) by drivers and passengers
  • If there's no seat belt in front seat, under 14's (unless over 1.5m tall) sit in the back.
  • Passenger may not sit without seat belt if another seat with a belt is available.
  • No vehicle should be on a public road unless seatbelts are in good working order.
  • Infants under 3 must be seated on an appropriate child restraint (does not apply in public transport vehicles)
• WHEN INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, DO THE FOLLOWING:

  • Stop vehicle immediately
  • Establish any injuries, if so, call police immediately
  • Provide any assistance possible to the injured
  • Provide your name and address, registration number of vehicle and name and address of owner of the vehicle
  • Report accident to nearest police station within 24hrs with drivers licence in possession
• ALCOHOL AND NARCOTIC DRUGS:

  • May not be under the influence of alcohol or narcotic drugs while in control of or behind the controls of a vehicle, nor can the blood-alcohol level exceed the legal level.

  Legal limits

  • 0.05g per 100ml of blood
  • 0.02g per 100ml of blood (professional drivers)