Rules of the Road

Did you know the following rules of the road are LAW?
Violations of these rules are therefore punishable at law.

General Speed Limits	Urban Roads	Rural Roads	Freeways
Vehicles less than 9,000 kg	60 km/h	100 km/h	120 km/h
Vehicles 9,000 kg and more	60 km/h	80 km/h	80 km/h
Buses & Mini-buses conveying passengers	60 km/h	100 km/h	100 km/h

Hanging out of vehicle windows and doors	No part of the driver's or any passenger's body may protrude from the vehicle, except to give driver's hand signals, to park, or to test the vehicle.
4-Way Stops	After stopping, vehicles must move off in the same sequence as they arrived. Stop. Move off only after all vehicles that arrived at the intersection before you have moved off and it is safe to do so.
Yield at Minicircle "control" sign	This sign has taken on a new meaning since 2000. Formally it was used for both minicircles and the larger roundabouts, and currently it is still used at both kinds of circles. The current, correct response at a minicircle is as follows: Slow down and approach with caution, and proceed in a clockwise direction. Give way to any vehicle that will cross a yield line before you. Avoid driving over the edge of the painted minicircle marking.
Roundabout "command" sign	This is a new sign introduced in SA in 2000 and relates specifically to the larger traffic circle called a roundabout. The correct response is: Slow down and approach with caution, and proceed in a clockwise direction. Give way to vehicles within the roundabout traffic flow, approaching from your right, where they are close enough to be a potential hazard.
Driving on the left shoulder	You may not drive on the left-hand shoulder of the road (to the left of the yellow edge line) ... except ... You may drive on the left shoulder when being overtaken, provided ... 1) It is a single-lane two-way road (not a freeway), and 2) It is between sunrise and sunset, and 3) Pedestrians and vehicles are visble for 150 metres.
Hooting	You may only hoot for safety reasons (and not to attract passengers to taxis or to say goodbye when you drive off)
Cellphones	You may not drive and hold a cellphone in your hand or under your chin, etc. This applies to all communication devices such as two-way radios as well, but it does not apply to certain official drivers while driving on official duty provided the driver drivs with due regard to the safety of all road users.
Tyre tread	Tread must be a mimimum of 1 mm deep across the entire width and circumference of the tyre (80% on motorcycles).
Noise (exhaust, sound systems, etc.)	You may not operate a vehicle which has a noisy exhaust or accessory such as a radio.
Obstructing traffic	You may not obstruct the free flow of traffic including blocking at intersections.
Some No Stopping areas	Where prohibited by a road sign or red No Stopping line. Within 6 metres of a tunnel or subway Within 6 metres of a point where the road has been narrowed. Within 9 m of a pedestrian crossing, except to allow pedestrians to cross. On the right-hand side of a two-way road facing oncoming traffic. Next to or opposite a vehicle parked in a road narrower than 9 metres. Wherever stopping could cause danger or an obstruction.
Some No Parking areas	At all No Stopping areas. Where prohibited by a traffic sign or yellow No Parking line. More than 450 mm from the kerbside, unless in a demarcated parking bay. Within 1.5 metres of a fire hydrant. Within 5 metres of an urban intersection. Where an urban two-way road is less than 5.5 metres wide. Wher parking will obstruct a road sign or marking. On or partially on a pavement or painted traffic island. Across the front of a vehicle entrance. In a pedestrian mall or lane. Within 9 metres of the approach side of a pedestrian crossing.
Illegal Parking penalties	Illegally parked vehicles may be removed or impounded by a traffic officer, and any costs will be for the owner's account.
No Parking exceptions	Emergency and construction vehicles may park anywhere if they are rendering an essential service and are displaying the necessary identification lamps.
Overtaking on the left	You may overtake on the left IF... It is safe to do so without driving on the verge or shoulder of the road. If the driver ahead has indicated intention to turn right, or is doing so. In a one-way urban road that is wide enough for tow lines of moving traffic. On a road with more than one lane of traffic moving in the same direction. When directed by a traffic or police official.
Some freeway rules	Pedestrians and pedal cycles are not allowed on freeways. Animals are not allowed on the freeway roadway. Motorcycles 50 cc or less are not allowed on freeways. Tractors are not allowed on freeways unless engaged in freeway construction/maintenance work. Hand signals are not allowed on freeways except in an emergency. Animal-drawn vehicles are not allowed on freeways. Learner drivers are allowed on freeways, if accompanied by a licenced driver. Stopping on a freeway is illegal except for official vehicles under special conditions.

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