Driving | Rules of the Road

Speed Limits

For light motor vehicles

In urban areas (towns and cities), the general speed limit is 60km/h.
In rural areas and on national roads, the general speed limit is 100km/h.
On freeways, the general speed limit is 120km/h.
If there are road signs that give different speed limits to these then the road signs must be obeyed.

For other vehicles

Minibuses carrying paying passengers and passenger buses must never go faster than 100km/h.
Vehicles with a gross vehicle mass of over 9 000kg (large trucks) must never go faster than 80km/h.
Tractors on public roads may not go faster than 35km/h.

Stopping

To obey: A traffic officer Scholar patrol person Person driving/riding/leading animals A road marking A road sign. If you have an accident.

Parking

Parking is stopping for longer than is needed to offload passengers or goods. Whenever you park you have to use your parking brake/handbrake.

Divided roads

These are roads that have been divided into more than one area by a line or barrier.
Keep to the left of a divided road (unless it is a one way).
Cross the divider only at an opening or intersection, or where a road marking or police officer says you can.

Changing lanes

Keep within your lane. Don't straddle lanes (when your vehicle is in more than one lane).
Change lanes only if road markings or signs allow you to.
Signal early when intending to change lanes.
Change lanes only if it is safe.
The last thing you must do before changing lanes is to check your blind spots.
If changing more than one lane, recheck your blind spots for each lane.

Intersections

Stop completely before the line at stop streets and red traffic lights. Instructions from a traffic officer always take precedence over road signs, signals (including traffic lights) and markings.

Signalling

Use signal lights before you: Stop (brake lights) Slow suddenly (brake lights) Turn (indicators) Change lanes (indicators) Move to the left or right in the road (indicators).

Overtaking

The general rule of the road is keep left, pass right. When overtaking, keep a clear space around your vehicle and the one you are passing (don't cut in).

The two vehicles must be closer than 3.5m to each other. They should be securely attached. Both vehicles must be under control. Motorcycles, tricycles, quadrucycles and pedal cycles can't tow vehicles.