Driver's duties | Rules of the Road

Your general duties

Always stay in control of your vehicle
Keep a clear view of road ahead
The front and back windscreen and rear-view mirrors must be clean and not cracked
Reverse when only when safe, and for as short a distance as possible
No part of your body may be out of the vehicle, except for giving hand signals
Only pull off when it is safe and when it will not interfere with traffic
Keep a safe following distance so you can stop in time (2 seconds is the normal following distance)
Give way immediately to emergency vehicles sounding sirens
You may not run the engine if
- The vehicle is not under your control (you are out of the car)
- Your fuel cap is off
- The car is smoking excessively
If you leave the car, you have to have the parking brake on
Instructions from a traffic officer always take precedence over any rule of the road or road sign/marking
Keep to the left on two way roads. On a one way, you can go on the right
Have your driver's licence on you at all times
Always drive with consideration for the safety of all people and property on and alongside the road.

Don't allow people or animals to obstruct your view or ability to control the vehicle or give signals clearly
Don't allow anyone to take control of the steering or controls
A passenger may not drive/steer the vehicle unless it is clear that the driver cannot control the vehicle any more
No person (or animal) can go on the roof/step/running board when the vehicle is in motion
Passengers may not have any part of the body out of the car
Make sure passengers know how to work the doors and seatbelt release
Make sure they wear seatbelts
Don't let them get in or out when the vehicle is moving or it's not safe
Passengers may only go on the back of a truck or van if the sides are at least
- 450mm high if sitting (350mm in KZN)
- 900mm high if standing (1250mm in KZN)
The above rule doesn't apply to people being transported for work
Don't overload passengers. Each should have at least 380mm of seat width