Support us

Additional signsSouth Africa

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of South Africa. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
South Africa
Priority signs
Warning signs
Prohibitory signs
Mandatory signs
Information signs
Additional signs

Additional signs

An additional sign is a traffic sign placed directly below another sign to provide extra information or clarify how the main sign should be understood. It can specify conditions such as distance, time periods, road users affected, directions, or special circumstances. Additional signs do not create new rules by themselves but modify, limit, or explain the meaning of the sign above them so drivers can apply the rule correctly in that specific situation.

For people with disabilities. For cyclists. For rickshaws. For motorcycles. For cars. For trailers. For taxis. For horse-drawn vehicles. For tractors. For trucks. For trucks exceeding the indicated mass. For buses. For trams. For vehicles carrying water-polluting substances. For construction vehicles. For ambulances. For police vehicles. To the left. To the left or right. To the right. For ... kilometres. Indicated mass. During the time shown. During the times shown. During the times shown on the indicated days. During daytime hours. During night-time hours.
Why must I read a supplementary plate?

It can qualify the main sign by identifying an exception, a time period or the distance to a restriction. Read the complete assembly rather than applying only the main symbol.

🔗 gov.uk • UK Department for Transport, Regulatory signs

1. For people with disabilities

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to people with disabilities. Any permit or eligibility requirements depend on the applicable sign and local rules.

For people with disabilities.

English • (R)578 • Vehicles used by disabled persons only: secondary message. When displayed below a primary regulatory sign, this exclusive secondary message makes that regulation apply only to vehicles used by disabled persons. Read it together with the main sign; it is not a standalone regulation.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 2, PDF p. 121 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-15. Wikimedia original unmodified.

2. For cyclists

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to cyclists.

For cyclists.

English • (R)561 • Bicycles only: secondary message. When displayed below a primary regulatory sign, this exclusive secondary message makes that regulation apply only to bicycles. Read it together with the main sign; it is not a standalone regulation.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 2, PDF p. 120 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-13. Wikimedia original unmodified.

3. For rickshaws

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to rickshaws.

For rickshaws.

English • (R)573 • Rickshaws only: secondary message. When displayed below a primary regulatory sign, this exclusive secondary message makes that regulation apply only to rickshaws. Read it together with the main sign; it is not a standalone regulation.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 2, PDF p. 120 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-15. Wikimedia original unmodified.

4. For motorcycles

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to motorcycles.

For motorcycles.

English • (R)562 • Motor cycles only: secondary message. When displayed below a primary regulatory sign, this exclusive secondary message makes that regulation apply only to motor cycles. Read it together with the main sign; it is not a standalone regulation.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 2, PDF p. 120 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2025-12-15. Wikimedia original unmodified.

5. For cars

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to cars. The vehicle category covered by the symbol is determined by the applicable local definitions.

For cars.

English • (R)563 • Motor cars only: secondary message. When displayed below a primary regulatory sign, this exclusive secondary message makes that regulation apply only to motor cars. Read it together with the main sign; it is not a standalone regulation.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 2, PDF p. 120 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-13. Wikimedia original unmodified.

6. For trailers

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to vehicles towing trailers.

For trailers.

English • (R)582 • Towed vehicles only: secondary message. When displayed below a primary regulatory sign, this exclusive secondary message makes that regulation apply only to towed vehicles. Read it together with the main sign; it is not a standalone regulation.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 2, PDF p. 121 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-17. Wikimedia original unmodified.

7. For taxis

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to taxis.

For taxis.

English • (R)564 • Taxis only: secondary message. When displayed below a primary regulatory sign, this exclusive secondary message makes that regulation apply only to taxis. Read it together with the main sign; it is not a standalone regulation.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 2, PDF p. 120 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-13. Wikimedia original unmodified.

8. For horse-drawn vehicles

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to horse-drawn vehicles.

For horse-drawn vehicles.

English • (R)581 • Animal-drawn vehicles only: secondary message. When displayed below a primary regulatory sign, this exclusive secondary message makes that regulation apply only to animal-drawn vehicles. Read it together with the main sign; it is not a standalone regulation.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 2, PDF p. 121 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-18. Wikimedia original unmodified.

9. For tractors

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to tractors.

For tractors.

English • (R)580 • Agricultural vehicles only: secondary message. When displayed below a primary regulatory sign, this exclusive secondary message makes that regulation apply only to agricultural vehicles. Read it together with the main sign; it is not a standalone regulation.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 2, PDF p. 121 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-18. Wikimedia original unmodified.

10. For trucks

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to trucks. The truck categories covered depend on the applicable local definitions.

For trucks.

English • (R)568 • Goods vehicles only: secondary message. When displayed below a primary regulatory sign, this exclusive secondary message makes that regulation apply only to goods vehicles. Read it together with the main sign; it is not a standalone regulation.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 2, PDF p. 120 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-13. Wikimedia original unmodified.

11. For trucks exceeding the indicated mass

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to trucks exceeding the indicated mass. The legally relevant mass is determined by the applicable local rules.

For trucks exceeding the indicated mass.

English • (R)569 • Goods vehicles exceeding 10 tonnes gvm or gcm only: secondary message. When displayed below a primary regulatory sign, this exclusive secondary message makes that regulation apply only to goods vehicles exceeding 10 tonnes GVM or GCM. Read it together with the main sign; it is not a standalone regulation.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 2, PDF p. 120 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-18. Wikimedia original unmodified.

12. For buses

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to buses. The vehicle categories covered depend on the applicable local definitions.

For buses.

English • (R)560 • Buses only: secondary message. When displayed below a primary regulatory sign, this exclusive secondary message makes that regulation apply only to buses. Read it together with the main sign; it is not a standalone regulation.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 2, PDF p. 120 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-13. Wikimedia original unmodified.

13. For trams

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to trams.

For trams.

English • (R)583 • Trams only: secondary message. When displayed below a primary regulatory sign, this exclusive secondary message makes that regulation apply only to trams. Read it together with the main sign; it is not a standalone regulation.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 2, PDF p. 121 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-17. Wikimedia original unmodified.

14. For vehicles carrying water-polluting substances

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to vehicles carrying water-polluting substances. The substances covered depend on the applicable local rules.

For vehicles carrying water-polluting substances.

English • (R)571 • Vehicles conveying dangerous goods only: secondary message. When displayed below a primary regulatory sign, this exclusive secondary message makes that regulation apply only to vehicles conveying dangerous goods. Read it together with the main sign; it is not a standalone regulation.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 2, PDF p. 120 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-14. Wikimedia original unmodified.

15. For construction vehicles

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to construction vehicles. The vehicle categories covered depend on the applicable local definitions.

For construction vehicles.

English • (R)570 • Construction vehicles only: secondary message. When displayed below a primary regulatory sign, this exclusive secondary message makes that regulation apply only to construction vehicles. Read it together with the main sign; it is not a standalone regulation.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 2, PDF p. 120 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-14. Wikimedia original unmodified.

16. For ambulances

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to ambulances.

For ambulances.

English • (R)576 • Emergency vehicles only: secondary message. When displayed below a primary regulatory sign, this exclusive secondary message makes that regulation apply only to emergency vehicles. Read it together with the main sign; it is not a standalone regulation.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 2, PDF p. 121 (May 2012)

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Source revision 2017-07-18. Wikimedia original unmodified.

17. For police vehicles

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies specifically to police vehicles.

For police vehicles.

English • (R)577 • Police vehicles only: secondary message. When displayed below a primary regulatory sign, this exclusive secondary message makes that regulation apply only to police vehicles. Read it together with the main sign; it is not a standalone regulation.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 2, PDF p. 121 (May 2012)

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Source revision 2017-07-21. Wikimedia original unmodified.

18. To the left

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies in the direction shown by the arrow, to the left.

To the left.

English • (R)520 • Regulation applies left: secondary message. When displayed below a primary regulatory sign, the regulation applies in the direction indicated: left. Read the arrow together with the main sign.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 2, PDF p. 118 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-11. Wikimedia original unmodified.

19. To the left or right

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies in both directions shown by the arrows, to the left and right.

To the left or right.

English • (R)522 • Regulation applies left and right: secondary message. When displayed below a primary regulatory sign, the regulation applies in the direction indicated: left and right. Read the arrow together with the main sign.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 2, PDF p. 118 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-11. Wikimedia original unmodified.

20. To the right

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies in the direction shown by the arrow, to the right.

To the right.

English • (R)521 • Regulation applies right: secondary message. When displayed below a primary regulatory sign, the regulation applies in the direction indicated: right. Read the arrow together with the main sign.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 2, PDF p. 118 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-11. Wikimedia original unmodified.

21. For kilometres

This supplementary sign indicates the length of the section to which the main traffic sign applies. The length is shown in kilometres.

For ... kilometres.

English • (R)535 • For 5 km: secondary message. When displayed below a primary regulatory sign, the regulation applies for the indicated distance of 5 kilometres. This is a distance over which it applies, not a distance to the restriction.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 2, PDF p. 119 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-12. Wikimedia original unmodified.

22. Indicated mass

This supplementary sign shows an indicated vehicle mass. Read it together with the main traffic sign to determine how the mass value affects the applicable rule or restriction.

Indicated mass.

English • (R)532 • Over 16 t: secondary message. When displayed below a primary regulatory sign, the regulation applies only to vehicles with GVM or GCM exceeding 16 tonnes. This plate is not, by itself, a maximum permitted mass sign.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 2, PDF p. 119 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-13. Wikimedia original unmodified.

23. During the time shown

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies during the time shown.

During the time shown.

English • (R)501 • 06:00–09:00: secondary message. When displayed below a primary regulatory sign, the regulation applies only during 06:00 to 09:00. Read this plate together with the main sign.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 2, PDF p. 117 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-09. Wikimedia original unmodified.

24. During the times shown

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies during the times shown.

During the times shown.

English • (R)502 • 07:00–09:00 and 16:00–18:00: secondary message. When displayed below a primary regulatory sign, the regulation applies only during 07:00 to 09:00 and 16:00 to 18:00. Read this plate together with the main sign.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 2, PDF p. 117 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-09. Wikimedia original unmodified.

25. During the times shown on the indicated days

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies during the respective times shown for the indicated days.

During the times shown on the indicated days.

English • (R)503 • Weekdays and Saturday times: secondary message. When displayed below a primary regulatory sign, the regulation applies only during 08:00 to 16:00 on weekdays and 08:00 to 13:00 on Saturdays. Read this plate together with the main sign.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 2, PDF p. 117 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-09. Wikimedia original unmodified.

26. During daytime hours

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies during daytime hours.

During daytime hours.

English • (R)511 • Daytime: secondary message. When displayed below a primary regulatory sign, the regulation applies only during daytime. Read this plate together with the main sign.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 2, PDF p. 117 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-11. Wikimedia original unmodified.

27. During night-time hours

This supplementary sign indicates that the main traffic sign applies during night-time hours.

During night-time hours.

English • (R)512 • Night-time: secondary message. When displayed below a primary regulatory sign, the regulation applies only during night-time. Read this plate together with the main sign.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 2, PDF p. 117 (May 2012)

SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-07-11. Wikimedia original unmodified.