One-way trafficSouth Africa
Traffic rules
South Africa
1. One-way traffic
One-way traffic means that vehicles on a road or carriageway may travel only in one designated direction. The permitted direction is normally indicated by traffic signs, lane arrows or road markings.
Some road users, such as cyclists or public-transport vehicles, may be allowed to travel in the opposite direction when signs expressly permit it. A one-way road does not by itself determine the speed limit, priority or parking rules.
How should I read a one-way restriction in South Africa?
Follow the direction designated by the street’s one-way signs and any entrance restrictions or lane arrows. A compulsory turn at one junction is different from a restriction applying along the street.
🔗 openbylaws.org.za • Cape Town Traffic Amendment By-law2026 — Gazette publication29 July2026
Road with one-way traffic.
English • R4.3 • One-way: straight on. Traffic on this road must travel in the direction of the arrow.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 2, PDF p. 41 (May 2012)
SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-04-28. Wikimedia original unmodified.
No entry.
English • R3 • No entry. Do not enter the road from this direction.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Transport.gov.za • Department of Transport · SADC RTSM Vol. 1, chapter 2, PDF p. 40 (May 2012)
SVG source: Southern African Development Community • Public domain • Original revision 2017-04-23. Wikimedia original unmodified.
May cyclists travel against the general traffic direction in South Africa?
Do not assume cyclists are exempt from a road’s direction restriction. Check whether the applicable signs, local traffic arrangement or separately designated cycle facility actually authorise movement in the opposite direction; an ordinary bicycle-route sign is not enough.
🔗 openbylaws.org.za • Cape Town Traffic Amendment By-law2026 — Gazette publication29 July2026
Does one-way traffic give me priority or a different speed limit in South Africa?
A one-way restriction concerns direction. Continue to follow the applicable speed limit, signals, give-way or stop controls and junction-priority rules. Where authorised counterflow traffic exists, check for it before turning or crossing; your permitted direction is not automatic junction priority.
🔗 openbylaws.org.za • Cape Town Traffic Amendment By-law2026 — Gazette publication29 July2026
