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Pedestrian warningSouth 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

4. Pedestrian warning

A pedestrian warning is a traffic warning indicating that pedestrians may be crossing or entering the roadway ahead. It is commonly used near pedestrian crossings or other locations where drivers need advance notice of frequent pedestrian activity.

Drivers approaching a pedestrian warning should reduce speed when necessary, watch carefully for pedestrians and be prepared to stop. The design of the warning sign and the priority rules at the crossing vary between countries.

Pedestrian warning
Pedestrian warning sign with Table Mountain in the background. (Cape Town, South Africa)
Wikimedia.org • Vysotsky • CC BY-SA
How should I react to a pedestrian warning in South Africa?

Reduce speed, look along both sides of the road and be ready to stop. The warning identifies a pedestrian hazard ahead; children, people with limited mobility or others may enter the road unexpectedly.

🔗 transport.gov.za • South Africa, Department of Transport, SARTSM — pedestrian-warning

Does a pedestrian warning in South Africa identify the crossing itself?

Not necessarily. An advance warning alerts you to danger ahead. The actual crossing is identified by its own signs, markings or signals. Apply the crossing rules when you reach it, and follow any supplementary distance information.

🔗 transport.gov.za • South Africa, Department of Transport, SARTSM — pedestrian-warning

What should drivers know about pedestrian crossings in South Africa?

At a marked pedestrian crossing, slow down or stop as necessary to yield to pedestrians crossing or waiting to cross. Follow the applicable signs and signals: their controls take precedence over the crossing marking.

🔗 transport.gov.za • South African Department of Transport, SADC Road Traffic Signs Manual, volume 1 chapter 7, sections 7.2.3–7.2.6

1 South Africa 2 Motorway 3 Speed limit 4 Pedestrian warning 5 Speed bump 6 Toll road 7 Dead end 8 Stop sign 9 Give way 10 Roundabout 11 Pedestrian crossing 12 Railway crossing 13 School area 14 Crossing animals 15 Curve 16 Wrong-way driving 17 Traffic lights 18 Traffic lights warning 19 Traffic mirror 20 Parking 21 Reversing 22 Tourist attraction 23 Dangers 24 Bus 25 Police 26 Ambulance 27 Pothole 28 Path 29 Particulates 30 Air pollution 31 Rush hour 32 Road code 33 Street gutter 34 Cargo bike 35 Forestry vehicle 36 Construction vehicle 37 Semi-trailer truck 38 Trolleybus 39 Speed pedelec 40 Delivery vehicle 41 Idling 42 Tow truck 43 Four-wheel drive 44 Bicycle 45 Motorcycle equipment 46 Rail track 47 Caravan 48 Trailer 49 Tow hitch 50 Fire truck 51 Siren 52 Convoy 53 Emergency vehicle lighting 54 Agricultural machinery 55 Electric bicycle 56 Electric vehicle 57 Pedelec 58 Quadricycle 59 Microcar 60 All-terrain vehicle 61 Van 62 Recreational vehicle 63 Scooter 64 Trikke 65 Personal mobility device 66 Skateboard 67 Segway 68 Kick scooter 69 Roller skates 70 Mailman 71 Hitchhiker 72 Toddler 73 Child 74 Disability 75 Motorail 76 km/h 77 mph 78 Speedometer 79 Ride height 80 Dirt road 81 Driving 82 Start-stop system 83 Manual transmission 84 Automatic transmission 85 Throttle 86 Tachometer 87 Steering wheel 88 Power steering 89 Visual scanning 90 Mirror 91 Fuel 92 Fuel gauge 93 Petrol 94 Diesel 95 Diesel exhaust fluid 96 Car insurance 97 First aid kit 98 Fire extinguisher 99 High-visibility clothing 100 First aid ...