South AfricaSouth Africa
Traffic rules
South Africa
1. South Africa
South Africa occupies the southern tip of Africa, with long-distance routes linking major cities across the Highveld, the semi-arid Karoo, coastal regions and several mountain ranges. Traffic drives on the left and normally overtakes on the right. National roads range from multi-lane freeways to long two-lane sections where fatigue, wildlife or livestock, heavy rain, fog and changing road conditions can become significant hazards. The general speed framework is 60 km/h in urban areas, 100 km/h outside urban areas and 120 km/h on freeways, unless a different limit is posted or a lower vehicle-specific limit applies.
South Africa has route-specific toll roads rather than a vignette, with conventional toll plazas on several national routes and electronic SANRAL tags available for many facilities. Gauteng's former open-road e-toll charging system was switched off in 2024. Motorcycles must use their headlamp at all times, while ordinary cars do not have a general daytime-headlight requirement. Road signs use the national South African system, relying heavily on standard symbols, with textual information commonly appearing in English and sometimes other official languages.
AI-generated by Rijbewijs-online.be • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Are seat belts compulsory in South Africa?
Yes. In an ordinary car, use the seat belts provided in both front and rear seats. The driver should make sure passengers buckle up, especially children; city guidance identifies the driver as responsible when a child passenger is not restrained.
Can you hold a mobile phone while driving in South Africa?
No. Do not hold a mobile phone to make calls or send messages while driving. Use a permitted hands-free setup if necessary; the City of Cape Town warns that hands-free conversations can still distract you. Stop in a safe place before handling the phone.
When must babies use a child seat in South Africa?
A child under three travelling in a motor vehicle on a public road must be secured in an appropriate child restraint. The regulation includes an exception for a minibus, midibus or bus operating for reward. Use a seat bearing the required approval mark.
🔗 gov.za • South African Government, compulsory infant restraints
Must you exchange a foreign licence after becoming a permanent resident of South Africa?
Yes. Convert it to a South African licence within one year of receiving permanent residence. The Government lists the required proof of validity, identification and any translation. If you do not convert it within that period, the foreign licence is regarded as invalid.
🔗 gov.za • South African Government, converting a foreign licence
