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Traffic lightsSouth 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

17. Traffic lights

Traffic lights use coloured lights, arrows or symbols to regulate when road users may proceed, must prepare to stop or must remain stopped. Separate signals may apply to particular directions, lanes, pedestrians, cyclists or public-transport vehicles.

A green light permits movement only when the route is clear and the movement is otherwise legal. Road users must still follow priority rules, turning restrictions, lane markings and instructions from authorised traffic controllers.

Traffic lights
Traffic lights near the Grand Parade. (Cape Town, South Africa)
Wikimedia.org • HelenOnline • CC BY-SA
What must a driver do at red, amber and green signals in South Africa?

Red requires stopping behind the stop line and waiting for a permitted signal. Amber also requires stopping unless you are too close to stop safely, when you may continue cautiously. Green permits the applicable movement subject to safety and giving-way duties.

🔗 transport.gov.za • Official Traffic Signs Manual, May 2012, sections 6.2.7-6.2.10,6.3.2-6.3.3

May you turn at a red traffic light in South Africa?

A plain steady red disc requires you to stop and wait. Proceed only when the signal permits your movement, such as an applicable green arrow. A stationary arrow sign may identify the movement controlled by a red signal; it is not itself permission to turn on red.

🔗 transport.gov.za • Official Traffic Signs Manual, May 2012, sections 6.2.7-6.2.10,6.3.2-6.3.3

Can a green light remove the need to give way to pedestrians in South Africa?

No. A green signal does not remove the duty to give way to pedestrians crossing under their permitted signal. Turning drivers must take particular care where their path crosses the pedestrian crossing.

🔗 transport.gov.za • Official Traffic Signs Manual, May 2012, sections 6.2.7-6.2.10,6.3.2-6.3.3

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