Traffic signsSouth Africa

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.

Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Traffic signs

A traffic sign is a standardised visual symbol placed along roads to guide, warn, or regulate drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. These signs provide essential information about road conditions, rules, directions, and potential hazards, helping to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow. They come in various shapes and colours—such as triangular warning signs, circular prohibitory or mandatory signs, and rectangular information signs—each designed for quick recognition and clear understanding.

101. Mandatory lane for buses

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory lane for buses. Buses must use the designated lane where the sign applies. Other road users may use the lane only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

102. Mandatory lane for trams

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory lane for trams. The lane or track is reserved for trams and may be used by other road users only where the applicable signs or local rules allow it.

103. Mandatory shared pedestrian and cycle path

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory shared path for pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians and cyclists must use the same designated path rather than separate sections. They must share the space safely and follow the applicable local rules.

104. Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory divided path for pedestrians and cyclists. Pedestrians and cyclists must use the section designated for them. Other road users may use the path only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

105. Mandatory divided pedestrian and cycle path

106. Mandatory lane for buses and trams

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory lane for buses and trams. Buses and trams must use the designated lane or track where the sign applies. Other road users may use it only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

107. Dipped headlights mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that the use of dipped headlights is mandatory. Drivers must use dipped headlights from this point until the requirement ends or is replaced, while continuing to follow the general lighting rules.

108. End of mandatory use of dipped headlights

This traffic sign indicates the end of the requirement to use dipped headlights. Dipped headlights are no longer mandatory because of this sign, but they must still be used whenever required by the general traffic rules or driving conditions.

109. Start of a minimum speed

This traffic sign indicates the start of a minimum speed. Road users covered by the sign must travel at or above the indicated speed when conditions allow. Driving more slowly may still be necessary because of traffic, weather, road conditions or another safety-related reason.

110. Start of a priority road

This traffic sign indicates the start of a priority road. Drivers on the priority road normally have priority over traffic entering from side roads until the priority road ends, unless traffic lights, other signs or applicable traffic rules indicate otherwise.

111. Start of a motorway

This traffic sign indicates the start of a motorway. From this point, special motorway rules apply, including restrictions on which road users may enter and on stopping, reversing and other manoeuvres. Follow the applicable speed limits, lane rules and local motorway regulations.

112. End of the motorway

This traffic sign indicates the end of the motorway. The special motorway rules end at this point. Follow the speed limits, access rules and other traffic signs that apply to the road ahead.

113. Start of an expressway

This traffic sign indicates the start of an expressway. From this point, the traffic rules and access conditions that apply to expressways take effect according to the applicable local regulations.

114. End of the expressway

This traffic sign indicates the end of the expressway. The special traffic rules associated with the expressway end at this point. Follow the rules and traffic signs that apply to the road ahead.

115. Start of a residential area

This traffic sign indicates the start of a residential area. Special traffic rules apply within the area according to the applicable signs and local regulations. These rules may affect speed, parking and how different road users use the road.

116. End of the residential area

This traffic sign indicates the end of the residential area. The special traffic rules associated with the residential area end at this point. Follow the traffic signs and rules that apply beyond the area.

117. Crossing for pedestrians

This traffic sign indicates a crossing for pedestrians. It marks a designated place where pedestrians cross the road. Priority and crossing rules depend on the applicable traffic signs, signals and local regulations.

118. Road narrowing, oncoming drivers have to give way

This traffic sign indicates a road narrowing where oncoming drivers have to give way.

119. Dead end street

This traffic sign indicates a dead end street. The road has no through route for vehicles, although access to properties or other destinations along the road may still be possible.

120. Road with one-way traffic

This traffic sign indicates a road with one-way traffic. Vehicular traffic may travel only in the permitted direction, subject to any exceptions indicated by traffic signs or local rules.

121. Parking allowed

This traffic sign indicates that parking is allowed. Vehicles may be parked in the area covered by the sign subject to any indicated conditions, restrictions or local parking rules.

122. 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.

123. For cyclists

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

124. For rickshaws

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

125. For motorcycles

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

126. 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.

127. For trailers

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

128. For taxis

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

129. For horse-drawn vehicles

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

130. For tractors

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

131. 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.

132. 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.

133. 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.

134. For trams

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

135. 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.

136. 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.

137. For ambulances

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

138. For police vehicles

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

139. To the left

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

140. 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.

141. To the right

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

142. For kilometres

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

143. 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.

144. During the time shown

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

145. During the times shown

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

146. 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.

147. During daytime hours

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

148. During night-time hours

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