Wrong-way drivingSouth 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.


16. Wrong-way driving

Wrong-way driving occurs when a driver travels against the legally permitted direction of traffic. It may happen on a one-way road, divided road, motorway entrance or exit, or another road section reserved for traffic travelling in one direction.

Wrong-way driving creates an extreme risk of a head-on collision. Drivers must follow direction signs, no-entry signs, lane arrows and road markings. Anyone who accidentally enters a road in the wrong direction should slow down, warn other traffic, stop in the safest available place and contact the emergency services.

Wrong-way driving
No-entry sign in Bo-Kaap. (Cape Town, South Africa)
Wikimedia.org • NahidSultan • CC BY-SA
How can you avoid driving the wrong way in South Africa?

Traffic normally keeps left here. Keep to the correct side of the road and use no-entry and one-way signs to identify prohibited approaches; do not enter an exit ramp against its permitted direction.

🔗 transport.gov.za • South Africa, Department of Transport, SARTSM — wrong-way-driving

What signs can prevent wrong-way driving in South Africa?

Read no-entry signs, one-way signs, lane arrows and temporary directions together; a wide road is not automatically two-way. Before entering a motorway, expressway, one-way street or slip road, check the permitted direction rather than relying only on a navigation app.

🔗 transport.gov.za • South Africa, Department of Transport, SARTSM — wrong-way-driving

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