Road Basics In South Africa

The South African road infrastructure is very good, so driving is a viable option, but South Africa is a huge country not easily traversed in a day, so plan your journeys carefully. If you are not used to driving long distances, rather break the journey, as fatigue is a major contributing factor in motor vehicle accidents.

While most South African National roads are tarred and in good condition, the more rural the road, the more likely it is to be pot-holed and poorly surfaced.

Current information on the conditions of roads can be obtained through the Automobile Association of South Africa, or through the live service of TomTom Live Traffic Map for South Africa. The AA also provides invaluable guides for road users in the form of strip maps tailored for specific destinations and information for tourists on accommodation en route.

Road Identifiers

Main roads are identified by colour and number rather than by name, and with a good map which incorporates the route marker system, visitors should have little difficulty in finding their way around.

• We drive on the left-hand side of the road, and our cars – rental cars included – are right-hand drive vehicles. All distances, speed limits (and speedometers) are in kilometres.
• Wearing of seat belts is compulsory.
• The general speed limit on national highways and metropolitan freeways is 120 km/h (75 mph). On public roads outside urban areas it is 100km/h, and within urban areas it is normally 60km/h. Always check the road signs.
• It’s a legal requirement to carry your driver’s licence with you when driving in South Africa. Only valid up-to-date and non-endorsed driver’s licences, issued by the country where you live, bearing the photograph and signature of the holder and printed in English are, accepted. To be on the safe side, make sure that you are also in the possession of an international driver’s licence, printed in English.
• It is illegal to drink and drive.
• Using hand-held phones while driving is against the law – use a vehicle phone attachment or hands-free kit, if you want to speak on your mobile phone. The law prohibits the use of hand-held phones while driving but that doesn’t stop most of the locals from using them.
• It is illegal to park a vehicle on the opposite side of the road facing oncoming traffic.
• In South Africa a traffic light is often called "Robot". When approaching a traffic light take note of the following:
  • Stop when the light is red.
  • If the light is green, you may proceed. Be a defensive driver and slow down at a green light and check the other traffic.
  • If you are turning right when the light is green, the approaching traffic from the opposite direction has the right-of-way. Wait for the approaching traffic to pass before you proceed.
  • If you turn left when the light is green, you may do so. Traffic from the opposite direction also turning, must give you right-of-way. Look out and be carefull.
  • If the light turns amber, slow down and stop, as the light will soon be turning red.
  • A flashing green arrow indicates you may turn in the direction indicated by the arrow.
  • A flashing red arrow on your left indicates that you may turn if no other traffic is approaching. This arrow must be treated as a yield.
  • A steady red or green arrow indicates that you may proceed with caution.
  • When traffic lights are out of order, you must treat the intersection as a 4-way stop.
• When approaching a traffic circle, take note of the following:
  • Always yield to the at a traffic circle.
  • Vehicles already in the traffic circle and those vehicles entering the circle on your right have the right-of-way.
  • Proceed with caution only once all vehicles on your right have passed.
  • Vehicles already in the circle always have the right-of-way

Be aware that the roads in many South African rural areas are not fenced, so you could find dogs, chickens, sheep and even horses or cows on the road, so it may be dangerous to drive at night.

Large antelope crossing the road, or hippos can also be a hazard in certain areas – watch out for the road signs depicting a leaping antelope or hippo, and take it slowly, especially towards evening.

A variety of petrol (gas) stations are situated on both main and country roads. Most of them are open 24 hours a day, although some keep shorter hours. However, distances between towns (and therefore between petrol stations) can be considerable, so it is advisable to fill up your tank before it starts giving warning signals.

South African petrol stations are not self-help: an attendant will fill the car, check oil and water and tire pressure and, if necessary, clean the windscreen – for which he or she will expect a tip of a few rands.