South Africa rules and regulations
Road rules
- Vehicles drive on the left hand side of the road
- On a one-way road you may drive on the left and right side of the road
- A Traffic Officer’s instructions always takes precedence over a road sign or rule of the road
- You may not hinder or interfere with the free flow of traffic on a public road
- You may not stop on freeways/highways unless you are instructed to do so by a Traffic Officer or for reasons beyond your control
- All distances, speed limits (and speedometers) are in kilometres
- Motorists should not be tempted to feed animals from the vehicle (baboons are very common along Cape Town's scenic drives)
- In dusty and wet/rainy conditions it is advisable to switch on the headlights of the vehicle to be more easily observed by other drivers
- Motorists should always reduce speed when approaching a dip or wash-away or patches of drift-sand
- Roads in many rural areas are not fenced therefore motorists may find dogs, chickens, sheep and even horses or cows on the road
- Drivers should be aware of large antelope crossing the road. There are road signs depicting a leaping antelope
- Where a road is divided by a painted or physical barrier, always stay on the left of the division. Cross this type of division only at an opening or space specifically indicated for this purpose
- When passing on-coming traffic, keep to the left
- When overtaking another vehicle travelling in the same direction as you, pass on the right side of that vehicle
- At a roundabout you must yield to all traffic approaching from the right, unless there is a road sign or traffic officer instructing otherwise
Driving regulations
- Minimum age for rental:
- 21 years of age
- Rental rates may be higher for renters aged 21-23
- Driving Licence:
- Any valid full driving licence is accepted provided it bears the photograph and signature of the holder and is printed in English
- It is compulsory to carry translation of your driver’s licence if it is not in English