When it comes to the official rules of the road – we can’t simply rely on our dusty general knowledge.
But as South Africans – we seem to do just that! Oblivious to the fact that some of our antics on the road could get us into hot water with the po-po.
RELATED: The law on taking breaks while driving long distances.
In Mzansi, the rules of the road that aren’t marked by a street sign are more like guidelines. Suggestions, really. In fact, they might as well not exist at all during the festive season because most bets are usually off for most of Mzansi’s merry motorists.
Don't be caught off guard, Mzansi. Your “harmless” driving habits could cost you a fine this festive season.
The official rule of the road governing all Mzansi-licensed drivers are known as the National Road Traffic Act.
If you’ve ever wondered which local and not so lekker road rules you might be breaking without knowing — we’re about to give you the law-1-1.
Here’s our list of weird road laws that are enough to confuse, bemuse and frustrate anybody.
13 SA road rules you didn’t know could end with a fine:
- In South Africa, you must yield the right of way to a herder and his or her livestock or face a meaty fine.
- It's against the law for drivers to flash their lights or post warnings on social media to warn other drivers about roadblocks and cops with cameras.
- Don’t stick your neck out! Allow no part of your body (or that of a passenger) to protrude outside the vehicle (not even to make unfriendly gestures to inconsiderate road users).
- You can be fined if your gas-guzzler runs out of fuel and gets stuck in a position that obstructs traffic.
- Last one there buys the drink? Well, you’re not allowed to organise or take part in any racing or sporting activity on public roads.
- You can be fined if you’re caught without an emergency triangle in your boot.
- It’s against the law to let another person take, hold, or interfere with the steering or change gears for you (while you open the packet of chips).
- VRRRRRR... “Pha”!!! goes the traffic fine. It's against the law to drive in a way that makes an excessive amount of noise that can be avoided.
- Spoiler alert: if you alter any part of your car (drop suspension, add NOS, or increase power), you must get the car roadworthy tested if you don’t want a fine to wreck your finances.
- You can be fined for following another car too closely (tell that to the BMW drivers!).
- You may not have a design or sticker within 150 mm of your license plate if it’s not a component of the vehicle (try telling that to the new parents).
- If you fail to give immediate right of way to an emergency vehicle, you could find yourself in a financial emergency.
- You can be fined for transporting a person or animal on top of your vehicle (so, say no to that dare).
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