South Africa is the haven of coastal getaways and safaris, if you are thinking of a place to explore on your next vacation, visit South Africa & discover its unique culture. Driving in South Africa is done on the left-hand side of the road while cars are right-hand drive. You should also carry along with your national driver’s licence and an international driving permit if you have one. Your licence should carry your photograph and your signature. It should also be written in English. If you do not have a photo driving licence, you should carry your passport for identification. South Africa follows the metric system in measuring the maximum speed limit. On highways and freeways, the maximum speed you can drive your car is at 120 kph. Roads leading toward cities have a speed limit of 100 kph or 60 mph. inside cities and towns, the speed limit is at 60 kph or 35 mph, but it still varies from area to area. Always check the road signs for varying speed limit. Everybody traveling in a moving vehicle should be property fastened in his or her seats with a seat belt. Passengers have to be 12 years or older to be permitted to sit in the front otherwise, they should occupy the rear. Young children who can’t sit in the back unattended have to be restrained with a car safety seat. Be ready to pay for tolls in most national roads in South Africa. You can either pay by credit card or cash. Rates go anywhere from R2.50 to R46.0 Drivers can easily buy fuel 24 hours a day. Petrol stations are scattered everywhere, even on country roads, although those are not necessarily open round the clock. On country roads or in remote areas, petrol stations may be few, so it is always advisable to fill up your tank of you are going long distance. Petrol stations in South Africa may have attendants to help you fill up your car. Keep your eyes open for stray animals, even large antelopes, that may cross the roads. This is also the reason why it is not advisable to drive at night. Most national roads are in excellent condition. But be extra careful while driving on rural roads, as they may be poorly maintained. Summary: - Seatbelts should always be worn
- Children should sit in the back
- Road quality may change from place to place
- For safety reasons, you should never drink and drive
All information on this page is provided as a guide for our customers. It is intended as an overview of different driving rules, customs and points of interest in each country. It is not a comprehensive guide. Although we try to keep information on this page as accurate and up to date as possible, we cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies. If you find any errors or there is anything you would like us to add, please contact us. |