Rules of the road

What is the absolute minimum safe following distance for Heavy Motor Vehicles (HMV)?

3 seconds

Under what specific conditions should you increase your following distance?

• when visibility is poor

• in wet conditions

• when traveling fast

• when carrying a heavy load

• when on a loose surface

For how long is a vehicle’s license disc valid from the date of issue?

12 months

What is the general speed limit for a goods vehicle exceeding 9000kg on roads outside an urban area?

80 km/h

What is the general speed limit for a bus or taxi carrying passengers and exceeding 3500kg on roads outside an urban area?

100 km/h

How far from a fire hydrant are you prohibited from parking?

within 1.5 metres on either side

What is the minimum distance you must maintain when stopping near a pedestrian crossing?

9m

How far from an intersection are you prohibited from parking?

within 5m

What is the maximum permitted distance between a towing vehicle and the vehicle being towed?

3.5m

If the distance between 2 vehicles being towed exceeds 1.8m, what must be attached to the rope or chain?

a clearly visible red flag.

At what distance must an emergency triangle be displayed behind a broken-down vehicle?

at least 45m

When must vehicle lamps be switched on?

between sunrise and sunset or whenever visibility is less than 150m

What is the required visibility distance for dipped beams?

at least 45m

To what distance must a number plate lamp make the letters and figures visible?

20m

How far may a load project beyond the front and rear of a vehicle?

no more than 300mm beyond the front and 1.8m beyond the rear

What is the maximum permitted width for a load on a goods vehicle weighing 12000kg or more?

2.6m

What is the maximum height permitted for a goods vehicle’s load from the ground?

4.3m

What is the legal blood alcohol limit for a professional driver?

0.2 grams per 100 km of blood or more