South African Rules of the Road, Parking, and Overtaking

Flashcards covering essential driving rules, parking restrictions, distance requirements, and overtaking guidelines.

On a two-way road in South Africa, where must vehicles always drive?

Always on the left-hand side.

What is considered the most important rule of the road?

Always keep left and pass right.

When are you allowed to drive on the right-hand side of the road?

When driving on a one-way road.

What is the recommended following distance for a light motor vehicle?

$$2\,\text{seconds}$$

What is the recommended following distance for a heavy motor vehicle (like a truck)?

$$3\,\text{seconds}$$

What must always be displayed on a vehicle's windscreen?

A valid licence disc.

How long is a vehicle's licence disc valid for?

$$12\,\text{months}$$

What should you do if a traffic officer gives an instruction that contradicts a road rule or sign?

Follow the officer's instruction.

Where must you drive on a divided road with a painted line or barrier?

On the left-hand side.

When may you cross a painted line or barrier dividing the road?

Only at an indicated opening or space.

When is it acceptable to drive continuously on the shoulder of the road?

Never.

Under what specific conditions is it legal to temporarily drive on the shoulder to allow another vehicle to overtake?

Only on a single-lane road during daylight hours if you can see at least $150\,\text{meters}$ ahead, there are no obstacles, and it is safe.

Where is parking strictly prohibited unless you are actively loading or unloading goods?

In a loading zone.

How far from a pedestrian crossing must you park?

$$9\,\text{meters}$$

What is the maximum distance your wheels should be from the pavement when parking?

$$450\,\text{mm}$$

Why is parking near a fire hydrant prohibited?

It prevents emergency services from accessing the hydrant.

How close are you allowed to park to a fire hydrant?

$$1.5\,\text{meters}$$

What penalty may occur if you park within $1.5\,\text{meters}$ of a fire hydrant?

You will be fined and/or your vehicle will be impounded.

When are you allowed to park on a sidewalk?

Only if a sign specifically allows it.

How far must you park from an intersection?

$$5\,\text{meters}$$

Can you park in front of a private driveway?

No, because it blocks access for vehicles.

Under what condition can you park on a road narrower than $5.5\,\text{meters}$?

If it is a one-way road.

Why should you avoid parking near a traffic light?

Because it may block the view of the signal and cause drivers to react late or misunderstanding light changes.

When are you allowed to overtake a vehicle on the left?

If the vehicle ahead is turning right or if there are two or more lanes moving in the same direction.

Can you cross over the yellow line to overtake on the left?

No, you must never cross the yellow line.

Can you overtake a vehicle stopped at a pedestrian crossing?

No, you must not overtake.

What must you do when passing a stationary bus?

Look out for passengers getting on or off.