1 Rules of the Road draft1

Road Traffic Rules

6.1 Lights

  • Motorcycles: All lamps must be undamaged, secured, and capable of being lighted; headlamp must be on at all times.

  • Light and Heavy Motor Vehicles: All lamps must be undamaged, unobscured, and lighted during:

    • Night (between sunset and sunrise)

    • Insufficient light/weather conditions (when discernible at 150m).

6.2 Main Beam (Bright)

  • Headlamp must illuminate at least 100m ahead; must dip for oncoming traffic.

6.3 Dipped Beam

  • Must illuminate at least 45m ahead.

6.4 Parking Lamps

  • Not allowed to drive with only parking lamps lighted.

6.5 Rear Lamps

  • Motorcycles/Tricycles: Must have rear lamp emitting red light.

  • Light Motor Vehicles: Rear lamps must emit red light.

  • Heavy Motor Vehicles: At least one rear lamp on each side.

6.6 Stop Lamp

  • Light motor vehicles/motorcycles must have stop lamps visible at 30m in sunlight.

  • Heavy motor vehicles require at least one stop lamp on each side that meets similar visibility.

6.7 Number Plate Lamp

  • Required for visibility of a number plate from 20m.

6.8 Number Plates

  • Must be affixed securely, visible, and in an upright position.

6.9 Fog Lamps

  • Forbidden to use except in poor visibility due to various conditions.

6.10 Spot Lamp

  • Not permitted unless for specific vehicles (ambulance, police, etc.).

6.11 Driving View to be Unobstructed

  • Vehicles must enable a clear view ahead/right/left; rear-view mirrors are required.

6.12 Steering Gear

  • Condition of steering must allow safe and efficient steering.

6.13 Turning Radius

  • Maximum turning radius of 13.1m allowed.

6.14 Brakes

  • Motorcycles must have two independent braking systems.

  • All vehicles must have service, parking, and emergency brakes in good working order.

6.15 Hooter

  • Must be in good condition and audible from 90m; sirens/tunes are not permitted in private vehicles.

6.16 Emergency Warning Device (Siren)

  • Right of way must be given to vehicles with sirens (e.g., emergency services).

6.17 Seatbelts

  • Compulsory for all (age 3+) during forward movements; children need restraints.

6.18 Protective Helmet for Motorcycle Riders

  • Must wear a helmet designed for motorcycles; passengers under 14 must wear one.

6.19 Windscreen

  • Must ensure sufficient visibility (70% light transmittance) and be made of safety glass.

6.20 Windscreen Wipers

  • Must function adequately on all vehicles with windscreens.

6.21 Exhaust Silencers/Exhaust Pipes

  • Vehicles must have functioning exhausts without environmental nuisance.

6.22 Fuel Tank, Electrical Wiring, and Battery

  • Must be safely installed and not a danger to others.

6.23 Engine

  • Engine must be safely covered.

6.24 Emergency Warning Signs (Triangles)

  • Required for certain vehicles; signs must be displayed when stationary on the roadway.

6.25 Excessive Noise

  • Avoid causing excessive noise on public roads.

6.26 Speedometers

  • Required for vehicles capable of 60 km/h or more; must be in working order.

6.27 Speed Limits

  • General speed limits: 60 km/h (urban), 100 km/h (rural), 120 km/h (freeways).

6.28 Speed Limit for Passenger Vehicles

  • Buses and minibuses have a speed limit of 100 km/h.

6.29 Speed Limit for Particular Vehicles

  • A speed limit of 80 km/h applies to heavy goods vehicles (GVM > 9000 kg).

6.30 Overall Length of Vehicles

  • Restrictions based on GVM; maximum lengths specified.

6.31 Overall Height of Vehicle

  • Restrictions based on overall height of vehicle/load; maximums defined.

6.32 Overall Width of Vehicles

  • Restrictions based on overall width of vehicle/load; must not exceed limits.

6.33 Conveyance of Goods

  • Properly secure goods; no obstruction of driver's view.

6.34 Circumstances for Carrying Persons on Goods Vehicles

  • Enclosure height regulations; no passengers in caravans.

6.35 Projections/Overhang

  • Strict regulations on cargo overhang from vehicles.

6.36 Warning Flags/Reflectors

  • Required for projecting loads; daytime and nighttime specifications.

6.37 Driving on Divided Public Roads

  • Drive only on the left unless otherwise directed.

6.38 Driving on Left Side of Roadway

  • Mandatory lane discipline; yield to passing vehicles.

6.39 Prohibition on Driving on Shoulder

  • Permitted under specific circumstances only.

6.40 Lane Changing

  • Signals required; must not obstruct or endanger other traffic.

6.41 Driving Signals

  • Give clear signals when stopping or turning.

6.42 Direction Indicators

  • Required for all vehicles; visibility requirements for indicators.

6.43 Retro-Reflectors

  • Required for different vehicle classes for safety.

6.44 Yellow Reflective Material

  • Required for heavy goods vehicles; optional for lighter vehicles.

6.45 Overtaking/Passing

  • Rules for overtaking; safety and visibility must be prioritized.

6.46 Intersections

  • Yield right of way at junctions unless directed otherwise.

6.47 Parking

  • Specific regulations on where and how to park legally.

6.48 Stopping

  • Regulations surrounding stopping behavior to ensure safety.

6.49 General Duties of Driver/Rider

  • Duty to follow traffic rules, maintain safe distances, and ensure vehicle control.

6.50 Duties Relating to Motorcycles

  • Specific requirements for motorcycle riders and passengers.

6.51 Manner of Attaching Sidecar to Motorcycle

  • Sidecars must be properly attached; engine capacity requirements.

6.52 Cell Phones

  • Prohibited to use while driving/riding.

6.53 Pedestrians Right of Way

  • Drivers must yield to pedestrians at crossings; signals for crossing obeyed.

6.54 Vehicle Left/Abandoned

  • Regulations on abandoned vehicles based on time left unattended.

6.55 Damage to Public Roads

  • Prohibitions on causing damage to road surfaces.

6.56 Freeways

  • Restrictions on the use of certain vehicles on freeways with informed exceptions.

6.57 Towing

  • Specific rules for towing vehicles including length and speed limits.

6.58 Restriction on Combination of Motor Vehicles

  • Limitations on vehicle combinations for safety reasons.

6.59 Crossing/Entering Public Road

  • Rules for safely entering or crossing roads.

6.60 Compulsory Stops

  • Stops must be made as directed by traffic signs or officers.

6.61 Tyres

  • Condition regulations for light vehicles and motorcycles regarding tread.

6.62 Accidents

  • Immediate requirements in case of an accident to ensure safety and legal compliance.

6.63 Inconsiderate Driving

  • Must show reasonable consideration towards other road users.

6.64 Reckless or Negligent Driving

  • Prohibited; ensure safety of persons and property.

6.65 Driving Under Intoxication

  • Legal limits for alcohol concentration and driving regulations.

6.66 Fuel Tank, Electrical Wiring, and Battery

  • Safety regulations regarding vehicle storage and installations.