South African Learner Driver Manual PDF

SA Learner Driver Manual Rules of the Road South African Learner Driver Manual Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport i June 2012 SA Learner Driver Manual Rules of the Road COMPILED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SOUTH AFRICA Department of Transport Forum Building 157 Struben Street Pretoria 0001 www.transport.gov.za Tel: +27 12 309 3000 Disclaimer: This manual is the property of the Department of Transport and may not be copied and distributed for any financial gain. Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport i June 2012 SA Learner Driver Manual Rules of the Road Table of contents Section 1: Rules of the Road 1 INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................... 1 2 ACRONYMS AND DEFINITIONS............................................................................................... 2 3 INFORMATION FOR LEARNER’S LICENCE TEST AND THE APPLICATION THEREOF.................... 11 4 SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS ARE COVERED BY THE LEGISLATION AS FOLLOWS:.......................... 11 4.1 A PERSON IS DISQUALIFIED FROM OBTAINING OR HOLDING A LEARNER ’S OR DRIVING LICENCE :.......... 11 5 THE CODES ARE COVERED BY THE LEGISLATION AS FOLLOWS:............................................... 12 5.1 TYPE OF LEARNER'S LICENCE CODES................................................................................................ 12 5.2 DRIVER OF MOTOR VEHICLE TO BE LICENSED.................................................................................... 13 5.3 LICENCE TO DRIVE, EITHER LEARNER’S OR DRIVING LICENCE................................................................ 14 5.4 MANNER OF APPLICATION FOR LEARNER’S LICENCE........................................................................... 14 5.5 HOLDER OF LICENCE TO DRIVE MOTOR VEHICLE SHALL GIVE NOTICE OF CHANGE OF PLACE OF RESIDENCE... 14 5.6 UNLICENSED DRIVER NOT TO BE EMPLOYED OR PERMITTED TO DRIVE MOTOR VEHICLE......................... 14 5.7 PROFESSIONAL DRIVER TO HAVE PERMIT......................................................................................... 14 5.8 PERIOD OF VALIDITY OF MOTOR VEHICLE LICENCE AND LICENCE DISC................................................. 15 5.9 OFFENCES................................................................................................................................... 15 6 ROAD TRAFFIC RULES........................................................................................................... 16 6.1 LIGHTS..................................................................................................................................... 16 6.1.1 Motorcycles....................................................................................................................... 16 6.1.2 Light and Heavy Motor Vehicles....................................................................................... 16 6.2 MAIN BEAM (BRIGHT)................................................................................................................. 16 6.3 DIPPED BEAM............................................................................................................................. 16 6.4 PARKING LAMPS.......................................................................................................................... 17 6.5 REAR LAMPS............................................................................................................................... 17 6.6 STOP LAMP................................................................................................................................. 17 6.7 NUMBER PLATE LAMP.................................................................................................................. 17 6.8 NUMBER PLATES.......................................................................................................................... 17 6.9 FOG LAMPS................................................................................................................................. 18 6.10 SPOT LAMP............................................................................................................................... 18 6.11 DRIVING VIEW TO BE UNOBSTRUCTED – (REAR-VIEW MIRRORS)......................................... 18 6.12 STEERING GEAR..................................................................................................................... 19 6.12.1 Motorcycle...................................................................................................................... 19 6.12.2 Light and Heavy motor vehicles...................................................................................... 19 6.13 TURNING RADIUS.................................................................................................................. 19 6.14 BRAKES.................................................................................................................................. 19 6.14.1 Motorcycle...................................................................................................................... 19 6.14.2 Light and Heavy motor vehicles...................................................................................... 20 6.15 HOOTER................................................................................................................................. 20 6.16 EMERGENCY WARNING DEVICE (SIREN)................................................................................ 20 6.17 SEATBELTS............................................................................................................................. 20 6.17.1 Children........................................................................................................................... 21 6.18 PROTECTIVE HELMET FOR MOTORCYCLE RIDERS................................................................. 21 6.19 WINDSCREEN........................................................................................................................ 21 6.20 WINDSCREEN WIPERS........................................................................................................... 22 6.21 EXHAUST SILENCERS / EXHAUST PIPES.................................................................................. 22 6.22 FUEL TANK, ELECTRICAL WIRING AND BATTERY.................................................................... 22 6.23 ENGINE.................................................................................................................................. 22 6.24 EMERGENCY WARNING SIGNS (TRIANGLES)........................................................................ 23 6.25 EXCESSIVE NOISE................................................................................................................... 23 Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport ii June 2012 SA Learner Driver Manual Rules of the Road 6.26 SPEEDOMETERS..................................................................................................................... 24 6.27 SPEED LIMITS......................................................................................................................... 24 6.28 SPEED LIMIT IN RESPECT OF PASSENGER VEHICLES CONVEYING PERSONS FOR REWARD.... 24 6.29 SPEED LIMIT FOR A PARTICULAR CLASS OF VEHICLES........................................................... 24 6.30 OVERALL LENGTH OF VEHICLES............................................................................................. 24 6.31 OVERALL HEIGHT OF VEHICLE............................................................................................... 25 6.32 OVERALL WIDTH OF VEHICLES............................................................................................... 25 6.33 CONVEYANCE OF GOODS...................................................................................................... 25 6.34 CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH PERSONS MAY BE CARRIED ON GOODS VEHICLE............. 26 6.35 PROJECTIONS/OVERHANG.................................................................................................... 26 6.36 WARNING FLAGS/REFLECTORS..................................................................................................... 27 6.37 DRIVING ON DIVIDED PUBLIC ROAD...................................................................................... 27 6.38 DRIVING ON LEFT SIDE OF ROADWAY................................................................................... 27 6.39 PROHIBITION ON DRIVING ON SHOULDER OF ROAD, EXCEPT IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES 28 6.40 LANE CHANGING................................................................................................................... 28 6.41 DRIVING SIGNALS.................................................................................................................. 28 6.42 DIRECTION INDICATORS........................................................................................................ 28 6.43 RETRO-REFLECTORS.............................................................................................................. 29 6.43.1 Motorcycles.................................................................................................................... 29 6.43.2 Light Motor Vehicles....................................................................................................... 29 6.43.3 Heavy Motor Vehicle...................................................................................................... 29 6.44 YELLOW REFLECTIVE MATERIAL............................................................................................ 29 6.45 OVERTAKING / PASSING........................................................................................................ 29 6.46 INTERSECTIONS..................................................................................................................... 30 6.47 PARKING................................................................................................................................ 31 6.48 STOPPING.............................................................................................................................. 31 6.49 GENERAL DUTIES OF DRIVER/RIDER...................................................................................... 32 6.50 DUTIES RELATING TO MOTORCYCLES.................................................................................... 33 6.51 MANNER IN WHICH SIDE CAR TO BE ATTACHED TO MOTORCYCLE....................................... 34 6.52 CELL PHONES......................................................................................................................... 34 6.53 PEDESTRIANS RIGHT OF WAY................................................................................................ 34 6.54 VEHICLE LEFT / ABANDONED................................................................................................. 34 6.55 DAMAGE TO PUBLIC ROADS.................................................................................................. 35 6.56 FREEWAYS............................................................................................................................. 35 6.57 TOWING................................................................................................................................ 36 6.58 RESTRICTION ON COMBINATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES....................................................... 36 6.59 CROSSING / ENTERING PUBLIC ROAD.................................................................................... 36 6.60 COMPULSORY STOPS............................................................................................................. 36 6.61 TYRES..................................................................................................................................... 37 6.61.1 Light Motor Vehicle........................................................................................................ 37 6.61.2 Motorcycle...................................................................................................................... 37 6.62 ACCIDENTS............................................................................................................................ 37 6.63 INCONSIDERATE DRIVING..................................................................................................... 38 6.64 RECKLESS OR NEGLIGENT DRIVING....................................................................................... 38 6.65 DRIVING WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF INTOXICATING LIQUOR OR DRUGS.................. 38 6.66 FUEL TANK, ELECTRICAL WIRING AND BATTERY.................................................................... 38 Section 2: Road Traffic Signs Section 3: Vehicle and Motorcycle Controls and Components Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport iii June 2012 1 INTRODUCTION The aim of this document is to provide a clear guide, in simple form, of the vehicle controls, rules of the road and road traffic signs that a driver is required to observe and apply in everyday driving. This manual also highlights the various procedures relating to learner and driving licences. It further provides advice on the safe operation of a vehicle under certain road and weather conditions. The statements in this manual should not be taken as precise legal interpretations of the road traffic laws. If a more detailed and precise statement of the law is required, you are advised to refer to the Road Traffic Act, (Act no 93 of 1996) and its Regulations. How to use this manual This Learner Driver manual provides you with comprehensive information about what you must and must not do on the roads as a driver of a motor vehicle or rider of a motorcycle. The manual covers aspects regulated under the South African Road Traffic Act that directly affect drivers and riders and, is set out in a clear format to enable all road users to gain an understanding of the law and their obligations to other road users. It is divided into three main sections. Learner Driver Manual 1 Rules of the Road 2 Road Traffic Signs 3 Vehicle and Motorcycle Controls and Components You will often see references to both drivers of motor vehicles and riders of motorcycles and to driving and riding. For the purposes of the manual, the terms 'driver' and 'driving' also refer to motorcycle riders and to riding a motorcycle. This manual has been written to help you become a safer, more considerate and more courteous driver, making our roads safer for all road users. Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 1 June 2012 2 ACRONYMS AND DEFINITIONS “acceptable identification” means— (a) in the case of a person, a temporary identity certificate, an identity document or identity card issued in terms of the Identification Act, 1997 (Act No. 68 of 1997); (b) in the case of a person, a valid South African passport issued to a South African citizen; (c) in the case of a person not permanently resident in the Republic, an identity document issued by a foreign country or a traffic register number certificate issued in terms of regulation 335; Traffic Register Number Certificate (c) in the case of a person, a driving licence card issued in terms of regulation 108; Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 2 June 2012 “articulated motor vehicle” means a combination of motor vehicles consisting of a truck-tractor and a semi-trailer; “bridge” includes a culvert and a causeway; “bus” means a motor vehicle designed or adapted for the conveyance of more than 16 persons (including the driver, if any); “combination of motor vehicles” means two or more motor vehicles coupled together; “cross”, or any like expression, means to move on a public road in a direction, which intersects the normal course of travel of traffic on such road; “dedicated lane” means a portion of the public road reserved during certain period for the exclusive use of a certain categories of motor vehicles, the use and the categories of vehicles of which are prescribed by an appropriate sign; “direction indicator” means a device fitted to a motor vehicle for the purpose of enabling the driver of such motor vehicle to intimate his or her intention to change the direction of travel of such motor vehicle to the right or to the left; “DLTC" means driving licence testing centre, which is registered according to the National Road Traffic Act (93 of 1996); “drawing” means drawing a vehicle designed or adapted solely for the purpose of being drawn, by a motor vehicle that is designed or adapted solely for the purpose of drawing such vehicle; driver” means any person who drives or attempts to drive any vehicle or who rides or attempts to ride any pedal cycle or who leads any draught, pack or saddle animal or herd or flock of animals, and “drive” or any like word has a corresponding meaning; “driving licence card” means a driving licence card issued in terms of the Act; “driving time” means any period of time that the driver of a motor vehicle contemplated in the regulations occupies the drivers’ seat of such motor vehicle, whilst such motor vehicle is being operated on a public road or occupies the drivers’ seat of such motor vehicle, whilst the engine is running; “edge of the roadway” means the boundary between the roadway and the shoulder, which is indicated by an appropriate road traffic sign, or in the absence of such sign— (a) in the case of a road with a bituminous or concrete surface, the edge of such surface; or (b) in the case of any other road, the edge of the improved part of the road intended for vehicular use; “emergency brake” means a brake, other than a service brake, which can stop a vehicle; Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 3 June 2012 “freeway” means a public road or a section of a public road, which has been designated as a freeway by an appropriate road traffic sign; “front end”, in relation to— (a) a vehicle, other than a semi-trailer, means that part of the vehicle which projects furthest forward; or (b) a semi-trailer, means a line running parallel with the centre-line of the kingpin and connecting the sides of the semi-trailer at the widest and furthest point in front of the kingpin; “goods” means any movable property; “goods vehicle” means a motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, motor tricycle, motor quadrucycle, motorcar, minibus or bus, designed or adapted for the conveyance of goods on a public road and includes a truck-tractor, adaptor dolly, converter dolly and breakdown vehicle; GOODS VEHICLE This is a very important definition and is used throughout the regulations. Note that the following vehicles are by definition goods vehicles: – Truck-tractor – Breakdown vehicle – Converter dolly – Adopter dolly “gross combination mass (GCM)”, in relation to a motor vehicle which is used to draw any other motor vehicle, means the maximum mass of any combination of motor vehicles, including the drawing vehicle, and load as specified by the manufacturer thereof or, in the absence of such specification, as determined by the registering authority; “gross vehicle mass (GVM)”, in relation to a motor vehicle, means the maximum mass of such vehicle and its load as specified by the manufacturer thereof or, in the absence of such specification, as determined by the registering authority; “haulage tractor” means a motor vehicle, designed or adapted mainly for drawing other vehicles, and with a gross combination mass exceeding 24 000kg, but does not include a truck-tractor or tractor; “instructor” means any person who for direct reward— (a) instructs any other person in the driving of a motor vehicle; (b) teaches any other person the rules of the road or road traffic signs in order to obtain a learner’s or a driving licence; Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 4 June 2012 “intersection” means the area embraced within the prolongation of the lateral boundary lines of two or more public roads, open to vehicular traffic, that join one another at any angle, whether or not one such public road crosses the other; “junction” means that portion of an intersection contained within the prolongation of the lateral limits of the intersecting roadways and includes any portion of the roadway between such lateral limits, and any stop or yield line marking which is painted at such intersection; INTERSECTION AND JUNCTION A junction is the area within the intersection on the improved part of the road. An intersection includes all parts of the road (sidewalks, verges, etc.) “kerb line” means the boundary between the shoulder and the verge or, in the absence of a shoulder, the part between the edge of the roadway and the verge; “licence disc” means a disc issued in terms of the Act that licenced a vehicle to be used on a public road and is only valid for 12 months; PLACEMENT OF DISC Cut out disc and affix to the lower left-hand corner on the inside of windscreen or disc holder as per Regulation 36. “medical practitioner” means any person registered as such in terms of the Medical, Dental and Supplementary Health Service Professions Act, 1974 (Act No. 56 of 1974); “midibus” means a sub-category of a bus, designed or modified solely or principally for the conveyance of more than 16 and not more than 35 persons (including the driver); “minibus” means a motor vehicle designed or adapted solely or principally for the conveyance of more than nine, but not more than 16 persons, including the driver; “motor car” means a motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, motor tricycle or motor quadrucycle, designed or adapted solely or principally for the conveyance of not more than nine persons, including the driver; “motorcycle” means a motor vehicle that has two wheels and includes any such vehicle having a sidecar attached; “motor quadrucycle” means a motor vehicle, other than a tractor, which has four wheels and which is designed to be driven by the type of controls usually fitted to a motorcycle; “motor tricycle” means a motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle or a tractor, which has three wheels and which is designed to be driven by the type of controls usually fitted to a motorcycle; Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 5 June 2012 “motor vehicle” means any self-propelled vehicle and includes— (a) a trailer; and (b) a vehicle having pedals and an engine or an electric motor as an integral part thereof or attached thereto and which is designed or adapted to be propelled by means of such pedals, engine or motor, or both such pedals and engine or motor, but does not include— (i) any vehicle propelled by electrical power derived from storage batteries and which is controlled by a pedestrian; or (ii) any vehicle with a mass not exceeding 230 kilograms and specially designed and constructed, and not merely adapted, for the use of any person suffering from some physical defect or disability and used solely by such person; “number plate” means a prescribed plate on which the licence number of a motor vehicle or motor trade number is displayed; “operate on a public road” or any like expression, in relation to a vehicle, means to use or drive a vehicle or to permit a vehicle to be used or driven on a public road, or to have or to permit a vehicle to be on a public road; “owner”, in relation to a vehicle, means— (a) the person who has the right to the use and enjoyment of a vehicle in terms of the common law or a contractual agreement with the title holder of such vehicle; (b) any person referred to in paragraph (a), for any period during which such person has failed to return that vehicle to the title holder in accordance with the contractual agreement referred to in paragraph (a); or (c) a motor dealer who is in possession of a vehicle for the purpose of sale, and who is licensed as such or obliged to be licensed in accordance with the regulations made under section 4, and ‘owned’ or any like word has a corresponding meaning; “overall length”, in relation to a vehicle, means the distance between the front end and the rear end of the vehicle and, in relation to a combination of vehicles, the distance between the front end of the leading vehicle and the rear end of the rearmost vehicle; “overall height”, in relation to a vehicle, means the distance measured from ground level to the highest part of—  any part of such vehicle; or  any load thereon, Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 6 June 2012 whichever part is the highest but, in the case of a vehicle driven by electrical power, the overall height does not include any overhead electrical contacting gear or catwalk protruding above such vehicle; “overall width” in relation to a vehicle, means the width measured between two planes parallel to the longitudinal centre-line of the vehicle and passing through the extreme projecting points on either side of such vehicle, excluding any side mirror or direction indicator or 30 millimetres on either side in respect of the fitment of air deflectors, reflectors or dangerous goods placards; “park” means to keep a vehicle, whether occupied or not, stationary for a period of time longer than is reasonably necessary for the actual loading or unloading of persons or goods, but does not include any such keeping of a vehicle by reason of a cause beyond the control of the person in charge of such vehicle; “parking brake” means a brake, normally a hand brake, used in the ordinary course of events to keep a vehicle stationary; “pedestrian crossing” means— (a) any portion of a public road designated as a pedestrian crossing by an appropriate road traffic sign; or (b) that portion of a public road at an intersection included within the prolongation or connection of the kerb line and adjacent boundary line of such road, when no pedestrian crossing has been designated by appropriate road traffic sign; “public road” means any road, street or thoroughfare or any other place (whether a thoroughfare or not) which is commonly used by the public or any section thereof or to which the public or any section thereof has a right of access, and includes— (a) the verge of any such road, street or thoroughfare; (b) any bridge, ferry or drift traversed by any such road, street or thoroughfare; and (c) any other work or object forming part of or connected with or belonging to such road, street or thoroughfare; Take note: For the purpose of this document a “road” refers to a public road. “professional driver” means the driver of a motor vehicle, which drive a motor vehicle of a prescribed class; No person shall drive a motor vehicle of a prescribed class on a public road except in accordance with the conditions of a professional driving permit issued to him or her and unless he or she keeps such permit with him or her in the vehicle: Provided that this shall not apply to the holder of a learner’s licence who drives such vehicle while he or she is accompanied by a person registered as a professional driver in respect of that class of vehicle. Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 7 June 2012 “rear end”, in relation to a vehicle, means that part of the vehicle which projects furthest to the rear; “retro-reflector” means a reflector which complies with the standard specification SABS 513 “Retro- reflectors (reflex reflectors)”, and which bears a certification mark or an approval mark, but where a reflector is incorporated in a cluster of lamps, the certification or approval mark can be on the cluster instead of the reflector; “road traffic sign” means a road traffic sign for the purpose of prohibiting, limiting, regulating or controlling traffic in general or any particular class of traffic on a public road or a section thereof; “roadway” means that portion of a road, street or thoroughfare improved, constructed or intended for vehicular traffic, which is between the edges of the roadway; “roadworthy”, in relation to a vehicle, means a vehicle, which complies with the relevant provisions of this Act and is otherwise in a fit condition to be operated on a public road; “semi-trailer” means a trailer having no front axle and so designed that at least 15 per cent of its tare is super-imposed on and borne by a vehicle drawing such trailer; “service brake” means a brake, normally a footbrake, used in the ordinary course of events to reduce the speed of a vehicle or to stop the vehicle; “shoulder” means that portion of a road, street or thoroughfare between the edge of the roadway and the kerb line; “sidewalk” means that portion of a verge intended for the exclusive use of pedestrians; “stop” means the bringing to a standstill of a vehicle by the driver thereof; “stop lamp” means a device fitted to a vehicle for the purpose of signalling, by means of a light, the intention of the driver of such vehicle to stop or reduce the speed of such vehicle; “tare”, in relation to a motor vehicle, means the mass of such vehicle ready to travel on a road and includes the mass of— (a) any spare wheel and of all other accessories and equipment supplied by the manufacturer as standard for the particular model of motor vehicle concerned; (b) anything, which is a permanent part of the structure of such vehicle; (c) anything attached to such vehicle so as to form a structural alteration of a permanent nature; and (d) the accumulators, if such vehicle is self-propelled by electrical power, but does not include the mass of— (i) fuel; and Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 8 June 2012 (ii) anything attached to such vehicle, which is not of the nature referred to in paragraph (b) or (c); “the Act” means the National Road Traffic Act, 1996 (Act No. 93 of 1996); “towing” means towing a vehicle that is not designed or adapted for the purpose of being drawn; “traffic island” means a physical island that serves as a channelizing device within a junction or on a public road; traffic lane” means a longitudinal division of a public road of sufficient width to accommodate the passage of a single line of vehicles; “traffic signal” means a road traffic sign, which, by means of automatic light signals, alternately directs traffic to stop and permits it to proceed; “tractor” means a motor vehicle designed or adapted mainly for drawing other vehicles and with a gross combination mass not exceeding 24 000kg, but does not include a truck-tractor; “trailer” means a vehicle which is not self-propelled and which is designed or adapted to be drawn by a motor vehicle, but does not include a side-car attached to a motorcycle; “truck-tractor” means a motor vehicle designed or adapted— (a) for drawing other vehicles; and (b) not to carry any load other than that imposed by a semi-trailer or by ballast, but does not include a tractor or a haulage tractor; “urban area” means that portion of the area of jurisdiction of a local authority, which has by actual survey been subdivided into erven or is surrounded by surveyed erven, and includes the public roads abutting thereon; “vehicle” means a device designed or adapted mainly to travel on wheels or crawler tracks and includes such a device which is connected with a draw-bar to a breakdown vehicle and is used as part of the towing equipment of a breakdown vehicle to support any axle or all the axles of a motor vehicle which is being salvaged other than such a device which moves solely on rails; and “verge” means that portion of a road, street or thoroughfare, including the sidewalk, which is not the roadway or the shoulder. “LMV” - means Light Motor Vehicle of which the Tare/Gross Vehicle Mass shall not be more than 3500 kg. “HMV” - means all Heavy Motor Vehicle of which:  the T (Tare) exceeds 3500 kg. Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 9 June 2012  a minibus, a bus or a goods vehicle GVM (gross vehicle mass) exceeds 3500 kg.  articulated vehicle and combinations of vehicles of which GCM (gross combination mass) of the drawing vehicle exceeds 3500 kilograms and  combinations of vehicles of which the (GVM) of the trailer exceed 750kg. “MC” - means Motorcycle that includes a motorcycle, tricycle and quadrucycle. Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 10 June 2012 3 INFORMATION FOR LEARNER’S LICENCE TEST AND THE APPLICATION THEREOF A learner’s licence is required before a person can legally be trained to drive a vehicle on a public road. You can apply to be tested for a learner’s licence at any registered driving licence testing centre (DLTC) on the appropriate application form (form LL1). On issuance of the receipt, the DLTC will determine a date and time on which you will have to report for the approved learner's licence test. The test will cover the following aspects; (a) rules of the road and other legislative matters, (b) road traffic signs, signals and road markings, and (c) the use of controls of a vehicle. Once the approved learner’s licence test was passed, your learner’s licence will be valid for a period of 24 months from the day of the test. 4 Special requirements are covered by the legislation as follows: 4.1 A PERSON IS DISQUALIFIED FROM OBTAINING OR HOLDING A LEARNER’S OR DRIVING LICENCE: (a) If such person is addicted to the use of any drug having a narcotic effect or the excessive use of intoxicating liquor and ; (b) during any period in respect of which he or she has been declared by a competent court or authority to be disqualified from obtaining or holding a licence to drive a motor vehicle, while such disqualification remains in force; (c) where a licence to drive a motor vehicle held by him or her has been suspended by a competent court or authority, while such suspension remains in force; (d) where a licence to drive a motor vehicle held by him or her has been cancelled by a competent court or authority, for such period as he or she may not apply for a licence; (e) if such licence relates to a class of motor vehicle which he or she may already drive under a licence held by him or her; (f) If suffering from one of the following diseases or disabilities: (i) uncontrolled epilepsy; Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 11 June 2012 (ii) sudden attacks of disabling giddiness or fainting due to hypertension or any other cause; (iii) any form of mental illness to such an extent that it is necessary that he or she be detained, supervised, controlled and treated as a patient in terms of the Mental Health Act, 1973 (Act No. 18 of 1973); (iv) any condition causing muscular in coordination; (v) uncontrolled diabetes mellitus; (vi) defective vision ascertained in accordance with a prescribed standard; (vii) any other disease or physical defect which is likely to render him or her incapable of effectively driving and controlling a motor vehicle of the class to which such licence relates without endangering the safety of the public: Provided that deafness shall not of itself be deemed to be such a defect. 5 The codes are covered by the legislation as follows: 5.1 TYPE OF LEARNER'S LICENCE CODES (1) Code 1 learner's licence a) The holder of a code 1 learner’s licence is authorised to ride motorcycle on a public road however a motor quadrucycles are not allowed to be ridden on a public road. b) To obtain a code 1 learner’s licence you must be at least 16 years of age. c) If you are under the age of 18, you may only ride a motorcycle with a cylinder capacity not exceeding 125 cubic centimetres. d) A code 1 learners licence does not authorise the carrying of passengers. e) A learner’s licence in respect of a motorcycle, shall not authorise the holder to drive a motorcycle on a public road while carrying another person. Code 1 Motorcycles (2) Code 2 learner's licence a) The holder of a code 2 learner’s licence is authorised to drive any motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles other than a motorcycle or a motor tricycle, of which neither the “Tare”, “Gross Vehicle Mass”, nor the “Gross Combination Mass” of such vehicle, or vehicles exceeds 3500 kilograms. Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 12 June 2012 b) The holder of a code 2 learner’s licence shall drive only those vehicles he or she is authorised to drive while under the direct supervision of a person who holds a driving licence for the applicable class of vehicle. c) To obtain a code 2 learner’s licence you must be at least 17 years of age. d) Your learner’s licence will be valid for 24 months from the date on which the approved test was passed. Code 2 Light Motor Vehicles (3) Code 3 learner's licence a) The holder of a code 3 learner’s licence is authorised to drive any motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles other than a motorcycle, a motor tricycle or a motor quadru cycle, of which neither the “Tare”, “Gross Vehicle Mass”, nor the “Gross Combination Mass” of such vehicle, or vehicles exceeds 3500 kilograms. b) The holder of a code 3 learner’s licence shall drive any motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles other than a motorcycle, or tricycle while under the direct supervision of a person who holds a driving licence for the applicable class of vehicle. c) To obtain a code 3 learner’s licence you must be at least 18 years of age. d) Your learner’s licence will be valid for 24 months from the date on which the approved test was passed. Code 3 Light and Heavy Motor Vehicles 5.2 DRIVER OF MOTOR VEHICLE TO BE LICENSED No person shall drive a motor vehicle on a public road— Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 13 June 2012 (a) except under the authority and in accordance with the conditions of a licence issued to him or her in terms of the National Road Traffic Act (b) unless he or she keeps such licence or document with him or her in the vehicle. 5.3 LICENCE TO DRIVE, EITHER LEARNER’S OR DRIVING LICENCE A licence authorising the driving of a motor vehicle shall be issued by a driving licence testing centre in accordance with the National Road Traffic Act and shall be either— (a) a provisional licence, to be known as a learner’s licence; or (b) a licence, to be known as a driving licence, 5.4 MANNER OF APPLICATION FOR LEARNER’S LICENCE An application in terms of the National Road Traffic Act shall be made by the applicant at a driving licence testing centre on form LL1 and shall be accompanied— (a) by two identical black and white or colour photographs of the applicant: (b) acceptable identification of the applicant and a photo copy thereof; (c) in the case of an applicant who is 65 years of age or older, by the medical certificate on form MC signed by a medical practitioner or occupational health practitioner, certifying that the applicant is not disqualified in terms of National Road Traffic Act from obtaining a learner’s or driving licence; and (d) by the appropriate fee as determined by the MEC of the province concerned. 5.5 HOLDER OF LICENCE TO DRIVE MOTOR VEHICLE SHALL GIVE NOTICE OF CHANGE OF PLACE OF RESIDENCE When the holder of a licence to drive a motor vehicle which was issued in terms of the National Road Traffic Act has changed his or her place of residence permanently, he or she shall, within 14 days after such change, notify in the prescribed manner the registering authority in whose area he or she is ordinarily resident of his or her new residential and postal address. 5.6 UNLICENSED DRIVER NOT TO BE EMPLOYED OR PERMITTED TO DRIVE MOTOR VEHICLE No person who is the owner or operator, or is in charge, or control, of a motor vehicle shall employ or permit any other person to drive that vehicle on a public road unless that other person is licensed in accordance with the National Road Traffic Act to drive the vehicle. 5.7 PROFESSIONAL DRIVER TO HAVE PERMIT No person shall drive a motor vehicle of a prescribed class on a public road except in accordance with the conditions of a professional driving permit issued to him or her in accordance with the Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 14 June 2012 National Road Traffic Act and unless he or she keeps such permit with him or her in the vehicle: Provided that this requirement shall not apply to the holder of a learner’s licence who drives such vehicle while he or she is accompanied by a person registered as a professional driver in respect of that class of vehicle and unless he or she keeps such professional driving permit with him or her in the vehicle. 5.8 PERIOD OF VALIDITY OF MOTOR VEHICLE LICENCE AND LICENCE DISC A motor vehicle licence and licence disc shall be valid for a period of 12 months from the first day of the month in which such licence and licence disc were issued and the date of expiry of such licence shall be shown on the motor vehicle licence and licence disc. 1.1.1.1 Period of Grace A motor vehicle may within a period of 21 days after the date of expiry, be operated on a public road while the licence number allocated to such motor vehicle and the licence disc issued in respect of such motor vehicle prior to the date on which the motor vehicle licence and licence disc became null and void, are displayed in the manner prescribed. 5.9 OFFENCES The owner of a vehicle is also responsible for all offences committed with his/her vehicle on a public road, if he/she permitted the use of the vehicle. Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 15 June 2012 6 ROAD TRAFFIC RULES 6.1 LIGHTS 6.1.1 Motorcycles You may not operate any motorcycle, on a public road unless all lamps fitted to such motorcycles are undamaged, properly secured and capable of being lighted at all times; When riding a motorcycle on a public road, the headlamp must be lighted at all times. (During night and day) 6.1.2 Light and Heavy Motor Vehicles When using any light or heavy motor vehicle on a public road; all lamps must be undamaged, unobscured, properly secured, and capable of being lit at all times; The headlamps, rear lamps and number plate lamps must be kept lighted during the period;  between sunset and sunrise, and  at any other time when, due to insufficient light or unfavourable weather conditions, persons and vehicles upon the public road are not clearly discernible at a distance of 150 metres. Provided that these provisions shall not apply to a motor vehicle, which is parked;  off the roadway of a public road,  in a parking place demarcated by an appropriate road traffic sign, or  within a distance of 12 metres from a lighted street lamp illuminating the road on which such vehicle is parked. 6.2 MAIN BEAM (BRIGHT) Every headlamp emitting a main-beam (bright), must be so adjusted and maintained that it shall be capable of adequately illuminating an area ahead of the motor vehicle, enabling the driver/rider to see any person, vehicle or substantial object at a distance of at least 100 metres. Remember to dip the main-beam (bright) of your vehicle for oncoming traffic, as well as when following another vehicle. 6.3 DIPPED BEAM Every headlamp emitting a dipped-beam must be so adjusted and maintained to be capable of adequately illuminating an area ahead of the motor vehicle, enabling the driver/rider to Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 16 June 2012 see any person, vehicle or substantial object at a distance of at least 45 metres ahead of the motor vehicle. 6.4 PARKING LAMPS A vehicle may not be driven on a public road with only the parking lamps lighted while such vehicle is in motion. 6.5 REAR LAMPS You may not ride any motorcycle or a motor tricycle on a public road unless such cycle is fitted with a rear lamp emitting a red light to the rear. You may not drive a light motor vehicle on a public road unless it is fitted with lamps at the rear, emitting a red light to the rear. You may not drive a heavy motor vehicle on a public road unless such motor vehicle is fitted with at least one lamp on each side at the rear emitting a red light to the rear. 6.6 STOP LAMP You may not drive a light motor vehicle or motorcycle on a public road unless it is fitted with stop lamps at the rear. When in use, they must emit a red light, which must be greater than that of the light emitted by the rear lamps and must be visible in normal sunlight at a distance of 30 metres to a person of normal eyesight. A person may not drive a heavy motor vehicle on a public road unless it is fitted with at least one stop lamp on each side at the rear of the motor vehicle which shall, when in use, emit a red light and the intensity of which shall be greater than that of the light emitted by the rear lamp on the motor vehicle and shall be visible in normal sunlight at a distance of not less than 30 metres to a person of normal eyesight. When a stop lamp is illuminated, this indicates that the vehicle is decreasing speed and may stop. 6.7 NUMBER PLATE LAMP You may not drive a motor vehicle on a public road, unless it is fitted with at least one number-plate lamp at the rear, illuminating the number plate. Every letter and figure of such plate must be visible from a distance of 20 metres by a person of normal eyesight. 6.8 NUMBER PLATES A South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) approve number plate shall be affixed— (a) in such a manner that it is not easily detachable; (b) in an upright position or within 30 degrees of such position; Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 17 June 2012 (c) in such a manner that each letter and figure thereon is clearly legible; (d) in such a manner that the whole number plate is clearly visible; (e) to the back of a motor cycle, motor tricycle, or trailer; and (f) one to the back and one to the front of all other motor vehicles. 6.9 FOG LAMPS Front fog lamps - Rear fog lamps - No vehicle may be driven on a public road while any fog lamp fitted to such vehicle is lit, except in conditions of poor visibility caused by;  snow,  fog,  mist,  dust, or  smoke. 6.10 SPOT LAMP A motor vehicle may not be used on a public road if it is fitted with a spot lamp, which can be so adjusted as to enable a beam of light emit therefrom to be deflect in any direction; Provided that a spot lamp which is adjustable—  may be fitted and used for official purposes on any ambulance, rescue vehicle, fire- fighting vehicle, police vehicle or traffic control vehicle,  may be fitted to a vehicle owned by a medical practitioner or veterinarian, and used for professional duties only; or  may be fitted to a breakdown vehicle or a vehicle employed in connection with the supply of electricity or other public essential services: Provided that it is used solely at the scene of an accident or breakdown or for the examination of overhead telephone, telegraph or power lines. 6.11 DRIVING VIEW TO BE UNOBSTRUCTED – (REAR-VIEW MIRRORS) No person shall operate on a public road a motor vehicle—  if the driver/rider thereof have a full and clear view of the roadway ahead and to his or her right and left when the vehicle is in use;  which is not fitted with a rear-view mirror or mirrors enabling the driver/rider of such vehicle, to see in clear weather, a clear reflection of traffic to the rear: Provided that this shall not apply in respect of a tractor; Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 18 June 2012  which is a motor car, minibus, bus or goods vehicle, unless it is fitted with an exterior rear-view mirror on the driving side and an interior rear-view mirror: Provided that where the interior rear-view mirror does not enable the driver, when he or she is in the driving position, to see in clear weather, a clear reflection of traffic to the rear, an additional exterior rear-view mirror shall be fitted on the side opposite to the driving seat and in such a case it shall not be necessary to fit an interior rear-view mirror; 6.12 STEERING GEAR 6.12.1 Motorcycle You may not use a motorcycle on a public road- unless all parts of the steering gear are maintained in a condition, which enables the motorcycle to be steered safely and efficiently; unless the distance between the outside edges of the handlebars is (i) between 600 and 800 millimetres in respect of motorcycles having an engine with a cylinder capacity of 200 cubic centimetres more, and (ii) between 500 and 800 millimetres in respect of motorcycles having an engine with a cylinder capacity of less than 200 cubic centimetres. of which the outer ends of the handgrips on the handlebars are- (i) higher than 500 millimetres above the seat height; or (ii) lower than the seat height, 6.12.2 Light and Heavy motor vehicles A motor vehicle may not be used on a public road unless all parts of the steering are maintained in a condition, which enables the vehicle to be steered safely and efficiently 6.13 TURNING RADIUS A motor vehicle may not be used on a public road if the turning radius of such vehicle exceeds 13,1 metres. 6.14 BRAKES 6.14.1 Motorcycle You may not ride a motorcycle on a public road, which is not equipped with two independent braking systems -  one of which shall act on the front wheel, and  and the other which shall act on the rear wheel or wheels. Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 19 June 2012 which is in good working order. 6.14.2 Light and Heavy motor vehicles Every light and heavy motor vehicle used on a public road must be equipped with;  a service brake,  a parking brake, and  an emergency brake. (Same as parking brake) which is in good working order. Provided that the emergency brake and parking brake may be one and the same brake. 6.15 HOOTER No person shall use the hooter of a vehicle except when such use is necessary on the grounds of safety. You may not use a light motor vehicle on a public road unless-  it is equipped with a warning device (hooter), which is in good working order and,  when used, capable of emitting a sound, which is clearly audible by a person of normal hearing from a distance of 90 metres.  Sirens or warning devices that play a tune may not be used in private vehicles. 6.16 EMERGENCY WARNING DEVICE (SIREN) The driver/rider of a motor vehicle shall give immediate right of way to all emergency vehicles sounding a siren and displaying emergency warning lights. The following vehicles are regarded as an emergency vehicles-  a fire-fighting vehicle (red warning light),  a fire-fighting response vehicle (red warning light),  a rescue vehicle (red warning light),  a emergency medical response vehicle (red warning light),  ambulance (red warning light),  vehicle driven by a traffic officer in the carrying out of his or her duties (blue warning light),  to a vehicle driven by a person while engaged in civil protection (green warning light). 6.17 SEATBELTS Seatbelts are compulsory to wear when moving forward for children and adults but it only covers persons 3 years of age and older. Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 20 June 2012 If seatbelts are fitted, rear-seat passengers must wear such seatbelts whilst the vehicle is driven. A child is defined as a person between the ages of 3 and 14 years, except when such person is taller than 1,5 metres, then he or she is regarded as an adult, irrespective of age. A person older than 14 years is defined as an adult. No adult shall;  occupy a seat in any motor vehicle unless such person wears a seatbelt:  occupy a seat on a row of seats, which is not fitted with a seatbelt, unless all other seats on such row which are fitted with seatbelts, are already occupied. 6.17.1 Children The driver of a motor vehicle shall ensure that a child seated on a seat;  where it is available, uses an appropriate child restraint; or  if no child restraint is available, wears a seatbelt when available. If a seat, equipped with a seatbelt, is not available, the driver shall ensure that a child shall, if such motor vehicle is equipped with a rear seat, be seated on the rear seat. It is not compulsory to wear a seatbelt while reversing or moving in or out of a parking bay or area. The driver of a motor vehicle shall ensure that all persons travelling in such motor vehicle shall wear a seat belt. 6.18 PROTECTIVE HELMET FOR MOTORCYCLE RIDERS You may not ride a motorcycle or be a passenger on a motorcycle, motor tricycle or a motor quadru cycle, or be a passenger in the sidecar attached to a motorcycle, on a public road, unless a protective helmet is worn-  which is specially designed for use in connection with such cycle; and  which fits properly and of which the chin strap is properly fastened under the chin. The rider of a motorcycle shall ensure that any passenger in or on such cycle who is younger than 14 years, wears such protective helmet. The rider and passenger on a motorcycle may not wear a protective helmet when the motorcycle is equipped with a seatbelt that complies with the requirements of the SABS, and the engine can not move unless the driver and passengers (if any), of the motorcycle wear such seatbelt. 6.19 WINDSCREEN The transparent windscreen of a light motor vehicle, must; Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 21 June 2012  afford the driver sufficient visibility for safe driving,  be of safety glass, and  have visible light transmittance through the windscreen of at least 70% 6.20 WINDSCREEN WIPERS A light and heavy motor vehicle with a windscreen must be fitted with at least one windscreen wiper and must, when in operation, wipe the outside of the windscreen directly in front of the driver, continuously, evenly and adequately. 6.21 EXHAUST SILENCERS / EXHAUST PIPES A motor vehicle must be equipped with an efficient exhaust silencer, which must;  allow the exhaust gas from the engine to be projected through such silencer;  not emit exhaust gas or smoke from the engine which is so dense as to cause a nuisance to, or obstruct the vision of other road users, or  be in such a position that oil or other flammable liquid or material cannot drip or fall onto it,  be so maintained that exhaust gas or smoke does not leak into the driving cab or passenger compartment of the vehicle. A motor vehicle may not be used on a public road-  without an efficient exhaust silencer.  unless the gas from the engine is projected through such silencer  if the exhaust gas or smoke from the engine is so dense as to cause a nuisance to, or obstruct the vision of other road users, or  if the exhaust pipe or silencer thereof is in such a position that oil or other flammable liquid or material can drip or fall onto it, or  is not in efficient working order, or  is so placed and maintained that exhaust gas or smoke leaks into the driving cab or passenger compartment of the vehicle. 6.22 FUEL TANK, ELECTRICAL WIRING AND BATTERY A motor vehicle may not be used on a public road—  if the fuel tank, carburettor, fuel receptacle or fuel pipes thereof is defective or so exposed that it constitutes a source of danger;  if the fuel tank is not fitted with an effective cap; or  unless the electrical wiring and battery are properly installed, insulated and maintained so that such wiring and battery do not constitute a source of danger. 6.23 ENGINE Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 22 June 2012  A light and heavy motor vehicle may not be used on a public road, unless the engine thereof is so covered as not to be a source of danger. 6.24 EMERGENCY WARNING SIGNS (TRIANGLES) Any heavy motor vehicle (GVM exceeds 3500kg), all goods vehicles, minibuses and busses, (excluding motor cars, ambulances and motorcycles) may not be used on a public road, unless there is carried on such vehicle at least one emergency warning sign. Provided that in the case of a combination of motor vehicles (vehicle with one or more trailers), the emergency warning sign for every motor vehicle of such combination may be carried on the drawing vehicle. Where a motor vehicle is for any reason stationary on the roadway of a public road, the driver of such vehicle shall display at least one emergency warning sign in the following manner—  the sign shall be placed not less than 45 metres from the motor vehicle along the roadway of the public road concerned in the direction from which traffic will approach such vehicle when travelling on the side of the roadway closest to such motor vehicle;  the sign shall be placed approximately as far from the edge of the roadway as the transverse centre of the motor vehicle is from the edge of the roadway; and  the reflective side of the sign shall face in the direction from which any traffic will approach. This shall not apply where a motor vehicle is stationary—  in a place where a road traffic sign authorises the loading or unloading of a vehicle;  in compliance with any direction conveyed by a road traffic sign or given by a traffic officer;  on account of other traffic on the public road concerned and while the driver occupies the driving seat of such motor vehicle; or  in the course of events accompanying the carrying out of a State or municipal function. 6.25 EXCESSIVE NOISE No person shall operate on a public road a vehicle in such a manner as to cause any excessive noise. Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 23 June 2012 6.26 SPEEDOMETERS A motor vehicle, which is designed for or capable of reaching a speed of 60 km/h or more, must be equipped with a speedometer, which is in a good working order. 6.27 SPEED LIMITS A general speed limit is applicable on all roads and does not have to be displayed by a road traffic sign.  Unless otherwise indicated by a road traffic sign, a speed limit of—  60 kilometres per hour shall apply in respect of every public road situated within an urban area;  100 kilometres per hour shall apply in respect of every public road other than a freeway, situated outside an urban area; and  120 kilometres per hour shall apply in respect of every freeway. Exceeding the speed limit is an offence. 6.28 SPEED LIMIT IN RESPECT OF PASSENGER VEHICLES CONVEYING PERSONS FOR REWARD A speed limit of 100 kilometres per hour shall apply in respect of-  bus, and  a minibus 6.29 SPEED LIMIT FOR A PARTICULAR CLASS OF VEHICLES A speed limit of 80 kilometres per hour shall apply in respect to-  a goods vehicle with a GVM of more than 9000 kilograms;  a combination of motor vehicles consisting of a goods vehicle, being the drawing vehicle, and one or two trailers of which the sum of the gross vehicle mass of the goods vehicle and of the trailer or trailers exceeds 9 000 kilograms; or  an articulated motor vehicle, of which the gross combination mass of the truck- tractor exceeds 9000 kilograms;  Any breakdown vehicle that is towing another vehicle: 6.30 OVERALL LENGTH OF VEHICLES Legislation provides for restrictions on the overall length of certain types of vehicles. The restricted lengths are as follows; Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 24 June 2012  a trailer (not semi-trailer) of which the GVM is less than 12 000 kilograms - shall not exceed 8 metres  a trailer (not semi-trailer) of which the GVM is more than 12 000 kilograms - shall not exceed 12,5 metres  an articulated motor vehicle - shall not exceed 18,5 metres  a bus-train - shall not exceed 22 metres  any other vehicles - shall not exceed 12,5 metres  any combination of motor vehicles _1 shall not exceed 22 metres 6.31 OVERALL HEIGHT OF VEHICLE The following motor vehicles may not be used on a public road together with any load thereon, if the overall height-  in the case of a double-deck bus exceeds 4,65 metres; and  in the case of any other motor vehicle exceeds 4,3 metres. 6.32 OVERALL WIDTH OF VEHICLES The following motor vehicles may not be used on a public road-  a bus of which the distance between the centre-lines of the tyres of the two front wheels exceeds 1,9 metres, if the overall width of such bus exceeds 2,6 metres;  a goods vehicle the gross vehicle mass of which is 12 000 kilograms or more, if the overall width thereof exceeds 2,6 metres, or  any other vehicle, if the overall width thereof exceeds 2,5 metres. 6.33 CONVEYANCE OF GOODS Goods may not be loaded onto a vehicle in such a manner that it may-  come into contact with the surface of the road,  obscure the drivers/riders view of traffic to the front or on either side, or his or her view in the rear-view mirror or mirrors of traffic to the rear; which are not—  safely contained within the body of such vehicle; or  securely fastened to such vehicle, and which are not properly protected from being dislodged or spilled from such vehicle;  on the roof thereof, in the case where such vehicle is a motorcar, if the height of such goods measured from the highest point of such roof exceeds one-half of the height of the motor car, measured from ground level: Provided that the provisions of this paragraph shall not be applicable in respect of pedal cycles being transported on the roof of a motor vehicle. Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 25 June 2012 Any container, which has provision for fastening by means of “twist locks”, unless such container is securely fastened by at least four “twist locks”. Transporting baggage on a motorcycle in the best possible way is to place the baggage into suitable carriers attached securely to the motorcycle. 6.34 CIRCUMSTANCES UNDER WHICH PERSONS MAY BE CARRIED ON GOODS VEHICLE If persons are carried on a goods vehicle, that portion of the vehicle in which the persons are being conveyed must be enclosed to a height of—  at least 350 millimetres above the surface upon which such person is seated; or  at least 900 millimetres above the surface on which such person is standing. It is against the law for passengers to ride in a caravan. 6.35 PROJECTIONS/OVERHANG A motorcycle may not be used on a public road if any goods carried thereon, or on any sidecar project more-  than 600 millimetres to the front of the axle of the front wheel;  than 900 millimetres to the rear of the axle of the rear wheel;  than 450 millimetres on either side of the wheels, and  than 300 millimetres to the outside of the wheel of the sidecar. A light & heavy motor vehicle may not be used on a public road carrying any goods, which project: a) either side of the longitudinal centre-line of the vehicle by more than; i. in the case a bus or a goods vehicle of which the gross vehicle mass of exceeds 12 000 kilograms - 1,3 metres; or (therefore maximum width of goods is 2,6 metres) ii. in the case of any other vehicle, 1,25 metres. (therefore maximum width of goods is 2,5 metres) Provided that any side mirror or direction indicator on the vehicle shall not be taken into account; A light & heavy motor vehicle may not be used on a public road carrying any goods, which project: a) more than 300 millimetres beyond the front end of the vehicle. b) more than 1,8 metres beyond the rear end of the vehicle. Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 26 June 2012 A light & heavy motor vehicle may not be used on a public road:  Of which any bracket projects more than 150 millimetres beyond the widest part of the vehicle. (Side rear view mirrors or direction indicators are excluded) 6.36 WARNING FLAGS/REFLECTORS Where any load projects more than 150 millimetres to the side, or more than 300 millimetres to the rear, it must be marked by means of;  a red flag or flags (300mm x 300mm) during the day, and  retro reflectors at night, or  any other time when persons and vehicles are not clearly visible due to unfavourable conditions. White retro reflectors to the front and red retro reflectors to the rear. 6.37 DRIVING ON DIVIDED PUBLIC ROAD Whenever any public road has been divided into two or more roadways, no person shall drive/ride a vehicle upon such public road except upon the left hand roadway, unless directed or permitted by an appropriate road traffic sign or a traffic officer to use another roadway. 6.38 DRIVING ON LEFT SIDE OF ROADWAY Any person driving a vehicle on a public road shall drive on the left side of the roadway and, where the roadway is wide enough, in such manner as not to encroach on that half of the roadway to his or her right: Provided that such encroachment shall be permissible—  where it can be done without obstructing or endangering other traffic, or  in compliance with a direction of a traffic officer or a road traffic sign. When you become aware of other traffic proceeding in the same direction and wishing to pass your vehicle –  drive as near to the left edge of the roadway as is possible, without endangering yourself, other traffic or property, and  do not accelerate the speed of your vehicle until the other vehicle has passed. When about to pass oncoming traffic, the driver of a motor vehicle must ensure that his/her vehicle does not encroach on the roadway to his/ her right in such manner as may obstruct or endanger such oncoming traffic Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 27 June 2012 The driver of a vehicle intending to pass a stationary bus must do so with due care for the safety of persons who are approaching or leaving or may approach or leave such bus. 6.39 PROHIBITION ON DRIVING ON SHOULDER OF ROAD, EXCEPT IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES No person shall drive a light motor vehicle on the shoulder of a public road, however, during the period between sunrise and sunset, such vehicle may be driven on the shoulder of a public road which is designated for one lane of traffic in each direction while such vehicle is being overtaken by another vehicle; and ;  while such motor vehicle is being overtaken by another vehicle; and  if he or she can do so without endangering himself or herself, other traffic, pedestrians or property on such public road; e.g. when you have a flat tyre.  if persons and vehicles upon such public road are clearly discernible at a distance of at least 150 metres. 6.40 LANE CHANGING When driving a motor vehicle on a public road which is divided into traffic lanes by means of road markings, the driver/rider shall not turn from one lane into another unless he or she can do so without obstructing or endangering other traffic. 6.41 DRIVING SIGNALS The driver/rider of a vehicle who intends to stop, or to turn such vehicle to the left or to the right, shall in good time, give a conspicuous signal of his or her intention, visible to any person approaching him or her from the front or from the rear or from the side, and of a duration sufficient to warn any such person of his or her intention. 6.42 DIRECTION INDICATORS You may not drive your motor vehicle on a public road, unless it is equipped on both sides with flasher type direction indicators. Each time when turning left or to the right and when changing lanes on a public road, it is compulsory to make use of direction indicators. A light motor vehicle must be equipped with direction indicators. and;  each indicator must have a lamp;  when in use, the lamp must show an intermittently flashing light of such intensity that it is clearly visible in normal daylight at a distance of 30 metres to a person of normal eyesight. Indicator lamps, when in use, must emit white, yellow or amber light to the front, and yellow, amber or red light to the rear. Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 28 June 2012 6.43 RETRO-REFLECTORS 6.43.1 Motorcycles You may not ride your motorcycle, motorcycle with a sidecar or motor tricycle, on a public road unless there is fitted on the rear of such cycle a red retro reflector. 6.43.2 Light Motor Vehicles A light motor vehicle must be fitted on the rear of it with two red retro-reflectors, one on each side. 6.43.3 Heavy Motor Vehicle A heavy motor vehicle may not be used on a public road unless there are fitted on the rear of such vehicle at the same height two red retro-reflectors, one on each side. A heavy motor vehicle or a combination of motor vehicles may not be used on a public road, if the overall length of such vehicle or combination exceeds 7 metres, unless there is fitted, on each side of such vehicle so many yellow retro-reflectors as may be necessary to ensure that no two successive yellow retro-reflectors are more than 3,6 metres apart, If yellow reflective strips are fitted to a goods vehicle, yellow retro-reflectors are not necessary. 6.44 YELLOW REFLECTIVE MATERIAL As from 1 January 2001, yellow reflective material (as prescribed), shall be fitted to the sides and rear of all goods vehicles of which the gross vehicle mass exceeds 10000 kilograms. Goods vehicles of which the GVM does not exceed 10000 kilograms, may be fitted with such strips on the sides and rear, but is not compulsory. 6.45 OVERTAKING / PASSING The driver/rider of a vehicle intending to pass any other vehicle proceeding in the same direction on a public road shall pass to the right thereof at a safe distance and shall not again drive on the left side of the roadway until safely clear of the vehicle so passed. Exceeding the speed limit when overtaking/passing is not permissible. Passing on the left of such vehicle shall be permissible if the person driving the passing vehicle can do so with safety to himself or herself and other traffic, and— a. the vehicle being passed is turning to its right or the driver/rider thereof has signalled his or her intention of turning to his or her right; b. such road is a public road in an urban area and— Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 29 June 2012 i. is restricted to vehicles moving in one direction; and ii. the roadway is of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles; c. such road is a public road in an urban area and the roadway is of sufficient width for two or more lines of moving vehicles moving in each direction; d. the roadway of such road is restricted to vehicles moving in one direction and is divided into traffic lanes by appropriate road traffic signs; or e. he or she is driving in compliance with the directions of a traffic officer. Provided further that in no event shall any passing be done by driving on the shoulder of the roadway or on the verge of a public road. The driver/rider of a vehicle shall not pass other traffic moving in the same direction on a public road when approaching— a. the summit of a rise; b. a curve; or c. any other place where the view is so restricted that any such passing could create a hazard in relation to other traffic, which might approach from the opposite direction, unless— i. he or she can do so without encroaching on the right-hand side of the roadway; or ii. the roadway of such road is restricted to vehicles moving in one direction. When you become aware of other traffic proceeding in the same direction and wishing to pass your vehicle –  drive as near to the left edge of the roadway as is possible, without endangering yourself, other traffic or property, and  do not accelerate the speed of your vehicle until the other vehicle has passed. When about to pass oncoming traffic, the driver/rider of a motor vehicle must ensure that his/her vehicle does not encroach on the roadway to his/ her right in such manner as may obstruct or endanger such oncoming traffic The driver/rider of a vehicle intending to pass a stationary bus must do so with due care for the safety of persons who are approaching or leaving or may approach or leave such bus. A driver of a vehicle who wishes to overtake another vehicle ahead that is not in the left hand lane can make the driver of such vehicle aware that he or she intends to overtake by giving a visible signal by means of flashing the headlights of his or her vehicle. Vehicles must kept left and overtake to the right on any freeway. 6.46 INTERSECTIONS The driver/rider of a vehicle on a public road shall, when he or she intends entering any portion of a public road which constitutes a junction of two or more public roads where Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 30 June 2012 vehicular traffic is required to move around a traffic island within such junction, yield the right of way to all vehicular traffic approaching from his or her right within such junction, unless his or her entry into such junction is controlled by an instruction given by a traffic officer or a direction conveyed by a road traffic sign requiring him or her to act differently. 6.47 PARKING No person shall park a vehicle on the roadway of a public road—  with a direction given by a traffic officer,  for any cause beyond the control of the driver/rider,  in any place where “Stopping” is not permitted.  in contravention of any road traffic sign;  on the same side as a fire hydrant within 1,5 metres on either side of the hydrant,  in any place where the vehicle would obscure any road traffic sign;  in such manner as to encroach upon the sidewalk; or  in such manner as to obstruct any private or public vehicular entrance.  except for any reason beyond the control of the driver/rider.  on any portion of the roadway (excluding the shoulders) of a public road outside an urban area or with any part of such vehicle within 1 metre of the edge of such roadway. No person shall park on the roadway of a public road within an urban area—  within 9 metres of the side from which he or she approaches a pedestrian crossing.  within 5 metres of any intersection.  upon or over the actuating mechanism of a traffic signal.  with the outside of any left-hand wheel thereof more than 450 millimetres within the roadway.  which is less than 5,5 metres wide.  on a traffic island or in a pedestrian mall or pedestrian lane. 6.48 STOPPING No person shall stop a vehicle on the roadway of a public road-  except in order to avoid an accident,  with a direction given by a traffic officer,  for any cause beyond the control of the driver/rider, Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 31 June 2012  alongside or opposite an excavation or obstruction on the public road if other traffic would be obstructed or endangered by such stopping;  within any tunnel or subway or on any bridge or within 6 metres of any tunnel, subway or bridge;  on, or within 6 metres from the beginning or end of, any part of such roadway where the normal width thereof has for any reason been constricted;  in contravention of any road traffic sign;  on the right-hand side of such roadway facing oncoming traffic;  alongside or opposite any other vehicle on such roadway where such roadway is less than 9 metres wide;  within the railway reserve at a level crossing;  within 9 metres of his or her approaching side of a demarcated pedestrian crossing;  in any other place where the stopping of a vehicle would constitute a danger or an obstruction to other traffic. 6.49 GENERAL DUTIES OF DRIVER/RIDER No person driving a vehicle on a public road shall-  disobey any road traffic sign or rule of the road unless so ordered to do so by a traffic officer.  cause such vehicle to travel backwards unless it can be done in safety,  follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable, INCLUDE FOLLOWING DISTANCE. See Australia Drivers Handbook Crash Facts (Rear end Crashes)  Maintain a minimum 2-second following distance for light motor vehicles and motorcycles.  Maintain a minimum 3-second following distance for heavy motor vehicles.  Under adverse conditions such as rain, slippery surface, poor visibility or when being followed too closely, the following distance shall be increased.  permit any person, animal or object to occupy any position in or on such vehicle which may prevent the driver/rider thereof from exercising complete control over the movements of the vehicle,  when driving/riding such vehicle, permit any person to take hold of or interfere with the steering or operating mechanism of the vehicle;  when driving/riding such vehicle, occupy a position that he or she does not have complete control over the vehicle or does not have a full view of the roadway and the traffic ahead of such vehicle. Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 32 June 2012  allow such vehicle to remain unattended on such road without setting its brake or adopting such other method as will effectively prevent the vehicle from moving from the position in which it is left;  if such vehicle is parked or is stationary at the side of such road, drive the vehicle from that position unless he or she is able to do so without interfering with moving traffic approaching from any direction and with safety to himself or herself and others;  fail to give an immediate and absolute right of way to a vehicle sounding a device or bell.  allow any portion of his or her body to protrude beyond such vehicle while it is in motion on such road except for the purpose of giving any hand signal  permit any person or animal to occupy the roof, any step or running board or any other place on top of a vehicle while such vehicle is in motion;  cause or allow the engine thereof to run in such manner that it emits smoke or fumes which would not be emitted if the engine were in good condition;  cause or allow the engine thereof to run while the motor vehicle is stationary and unattended;  negligently or wilfully deposit any petrol or other liquid fuel or any oil or grease or other flammable or offensive matter, ashes or other refuse, of whatever nature, from such vehicle upon or alongside such road; or  cause or allow the engine thereof to run while petrol or other flammable fuel is being delivered into the fuel tank.  drive, pull or push a vehicle upon a sidewalk. 6.50 DUTIES RELATING TO MOTORCYCLES When riding any motorcycle on a public road -  A rider may not disobey any road traffic sign or rule of the road unless so ordered to do so by a traffic officer.  a riders feet must rest on the front foot rests;  a rider must be seated astride on the saddle;  a rider must have at least one hand on the handlebars of such motorcycle at all times;  a passenger must be briefed by the rider and shall be seated on securely fastened seat and their feet must rest on securely fastened foot rests astride the motorcycle;  not more than two persons shall ride upon such cycle, excluding a person riding in a side car attached to such motorcycle;  a rider is not allowed to carry a passenger on a motorcycle unless such cycle has an engine with a cylinder capacity exceeding 50 cubic centimetres and unless such passenger is seated in a side car or astride on a pillion attached to such motorcycle;  a rider is not allowed to carry more than two adult persons in a side car attached to a motorcycle;  a rider may not carry any person or animal or object in front of him/her. Provided that an object of a non bulky nature may be so carried, if securely attached or Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 33 June 2012 placed in a suitable carrier fitted thereon and carried in such a way as not to obstruct the rider’s view or prevent his or her exercising complete control over such motorcycle;  a rider or his/her passenger shall not take hold of any other vehicle in motion;  a rider shall do so in such manner that all the wheels of such motorcycle are in contact with the surface of the road at all times;  all riders, shall drive in single file in the same lane, except in the course of overtaking another motorcycle in such lane, and two or more persons driving motorcycles shall not overtake another vehicle at the same time: Provided that where a public road is divided into traffic lanes, each such lane shall be regarded as a public road. 6.51 MANNER IN WHICH SIDE CAR TO BE ATTACHED TO MOTORCYCLE No person shall use a motorcycle with sidecar on a public road, unless such sidecar is attached to the left side of the motorcycle. No sidecar may be attached to a motorcycle having an engine with a cylinder capacity of less than 50 cubic centimetres. 6.52 CELL PHONES No person shall drive/ride a vehicle on a public road while holding a cellular or mobile telephone or any other communication device in one or both hands or with any other part of the body. 6.53 PEDESTRIANS RIGHT OF WAY The driver/rider of a vehicle must yield right of way, slow down or stop, if necessary in order to yield right of way to a pedestrian crossing a roadway within a pedestrian crossing. Whenever any vehicle has stopped at a pedestrian crossing, the driver/rider of any other vehicle may not pass the stopped vehicle. The “red man” light signal shows pedestrians that they may not cross the road at an intersection until the green man light signal is displayed. The pedestrians must remain stationary on the sidewalk until a “green man” light signal is displayed. If red man light signal flashes, pedestrians who have not entered the roadway must wait until a “green man” light signal is displayed. Pedestrians who are already in the intersection must cross the intersection as quickly as possible. 6.54 VEHICLE LEFT / ABANDONED Any vehicle left for a continuous period of more than;  24 hours in the same place on a public road outside an urban area;  7 days in the same place on a public road within an urban area, Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 34 June 2012 shall be deemed to been abandoned by the owner. 6.55 DAMAGE TO PUBLIC ROADS You may not;  cause any wheel of a vehicle to drag or spin upon the surface of the roadway, except in the case of an emergency;  make use of chocks or shoes between any wheel of a vehicle moving along the roadway and the surface of that roadway, or  use any vehicle or thing or move any vehicle or thing on a roadway in a manner causing damage thereto. 6.56 FREEWAYS The following vehicles may not be used on a freeway—  a vehicle drawn by an animal;  a pedal cycle;  a motorcycle having an engine with a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50cc (cubic centimetres) or which is propelled by electrical power;  a motor quadrucycle;  a vehicle with a mass not exceeding 230 kilograms and specially designed, constructed or adapted for the use of a person suffering from a physical defect or disability; or  a tractor, except when such tractor is used in connection with the construction or maintenance of a freeway. No person shall stop a vehicle on a freeway except—  in compliance with a road traffic sign or a direction given by a traffic officer;  within an area reserved for the stopping or parking of vehicles by an appropriate road traffic sign, or  for any reason beyond his or her control. No person shall –  give a hand signal when driving/riding a motor vehicle on a freeway except for a reason beyond his or her control.  be on a freeway on foot under normal circumstances.  leave or allow an animal to be on a freeway or leave an animal in a place from where it may stray onto a freeway. When a driver/rider of a vehicle travelling on a freeway notices a vehicle in front of him/her wishing to merge from an On-ramp, such driver/rider must allow a vehicle to merge in front of them. Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 35 June 2012 6.57 TOWING No person shall use any motorcycle to tow another vehicle. No person shall be allowed to tow another vehicle on a public road—  if the length of the tow-rope, chain or tow-bar between the two vehicles exceeds 3,5 metres;  with a tow-rope or chain in excess of 30km/h, unless the towing vehicle is connected to the towed vehicle by means of a draw bar or a tow-bar;  if the towed vehicle is conveying persons at a speed in excess of 30 km/h, unless the towed vehicle is a semi-trailer. Therefore a towed vehicle not exceeding 30km/h may convey passengers.  unless the steering gear of the vehicle being towed is controlled by a person holding a code of driving licence authorising him or her to drive the class of such vehicle.  if the brakes of the towed vehicle do not comply with the provisions, unless the towing vehicle is connected to the towed vehicle by means of a draw bar or tow-bar. 6.58 RESTRICTION ON COMBINATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES A combination of motor vehicles is restricted to a drawing vehicle, and—  a maximum of two trailers;  one other motor vehicle which is not a trailer; In an emergency it is permitted to draw or tow one other motor vehicle, which is not a trailer, and a trailer. 6.59 CROSSING / ENTERING PUBLIC ROAD The driver/rider of a vehicle shall not cross a public road unless the road is clear of moving traffic for a sufficient distance to allow him or her to cross the road without obstructing or endangering any traffic. The driver/rider of a vehicle shall not enter a public road unless he or she can do so with safety to himself or herself and other traffic. 6.60 COMPULSORY STOPS The driver/rider of a vehicle on a public road shall stop such vehicle—  in compliance with any direction conveyed by a road traffic sign or given by a traffic officer in uniform; or  at the request or on the signal of a person leading or driving any bovine animal, horse, donkey, mule, sheep, goat, pig or ostrich on the road.  when animals are seen crossing a road and driver/rider may only move when all the animals have crossed and the road is safe to continue driving. Version Draft Copyright © 2012 by SA Department Transport 36 June 2012 6.61 TYRES 6.61.1 Light Motor Vehicle A light motor vehicle must be fitted with pneumatic tyres, which display throughout, across the breadth and around the entire circumference, a pattern that is clearly visible, and has a tread of at least 1 millimetre in depth. 6.61.2 Motorcycle You may not ride a motorcycle on a public road-  having an engine with a cylinder capacity exceeding 50 cubic centimetres, every tyre displays throughout, across its breadth and around its entire circumference, a pattern which is clearly visible, and has a tread of at least one millimetre in depth;  with an engine having a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimetres, which is fitted with a pneumatic tyre which does not at any position on the tread thereof have a visible tread pattern over at least 80 percent of the full width of the tread, or  which is equipped with a retreated tyre. 6.62 ACCIDENTS Any driver/rider of a motor vehicle involved in an accident or who contributes to any accident must –  immediately stop his/her vehicle;  ascertain the nature and extent of any injuries;  render such assis

South African Learner Driver Manual PDF

Document Details

Tags

Related

Summary

Full Transcript

Upgrade to continue