What to do if you come to a Stop / Halt Sign ? If you are the only vehicle at the intersection then stop, look right first (closest oncoming traffic), then left, then right once more, then proceed if it is safe to do so.

Where there are multiple Stop signs at an intersection, then it is 'first come, first served,' vehicles arriving first, leaving first. Common courtesy applies if two vehicles arrive at the same moment, there being no rules governing this. If in doubt, indicate to the driver of the other vehicle that it may proceed first ... then you know that you will be safe ...

Click here to see some of our road signs.

When you come to an automatic traffic / stop lights ... The international red / green / amber (yellow) sequence applies. Amber (yellow) meaning 'stop unless it is unsafe to do so.'
While some countries may allow some turns at red lights at the sole option of the driver after a complete stop, this is never permitted in South Africa

Instead, we use red or green arrows to indicate that turns may be made, as follows .
A flashing green arrow indicates you may turn in the direction indicated by the arrow.
A flashing red arrow indicates that you may turn left, should no other traffic be turning left. This arrow must be treated as a yield.
A steady red or green arrow indicates you may proceed in that direction with caution.
Confused? Then wait until you ask for directions and somebody tells you to turn left at the next robot. Don't go looking for R2D2 along the way ... as 'robot' is the common South African term for Traffic Lights.
Click here to learn more unique words in the version of English that is spoken in South Africa.

Speed Limits are 60 km/hr [35 mph] in urban areas, 120 km/hr [75 mph] on National Routes and Freeways, 100 km/hr [60 mph] on rural roads - all unless otherwise sign-posted. Be especially careful on rural roads, as they may be not properly surfaced, or with dangerous pot holes. Beware of animals such as sheep and cows blocking the road just around the next bend, and particularly watch for road signs warning of boks possibly leaping across the road. A speed of 70 km/hr or less on rural roads would be very prudent.

Overtaking / Passing another vehicle on its left side / inside is not permitted. When using multi-lane highways keep to the LEFT lane except when passing a vehicle on its RIGHT, then move back to the left lane when it is safe to do so.
If you are accustomed to driving in North America in particular, we do NOT drive in 'lanes' on highways. Considering what you may think of as 'the fast lane' as being something for your exclusive personal use may well reward you with a vehicle with flashing blue lights on its roof appearing on your tail (see Police flashing lights ... their colour, further down ths page).

Seatbelt use is required for all vehicle passengers

Parking is illegal on a road facing oncoming traffic. Always park off-street if possible for the security of the vehicle and contents, especially in urban areas.

The L - Sign.If you see these plates on a vehicle in front of you, or behind you ...then be please nice! This car is driven by a learner / beginner driver, and displaying these plates on any vehicle driven by drivers that are not fully qualified is required by law here. So show this driver every courtesy, and give them plenty of space to manoeuvre for your own safety.

Toll Roads
Many, if not most, of our major routes / highways are toll roads. Charges range from R2.00 to R30.00 per vehicle. Payment at toll gates can be made with South African Rand. Major credit cards are accepted, not that this should be necessary, as these small fees translate into $5.50, €4.30, and £3 at the very most. You may then meet another toll gate later on this road.

For all emergencies dial 10111

A cellular / mobile / portable telephone can be rented on your arrival for use in South Africa during your stay at international airports, or may be even inclusive when hiring from a major car rental agency.
Phone rental rates will vary, but are usually about R12 per day, with incoming calls free, and outgoing calls billed at R3 per minute. You can also call home internationally for R15 per minute. If you stay here for one week, and use 30 minutes of air / calling time, the rental cost will approximate to $28, €22, and £15.
A small price to pay for personal security and convenience. Familiarise yourself with the operation of the telephone before undertaking any travelling. It may be different. Some phones may have short-cut key access to the 'International SOS' network, primarily for roadside assistance, usually at some additional charge for the roadside service provided at the time. Ask your provider ...

Telephone numbers in South Africa consist of an area code (3 digits, which includes the initial '0' or zero, to dial outside of your current area), and then a 123 1234 format number. From a cellular phone you will need to dial the area code even if you are within the local calling area. Our number will be 028 514 3325 from any mobile phone. Omit the '0' rom the area code if calling to South Africa from abroad.
We also use the North American-style '800' numbers for free long distance / trunk calling to companies that offer this service to their customers. In this case, dial (0800) 123 1234.

Police flashing lights are blue , as are those of other emergency vehicles, and NEVER stop or yield for flashing lights of any other colour.

Always keep your vehicle doors locked while driving or parked. Never unlock or open your doors for anyone that you do not know personally, and never pick up hitchhikers.

Keep your valuables in the boot / trunk , or in a locked glove compartment. This includes valuable cameras, portable computers, and other tourist paraphernalia of worth. Do not wear jewellery, even if it only looks real, and especially never wear expensive wrist watches. Buy a cheap-looking watch before you leave your country, and set it to our time. South African time is UTC (Universal Time Coordinated, previously known as Greenwich Mean Time or GMT) + 2 hours. Our clock time does not change with the seasons. Our rooms have electronic safes to keep your valuables secure during your stay with us.

While some of the above may seem to indicate that South Africa is not a safe place in which to drive ... this is not true. The same precautions should be taken no matter in which country you drive, particularly in urban areas. Just commonsense ... which should not be allowed to lapse just because you may be on holiday in our beautiful country. We just want to make sure that you will have the vacation of a lifetime ... and a safe one.

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