The festive season is done and dusted, but there are people who are preparing to go on holiday as they prefer going on holiday when it is less busy.
South Africa has an excellent road network, flanked by spectacular scenery.
This makes self-driven holidays a popular means of touring and exploring the country.
We often take it for granted that we know all the rules of the road as regular drivers, but you might just have forgotten a few basic and standard rules.
Below are some tips and basic road rules to prepare you for your self-drive holiday.
Fundamental reminder:
- South Africans drive on the left side of the road.
- The legal driving age is 18.
- Keep safe following distances at all times.
- Don’t drink and drive.
- Avoid speeding on all roads.
- It is illegal to operate a mobile phone whilst driving.
- It is illegal to drive without a seat belt.
- Any valid driver’s licence is accepted in South Africa, provided it bears the photograph and signature of the holder and is printed in English.
- Many of the national roads across South Africa are toll roads. Confirm the toll fees before you leave, and make sure that you have either a credit card or cash to pay. Toll fares for light passenger vehicles vary from R2.50 to R61 per toll plaza – you may pass through three or four of these before you reach your destination.
- Animals in rural areas. Roads running through the country’s rural areas may not be fenced, and as a result livestock, dogs and wildlife can wander onto the road. These are particularly hazardous at night. Take note of road signs warning you of animals crossing the road.
Information and tips sourced from: Drive South Africa.
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