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Touring South Africa by car can be a delightful experience for international tourists, and efforts are continually made to ensure visitors have both a pleasant and secure time. The country’s tourism sector is eager to showcase its stunning destinations, and the Arrive Alive website contributes by offering essential road safety advice to global travelers.
The country boasts a well-maintained road network overseen by the South African National Roads Agency [SANRAL]. Travelers will find that many major connections are toll roads, so it’s wise to check toll costs in advance and have a credit card or cash ready for payment. While highways are generally in excellent condition, be aware that rural roads may have potholes and uneven surfaces. Given the vastness of South Africa, it’s important to plan your route carefully. A reliable map should help you navigate with ease, and up-to-date road conditions can be sourced from the Automobile Association of South Africa, which also offers detailed maps and tourist accommodation guides.
For long journeys, consider breaking your trip to avoid fatigue, a common cause of accidents. Inform someone of your travel itinerary and planned overnight stops. English is the language used on all signposts, and when asking for directions, don’t be puzzled if you’re told to turn at a ‘robot’ – that’s the local term for traffic lights.
Fuel stations operate 24/7 and offer full service, including oil, water, and tyre pressure checks, with tipping at your discretion. These stations often feature eateries and restrooms, which are handy during long drives. Fuel types include leaded, unleaded, and ‘dual fuel’, and prices are government-regulated and payable in cash. When venturing into neighboring countries, be mindful that gas stations are less frequent.
Carrying an International Driver’s Permit along with your national driving license is advisable, and ensure it’s in English, especially if your license lacks a photo, in which case, carry your passport too. Rental companies may have their own license duration requirements, so check with them beforehand. Always have your documents on hand, as traffic officers will expect to see them if you’re stopped.
Remember, in South Africa, we drive on the left side of the road in right-hand drive vehicles. Overtake on the right. Distances and speed limits are in kilometers, with strict drink-driving laws enforced. At four-way stops, the first car to arrive has right of way, and at roundabouts, yield to the right, but proceed with caution. Seatbelt use is mandatory for all passengers, and using a mobile phone while driving is illegal unless you have a hands-free setup.
The general speed limit is 120km/h on highways and 100km/h on rural roads, with a 60km/h limit in urban areas. Always adhere to the posted limits and reduce speed in poor weather or congested traffic.
For personal safety, keep doors locked and windows up, especially at traffic lights. Never pick up hitchhikers, and avoid leaving valuables in plain view in an unattended car. Park in well-lit, busy areas, heed local advice on safe areas, and avoid confrontations with aggressive drivers. Night travel and remote areas are best avoided, and be wary of obstacles placed on roads by thieves.
Before setting out, ensure your vehicle is in top condition. Check your car daily, planning your route to avoid unnecessary stops. Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle ahead and use headlights in low visibility. Heed road signs, especially in rural areas where animals may be on the road, and be cautious of wildlife crossings, particularly at dusk.
In emergencies, assistance is available through these numbers:
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For mobile users, 112 also connects to emergency services.
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The speed limit on a road in South Africa is normally specified by a sign alongside that road. If no sign is present, then the general speed limits are: 60km/h on every public road in an urban area. 100km/h on every public road situated outside an urban area excluding a freeway. 120km/h on every freeway.
South Africa is a country where paying a traffic fines is not an option but a necessity. No matter if a motorist speeds past the speed limit on a highway or runs at 100km per hour through the suburbs, they will know they are violating the law and must pay the penalty.
All South African drivers are required to have a credit card format driving licence. This is automatically issued when a new driver receives a licence. The credit card style driving licence expires five years from the date on which it was issued. The expiry date appears on the card. Before the card expires, you should apply for a new card. The credit card style driving licence expires five years from the date on which it was issued.
It can be frustrating to lose your driver’s licence. Knowing what to do to get it replaced as soon as possible is essential. If you are familiar with the steps, replacing a driver’s license in South Africa can be quite simple. This article will give you a detailed guide to replacing a South African driver’s licence.
The credit card style driving licence expires five years from the date on which it was issued.
South African car owners must have insurance. Car insurance is required by law for all motorists. It provides financial protection in the event of an accident. It can be difficult to find the right car insurance policy in South Africa, given all of the options. We will walk you through how to apply for South African car insurance. The credit card style driving licence expires five years from the date on which it was issued.
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