What are the roads like in South Africa?
National roads in South Africa are in good condition, however, in more
rural areas expect pot-holes as the road surfaces tend to be of poor
quality. Main roads are maintained by the South African National Roads
Agency and generally the road infrastructure is good.
What are the drivers like in South Africa?
Aggressive driving is a serious problem in South Africa. It's advisable
to drive cautiously at all times. It might seem excessive, but the best
plan of action is to follow the rules of the road and keep your distance.
The majority of car accidents in South Africa are down to the culture
of aggressive driving by excessive speeding, disobeying traffic signals
and cutting up other drivers on the road.
What are the best times to drive?
Weekends and during the day outside of rush-hour is the best time to
be on the roads. In and around Cape Town, rush-hour can start in the
morning around 06:00 and 16:00 in the evening. Take extra precautions
when driving at night. It's generally advisable to avoid driving at
night, whenever possible.
What are the driving laws?
It is compulsory to wear seatbelts in both the front and rear seats
of the vehicle. Anyone caught not wearing a seatbelt while travelling
will incur a fine. The first to arrive at a four-way-stop intersection
has priority. Drivers approaching roundabouts must give way to the right
- although this rule is commonly ignored, so be sure to proceed with
caution. You cannot use a mobile handset for calls, texts or internet
while driving as this is against the law. It is recommended to use a
hands-free kit if you want to speak on your mobile phone whilst driving.