Driving In South Africa

This page provides the basic rules of the road for driving in Greece.

Telephone Numbers
Emergency Services:

Police	10111
Fire	10111
Ambulance	10117

If you are calling from a mobile you can also get emergency services by dialling 112. The international dialling code for South Africa is 09.

Speed Limits

Motorways	120kph/74mph
Open roads	100kph/62mph
Built-up areas	60kph/37mph

Speeds limits may vary so check signs when driving.

Toll Information
It has been confirmed that there are a number of roads with tolls throughout South Africa as many of the roads have been invested in privately, however we currently hold no information on the locations of these roads.

General Tips and Road Information
Urban road conditions are good but rural roads are generally poor and not lit. Driving licences and maintenance of vehicles are not under rigorous control, and many drivers travel at high speeds.

Parking:
Parking must always be done with the front of the car facing in the direction of the traffic flow, on the nearside of the road.

Mobile Phones:
In South Africa it is illegal to hold a mobile phone whilst driving.

Fuel:
Petrol/Fuel Stations are open 24 hours but are only to be found in a few major centres.  They are manned by attendants who can also check oil, water and tyre pressure if required.  Gratuities for this service are at your own discretion. There are three types of fuel available, leaded, and unleaded and ‘dual fuel’ which can be used in place of either; all must be purchased with cash not cards, prices are fixed and controlled by the government.
Fuel Octane ratings by region are as follows:

• Gauteng and Mpumalanga : 93 or 95
• Kwazulu – Natal : 97 or 95
• Western & Eastern Cape: 97 or 95

Traffic lights:
Often referred to in South Africa as 'Robots'. When approaching traffic lights, green denotes ‘go’, but it is advisable to slow down and check for traffic before proceeding. If you are turning right at a green light the approaching traffic has right of way, wait for a clear road before proceeding. An amber traffic light means you must slow down and stop. A flashing green arrow means you may proceed in the direction that the arrow is pointing. A flashing red arrow on your left means you may turn in the direction of the arrow as long as the road is clear of other traffic. A continuous red or green arrow means you may proceed in the direction of the arrow with caution.

Roundabouts:
Always give way at roundabouts, vehicles on the roundabout and approaching it from the right have right of way, don’t proceed until there are no vehicles approaching from the right.

Requirements

Minimum driving age:
The minimum age for driving in South Africa is 18.

Driving Licences:
An International Driver's Permit carried in conjunction with your national driving licence is recommended and must be printed or authenticated in English. Always make sure documentation is carried with you at all times when driving. Police officers will expect to see documentation if they stop you for any reason. Offer the IDP first, as the officer may need to retain it, thereby leaving you with your national driver's licence with which to continue your journey.
Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland licences are valid.

Seatbelts:
All occupants of a vehicle are required to wear seatbelts whilst travelling, if you are caught without you will be subject to a fine.

Children in the front seat:
The minimum age for a child in the front seat is 12 years old.

Motorcycles:
Motorcyclists must wear a helmet.

Useful Links and Further Information
If you are planning to rent a car during your visit we recommend Hertz Car Rental South Africa.