Traffic and Driving a Car
in South Africa

Photo on top: The Minibus taxi is the backbone of public transport in South Africa. Up to 14 persons are crammed in. Many of the busses are old and badly maintained. And they provide music with thumping rhythms from powerful hi-fi's. The driving style is often rackless and the bus drivers don't mind forcing their right of way. Particularly dangerous is the sudden stopping, when they spot a potential passenger at the side of the road. Be on your alert.

Petrol Stations in South Africa
South Africa disposes of a dense network of petrol stations, many of them open around the clock. Because there are many old cars on the South African roads, leaded petrol is still sold. Newer cars fill up with "Unleaded". Different from Europe, the filling-up is always done by a petrol station attendant, who also handles payment. If he gives some extra service like cleaning your windscreen, he expects a tip of at least 2 Rand. The price of petrol lies at about 6,50 Rand/litre. Only cash is accepted for payment, neither cheques nor credit cards.

Using a Cellphone in the Car
It is forbidden to use a cellphone while driving a car, unless you have a hands-free set.

Speed Limits in South Africa
There are speed limits on all roads in South Africa: in towns 60 km/h, on a provincial road 100 km/h and on a freeway 120 km/h. Speed controls are not as frequent as in European countries. Expect them in the vicinity of towns. If caught, the fine for violating the speed limit is heavy.

Overtaking on a National Roads
South African National Roads (freeways) often only have one lane in each direction and a broad shoulder lane on each side. It is normal practice to give way to faster travelling vehicles and make overtaking easier for them by changing to the left shoulder lane. The driver of the overtaking car expresses his gratitude by briefly flashing the hazard lights.