South Africa Driving Information

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CAR HIRE DRIVING DISTANCES IN SOUTH AFRICA

• Cape Town to Port Elizabeth - 760 kms (9 hrs)
• Cape Town to George - 440 kms (5 hrs)
• Johannesburg to Durban - 580 kms (6 hrs)
• Johannesburg to Pretoria - 60 kms (40 mins)

LICENCE REQUIREMENTS

A full valid driver's licence is required for a minimum of 2 years. An International Drivers Licence is reccommended for New Zealand drivers licence holders.

AGE RESTRICTIONS

Generally the minimum age is 21 years, but can vary between the car hire company and location. Maximum age limits apply in some locations, a young/senior driver surcharge may apply. Please check Terms and Conditions when making an enquiry or booking.

RULES, LAWS AND REGULATIONS

General driving rules, laws and regulations in South Africa;

• Vehicles drive on the left hand side of the road.
• Pass others on the right hand side of the road.
• Mobile phones are prohibited while driving.
• All occupants of the vehicle must wear a seat belt.
• It is advised that all doors and windows are locked when parked and while driving.
• Drivers are to carry at all times while driving, a valid drivers licence, registration documents and insurance documents.

EQUIPMENT

Whilst there are no laws regarding equipment you must carry with you in the vehicle, it is important to make sure you are prepared for whatever driving conditions you may endure.

CHILD SAFETY SEATS

Children under the age of 12 years of age should ride in the back seats of the vehicle wearing a seatbelt or using an appropriate child seat.

SPEED LIMITS

Speed checks are often carried out by police using radars, speed traps are also used regularly. Below are the speed limits in South Africa, unless signed otherwise:

• Urban Areas (built up areas): 60km/h
• Rural Areas (outside towns): 100km/h
• Motorways: 120km/h

DRINK DRIVING

Driving under the influence is illegal, any one found to be over the blood alcohol content (BAC) limit of 0.02mg/100ml will be fined and may be arrested.

TOLLS

There are a number of South African National Roads where tolls exist. Tolls are payable by cash, credit cards (South African issued), Garage Cars or Petrol Cars (South African issued), Fleet Cars (South African issued).

ROAD SIGNS

If you understood the road signs in the European Countries, understanding the signs in South Africa shouldn't be a problem. Although some signs are quite unique within the country with differences such as colour, shape, typeface or arrows.

• Regulatory Signs are used to indicate a regulation applicable in the interests of road safety, such as traffic signals, stop signs, speed limits signs or yield signs.
• Warning Signs are used to warn drivers of potential hazards or dangerous situations along the road way.
• Information Signs provide assistance to motorists on navigation's around South Africa's road network and attractions.
• Road Markings painted on the road surface, generally in white, yellow or red like road signs must be followed.

PARKING

As a general rule, it is always considered best to park in a multi-story or a shopping centre / store car park. Most of these will be barrier-entry with a pay-by-ticket system, and will have security staff on duty in the car parks. If you park on the street, most parking is charged, and some may have coin meters for each bay, with a timer system, so make sure you have the coins to pay. Some bays will be pay and display. If you're parking on the streets, always look for a parking bay. And bear in mind that in South Africa it's illegal to park facing in the wrong direction so if you see a bay on the right hand side of the road, you can't cross over and park facing the traffic.

VISA INFORMATION

Visa, passport and entry requirements for New Zealanders visiting South Africa:

• New Zealand passport holders do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. Contact the High Commission for the Republic of South Africa for additional information regarding visas.
• A valid passport is required, with at-least 30 days validity from the date of departure from South Africa.
• A return/onward travel ticket/itinerary is required.

WINTER DRIVING

There is no legal requirement for the use of snow tires or snow chains. However, driving in winter conditions may be hazardous for the unprepared driver. Although South Africa is not as well known for extreme winter, such conditions may be extremely hazardous and many drivers might need to consider driving in situations where they do not feel confident.