Guide to Driving In South Africa - Drive Safe in South Africa

URBAN SPEED LIMIT

60 kph

More info

RURAL SPEED LIMIT

100 kph

More info

motorway speed limit

120 kph

More info

Drink Drive Limit

50mg

More info

You drive in South Africa on the Left side

The currency in South Africa is ZAR

To rent a car is 18 years and to drive is 18 years of age

Current fuel price in South Africa 1.09 €/Ltr

Driving Laws in South Africa

Drive Smart South Africa

Profile:

Name: South Africa

Capital: Bloemfontein, Cape Town, Pretoria

Currency: ZAR

SPEED: (kph)

Urban: 60

Rural: 100

Highway: 120

Holiday:

Monday 27 Jan 2025

Isra and Mi'raj - Muslim

Cameras:

Fixed: YES

Mobile: YES

FUEL:

Petrol: 1.09

Diesel: 1.13

EUR/Litre

See World Fuel Prices for full statistics

DRIVE:

On the:

LEFT

See Which Countries Drive on the LEFT

MIN AGE:

Drive: 18

Rent: 18

DRINK:

50mg

Blood alcohol content

EMERGENCY:

10111

DOCUMENT:

Driving License:

Passport:

IDP:

Registration:

Insurance:

PHONES:

Yes

Hands free only

SEATBELTS:

Front: Yes

Rear: Yes

See here for current child seats law in South Africa

Are there any special requirements for driving or hiring a car in South Africa?

Driving is on the left with right hand side drive vehicles. Roads are generally good and you may not necessarily need a 4x4 in South Africa. You may find yourself driving very long distances in South Africa so make sure you stop frequently as fatigue is the main cause of road accidents. Also refuel regularly as in the country, fuel stations are few and far between. The Automobile Association of South Africa is the best source of up to date road information.

Seat BeltsDocumentsDriving AgeSafety Camera DevicesOn the spot finesChild SafetyInsuranceDrinking and DrivingPolice Car

Rules of the road

Towing RegulationsSpeed LimitsSpeed CamerasPhones when drivingTraffic LightsToll Roads

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Emergency Services Numbers

Police: 10 111

Fire: 10 177

Ambulance: 10 177

Notes:

	Diesel	Unleaded
Jan , 2025	€ 1.13	€ 1.09
Dec , 2024	€ 1.16	€ 1.12
Nov , 2024	€ 1.11	€ 1.10
Oct , 2024	€ 1.10	€ 1.08

Parking Information

Parking regulations

Parking regulations

You must always park facing the same direction as the traffic. You cannot park on a yellow line nor stop or park on a red line. You mustn't park on the pavement nor within five metres of a junction or intersection.

Paid parking

There is limited free parking in any of the cities and invariably you'll find you have to park on a meter or in a garage. Parking rates are reasonable so in most cases there's not too much point driving around looking for free spaces.

Enforcement

There are parking officers and traffic wardens in South Africa. First you will get a parking ticket and if you don't move your car within a reasonable time, you'll have it clamped or towed away. As well as paying the towing fee and fine you'll also pay a release fee and a 'pound' rate for holding your car.

Disabled parking

Whilst there's no reason why they shouldn't, it's unlikely you'll find that your home country's disability parking badge will be accepted in South Africa. The country has its own scheme but even then doesn't always accept badges from neighbouring authorities.

Emergency Information

Police: 10 111

Fire: 10 177

Ambulance: 10 177

The number is 10111 for police and fire services and 10177 for medical services. If you break down use the number given to you by your car hire company

The British Embassy is located at 255 Hill Street, Arcadia, Pretoria and has the phone number 27 12 421-7500.

The American Embassy is located at 877 Pretorius Street, Arcadia, Pretoria and has the phone number 27 12 431-4000. The emergency medical company Netcare can be called on 082911.

Emergency SOS Phone Booth in South Africa

Emergency SOS Phone Booth in South Africa

What to do in an emergency

To avoid potential emergencies, do not pick up hitch hikers or offer assistance to broken down vehicles. Always leave your car parked in a safe and well lit spot. You may want to consult local knowledge about some areas which are best avoided.

Driving at night you should always be aware that there may be vehicles on the road without proper lights such as bicycles.

Animals in the road are also something to watch out for and these can vary from domestic animals like cows to wild animals such as baboons and antelope. If someone is leading animals across the road and request you to stop you must do so. Do not ever try to feed wild animals.

The following advice is only recommended and not statutory. If you have a warning triangle, display it 30m from the scene of the emergency. Move all people to the side of the road and call the emergency services. Don't move any of the vehicles until the police arrive. Take photographs of the scene plus any injuries where possible.If you are involved in the accident don’t move your car till the police arrive. Turn on your hazard lights.

Handy Guides

World Driving Guides

Drive Smart

Road Signs

See all road signs in South Africa here.

Handy Phrases

Traffic lights – Robots

Rand – South African currency

Heita - Hello

Dirt roads – Usually safe to drive on at a reduced speed.

Garage card - For buying fuel, otherwise its cash only.

A small hill - Koppie

Phone call – Tinkle

I have broken down - My motor het gebreuk

Where is the police station? - Waar is die polisiestasie?

I have a flat tyre - Ek het 'n pap band

I have been in an accident - Ek was in 'n ongeluk

Where is? - Waar is?

Where can I buy petrol? - Waar Kan ek petrol koop?

South Africa Fuel Price History

	Diesel	Unleaded
Jan , 2025	€ 1.13	€ 1.09
Dec , 2024	€ 1.16	€ 1.12
Nov , 2024	€ 1.11	€ 1.10
Oct , 2024	€ 1.10	€ 1.08
Sep , 2024	€ 1.12	€ 1.10
Aug , 2024	€ 1.14	€ 1.13
Jul , 2024	€ 1.18	€ 1.17
Jun , 2024	€ 1.16	€ 1.18
May , 2024	€ 1.35	€ 1.26
Apr , 2024	€ 1.24	€ 1.23
Mar , 2024	€ 1.23	€ 1.18
Feb , 2024	€ 1.18	€ 1.13

Month, Year	Diesel €/ltr	Unleaded €/ltr
Jan , 2025	1.13	1.09
Dec , 2024	1.16	1.12
Nov , 2024	1.11	1.10
Oct , 2024	1.10	1.08
Sep , 2024	1.12	1.10
Aug , 2024	1.14	1.13
Jul , 2024	1.18	1.17
Jun , 2024	1.16	1.18
May , 2024	1.35	1.26
Apr , 2024	1.24	1.23
Mar , 2024	1.23	1.18
Feb , 2024	1.18	1.13

Hiring a Car

With our Drive Smart guide you're fully prepared to hire a car in South Africa and stay safe on unfamiliar roads.

Posted by Phil Partridge

About the Author -

Travel writer, car rental guru, Phil has rented cars all over the world and shares his knowledge and experience on the Rhinocarhire.com Blog. Favourite country to visit: France.

Visitor Comments

30/10/2018
Raleigh

One thing about the speed limits; I think you wanna say kmh since kms is more like an astronomic speed.
30/10/2018
Colin Nelson

I am from South Africa. The following phrases are not correct. I have restructure it: I have broken down - My motor het gebreuk I have been in an accident - Ek was in 'n ongeluk Where can I buy petrol? - Waar kan ek petrol koop?

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Guide to Driving In South Africa - Drive Safe in South Africa

URBAN SPEED LIMIT

RURAL SPEED LIMIT

motorway speed limit

Drink Drive Limit

Driving Laws in South Africa

Are there any special requirements for driving or hiring a car in South Africa?

(Click to enlarge)

Rules of the road

Send to friend

Parking Information

Parking regulations

Emergency Information

What to do in an emergency

Handy Guides

World Driving Guides

Road Signs

Handy Phrases

South Africa Fuel Price History

Hiring a Car

About the Author -

Visitor Comments

Raleigh

Colin Nelson