South Africa (ZA)

Urban areas (general): 60 km/h. Rural roads (general): 100 km/h. Freeways and expressways: 120 km/h unless signed otherwise. School and residential zones: posted at lower limits. Note: under the AARTO speed tolerance being implemented in 2026, fines begin 10 km/h above the posted limit — e.g., in a 60 km/h zone, fines start at 71 km/h. Cameras and speed traps are extensively deployed.

0.05 g per 100 mL blood (50mg/100mL, 0.5‰) for general drivers. 0.02 g per 100 mL (20mg/100mL) for professional drivers. First DUI offence: criminal prosecution, maximum imprisonment of 6 years and/or fine up to R120,000; mandatory licence cancellation. Note: a National Road Traffic Amendment Bill proposing zero BAC for all drivers was not yet proclaimed as of mid-2026 — the 0.05 g standard currently applies.

Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is prohibited. Fine: R500–R1,500+ under AARTO. Smart City cameras and metro police actively enforce in major cities. Hands-free is permitted.

Mandatory for all occupants in all seats. Fine: R500 per unbuckled occupant. Children under 3: must be in an appropriate child restraint where available.

Children under 3 must travel in a child restraint system (where available in the vehicle) and not in the front seat. Older children should use child seats or booster seats. Fine for non-compliance: R500. Bring ECE-certified seats — quality varies locally.

Vehicle registration and licensing are administered through the National Traffic Information System (NaTIS) via provincial/municipal registering authorities. On ownership transfer: submit the signed deed of sale, NaTIS registration certificate (motor vehicle licence), roadworthy certificate if required, both parties' green barcoded/Smart IDs or passports, and applicable fees at a registering authority. Renew the licence disc annually. Keep address details on NaTIS current.

South Africa does NOT have compulsory third-party property insurance. The Road Accident Fund (RAF) — funded by the fuel levy — covers personal injury claims, NOT vehicle or property damage. Comprehensive insurance (covering your vehicle and third-party property) is strongly recommended. Without it, a claim involving your vehicle or damage to third-party property comes entirely from your pocket. Available from Outsurance, King Price, Discovery Insure, Old Mutual Insure and others. Monthly premiums: approximately R600–R3,000+ depending on vehicle, suburb, driver age and history.

Annual vehicle licence fee (disc) is collected provincially. The rate depends on vehicle tare (weight) and province. Gauteng example: a 1,200 kg vehicle pays approximately R500–R900/year. Non-renewal is an offence. An unpaid licence disc prevents NaTIS registration renewal and links to outstanding fines checks.

A roadworthy certificate is NOT required every year for most private vehicles. It IS required: (1) At change of ownership (for certain older vehicle categories). (2) When registering a vehicle for the first time in South Africa. (3) When the vehicle has been discontinued from the NaTIS register. Testing is done at an accredited Vehicle Testing Station (VTS). Certificate fee: approximately R150–R400. Annual roadworthy is required for minibus taxis, buses and some commercial vehicles.

• •Cyclists must ride on the left side of the road (South Africa drives on the left).
• •Lights (front white, rear red) are required at night — mandatory under the National Road Traffic Act.
• •Helmets are strongly recommended — not legally mandatory for adults but the accepted safety standard in South African cycling culture.
• •Do not cycle on motorways (N-roads) or freeways.
• •Obey all traffic signals — fine and demerit points apply for violations on a bicycle.
• •Cycling under the influence of alcohol: 0.05 g/100mL BAC limit applies.
• •Ride in single file when practicable on public roads — the National Road Traffic Act requires cyclists not to ride abreast where it impedes traffic.
• •Do not carry more persons on a bicycle than it is designed to carry — carrying a passenger without a rear seat/carrier is an offence.

• •Cape Town: Constantia, Stellenbosch, Helshoogte Pass and the Cape Point route (Chapman's Peak) are world-class cycling routes.
• •Johannesburg: Modderfontein Reserve, Emmarentia Dam and Cradle of Humankind area offer safe recreational options.
• •Ride in groups for safety — solo cycling on isolated roads carries a crime risk in some areas.
• •Register your bicycle and use a quality lock plus cable — bicycle theft is significant in urban areas.
• •AA South Africa (aa.co.za) and local cycling clubs (SACA — South African Cycling Association) have route guides.