Question

We have a 12-seater minibus at our school. We transport learners to sports events and other functions. We do not charge any money for using the minibus. Do the educators need a special licence to drive the vehicle?

Answer

The regulations states the driver of a vehicle designed to convey 12 or more persons (including the driver) must be in possession of a valid professional driving permit (PrDP)for category P. So your educators need a PrDP. Remember even if the driver is alone he or she has to have a PrDP as the regulation states 'designed to carry'.

Question

I would like to start a driving school, and require all the information I may need on how to legally register the driving school. I request that I be assisted in this regard.

Answer

At this stage you need to hold a valid instructors certificate. There is no registration of driving schools with Dept of Transport as yet. I would suggest that you go to your local licensing authority (where they issue vehicle licenses and driver licenses) and ask about the process (as it is different in each town / authority).

Question

I would like to know whether a Golf Cart is allowed on public roads. I am on the local Golf Club Committee and there appears to be some confusion as some say yes and other say no.

Answer

Absolutely not allowed on public roads. The only concession is that you may CROSS the road (or travel alongside the road for no longer than 1km should there be no other access to the course) I would like to know whether a Golf Cart is allowed on public roads. I am on the local Golf Club Committee and there appears to be some confusion as some say yes and other say no.

Question

Could you please tell me what is the maximum width and length of a boat that you may tow behind your vehicle in South Africa.

Answer

This is not a straight forward answer (without having the details of the vehicles you wish to use). Total length is restricted to 22m, but this can be affected by the GVM of the trailer and type of trailer to be towed. Maximum width is 2, 5 meters (but there are exceptions). I have included a table to assist you: http://www.arrivealive.co.za/documents/Boat_Dimensions.jpg

Question

Could you please advise as to the road rules for electrical-powered scooters? In these times of high petrol prices, I'd like to use a less expensive and more eco-friendly version of transport, but would like to know the rules, dos and don'ts of the situation.

Answer

The electric scooters are imported as toys and may not be operated on a public road (including public sidewalks). In the event that a manufacturer or importer obtains approval from the SABS to import the scooters as vehicles the operator will be required to be in possession of a valid code A or A1 vehicle depending on the capacity of the scooter.

Question

Please can someone advise me what is the rule regarding learner drivers? Are they allowed to drive alone with a valid learners license?

Answer

A learner driver must be accompanied by a licensed driver. The licensed driver must be seated next to or directly behind the learner driver. In addition should the vehicle require the driver to have a professional driving permit PrDP (e.g. heavy load vehicle, heavy passenger vehicle, a minibus designed to carry more than 12 persons including the driver or a breakdown vehicle) the licensed driver must be in possession of a valid PrDP.

Question

We are in the business of manufacturing custom built motorcycles. Can you tell me where I can get information regarding the actual legal roadworthy requirements for a motorcycle?? For example - do the switches for the indicators, lights, hooter etc have to be mounted on the handlebars??? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Answer

The information is available from the SABS (they sell the documentation). This will be either SABS 047 or the renamed version SANS 10047.

Question

Please advise contact person to assist with speed fine installment arrangement to be made

Answer

You cannot make installment payments however, traffic fines are currently managed at local authority level. It may be possible for you to arrange an installment payment with the authorities that issued the fines. The AARTO is the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences. It is a system of regulations and procedures that aims to decriminalize lesser road traffic offences (offences will not be subjected to judicial processes). It will also standardise the management of traffic offences nationally. Installment payments will be definitely be part of the AARTO.

Question

I need some clarification regarding the BMT lane in Cape Town. I'm a disabled driver; vehicle has been converted for me to be able to drive it via hands/arms. A lot of people say that I'm allowed in the BMT lane forwards Cape Town. Is this true? I do make use of the lane occasionally as the traffic becomes too heavy for me to drive within the normal lanes. Is it possible to tell me if I'm allowed in the BMT lane and if allowed, where do I need to get approval to make use of the lane?

Answer

The allocation of BMT lanes within a Metropolitan or Local Council authority is done on request by the Council and with approval from the MEC concerned. The process is: Apply for the permission to use from the local Council. They will decide on the matter.

Question

I am part of a Toyota club that is represented mostly by 1300cc Conquests/ Tazzes. I would like a copy of the regulations in regards to what modifications are legal & what is not. We are mostly interested in cosmetic changes to the vehicle (e.g. rims, lights, tinted windows, etc) as we are more into show & shine competitions as opposed to drag racing. Mostly, these are our everyday cars. Do I have the right person in this regard? If not, do you perhaps know who I can contact with this regard?

Answer

The SABS 047 is the standard for the roadworthiness of vehicles and SABS 1046 is the standard for lights on motor vehicles. It is obtainable from the SABS. For more information you can visit their website. www.sabs.co.za.