Question

Can you please send information about the Road Traffic Act regulations regarding hearing impaired bus drivers whose hearing had been corrected with bilateral hearing aids. Could such a driver apply and qualify for a public driving permit?

Answer

A person is not disqualified from holding a drivers licence just because the individual may be hearing impaired (ie deaf) Section 15 1 (f) (vii) any other disease or physical defect ...... provided that deafness shall not itself be deemed to be such a defect Regulation 117 (b)refers to the above Section when dealing with disqualification for holding a PrDP as well as the Form MC which needs to be completed by a medical practitioner. In the Form MC deafness and the use of hearing aids is noted and the medical practitioner has to make a determination as to whether the level of the disability (defect) will cause the vehicle to be driven unsafely in public. In the end it is the OPINION of the medical practitioner as to whether the condition of the driver will be cause for unsafe driving. The answer is thus : NO deafness and the use of hearing aids DOES NOT preclude / disqualify a person from holding a PrDP (on condition that the opinion of the medical practitioner that it is safe for the individual to drive a vehicle).

Question

Please advise the speed limit on an onramp to a highway.

Answer

I assume you are referring to an onramp onto a FREEWAY. Freeways are proclaimed at 120kph. The onramp is used to accelerate onto the freeway so that you enter the freeway at one of two speeds: 1) If the freeway (left-hand lane) is empty, you must enter the lane at a maximum of 120kph and a minimum of 40kph; 2) If the lane has vehicles in it, you must enter the lane at the same speed as being traveled by the vehicles in that lane. The onramp is not restricted to 60kph as is commonly thought. It is an acceleration ramp onto the freeway. The off-ramp has exactly the opposite use. Leave the freeway at a maximum speed of 120kph (or at the speed of the vehicles traveling in the left-hand lane) and decelerate down to the posted speed.

Question

I have noticed that HID (xenon) lamps are being sold as aftermarket accessories for cars that do not have them as original equipment. Is this legal? My understanding is that cars that come out with factory fitted xenon lamps also have automatic levelling mechanisms to avoid blinding oncoming drivers. The aftermarket kits do not have this feature.

Answer

If what you state is correct, then the matter relates to two issues (1) non-OEM (original equipment fitted by manufacturer) equipment and (b) road-worthiness of the vehicle in terms of positioning of the dipped beam of the main driving lights. In both instances, the Act requires that any non-manufacturer (non-original) items of equipment that are fitted to a vehicle, and which may affect the handling, control and operation of the vehicle, require that the vehicle be presented at a vehicle test station to test the relevant equipment for compliance with the roadworthiness requirements (for example, this will include steering wheels, braking systems, exhaust systems, tyres and rims outside the manufacturers specifications, lamps and lighting devices, suspension, etc). Note: the above examples are not exhaustive. The position of the dipped beams of the main lights is important and (although very uncommon) drivers / owners of vehicles can be prosecuted for incorrectly set driving lamps. In finality to your question: NO, there is no specific reference to these bulbs (or type of lamps) in this scenario. Reference is only to height of lamps above road surface, number of lamps, colour of lamps and the setting of the dipped beam. Please contact us again should you require further information or need further clarity.

Question

I am a student at the University Of Free State and I was given a ticket by an officer of the SAPS. I was driving alone at 03:00am coming from one of my usual study sessions, and I used a stop sign as a yield sign as I thought I was well within the Law. My Question is- was I not within the Law to treat a stop sign as a yield sign at that time of the night. And if I am wrong, doesn't this ticket violate my basic human right of preserving your life?

Answer

Generally - an SAPS member cannot give you a traffic ticket. He will have to open a case of reckless and negligent driving (he probably issued a SAPS J351). This results in a case being opened. No - you may not ignore a stop sign at any stage / time. Sorry.

Question

I want to know if it is illegal to drive barefoot in South Africa?

Answer

It is not an offence. It is safer driving barefoot than with very high (long) and thin stilettos (can get caught) or with huge boots (can depress two pedals at the same time. Wet plakkies are also a danger to slip off pedals.

Question

What is the law relating to hooting inappropriately? Is it an offence?

Answer

Hooting - used to sound a warning to other road users (particularly pedestrians). No direct reference to use or when not to use in the Act – or any reference to prosecution for incorrect or excessive use.

Question

If I wish to lay a complaint against a driver for belligerent behaviour on the road, how do I go about it?

Answer

Best is to register as a Voluntary traffic observer with the National Traffic Call Centre. Information on this is available on the Arrive Alive website under the section Call Centre. These reports can be made via telephone or on-line from the Arrive Alive website

Question

The rules relating to roundabouts seem to be a source of confusion and frustration, and I am concerned that this matter of driver education has become so neglected. I am perplexed by the number of drivers (including metered taxi drivers) that seem to believe that the rule at a roundabout is a "first-to-come-goes-first" (as for a four-way stop), and are angered by simple low-traffic situations where they must give way to someone already in the roundabout. I have experienced beligerence from drivers, mainly hooting, but including barging into the roundabout assuming they have right of way. My understanding is that the law is to give way to anyone in the roundabout. My questions: - Is there a simple definitive reference on this that I can use in persuading misled fellow drivers?

Answer

There are only two styles of "circles" in use - no "round-abouts". Traffic Circle - large circle without speed humps preceding circle or at entrance, normally of two lanes or more running clockwise around the centre island. Sometimes can be a painted island, more often than not a very large circle. Usually used in heavy flow areas where the speeds are between 60 and 80 kph. This circle requires all vehicles approaching and wanting to enter the circle to give way to the right, to enter the circle and to indicate lane changes and the points of exit. Mini-circle - a small circle with yield signs at the entrances and speed humps. Usually used in side streets or residential areas where the speed is between 40 and 30 kph. Vehicles must give way to a vehicle already in the circle - and vehicles that reach (cross) the yield line FIRST have right of way (not give way to the right). Generally replace stop streets in an effort to enhance traffic flow - two vehicles traveling in opposite directions may continue through the circle without stopping. Indicators must still be used. Common courtesy and manners is required in both types of circle.

Question

Please could you forward examples of reflector tapes on trucks and bakkies

Answer

Regulation 192A The following vehicles must have contour marking (side and rear) *Goods vehicles GVM exceeding 10 000 kg; *Goods vehicles with length exceeding 6,0m; *Trailers GVM exceeding 3 500kg; *All new trailers & buses from 01 July 2004; *All bus & trailers from 01 January 2006. The reflective material needs to be placed along the length and width of the vehicle. [img]http://www.arrivealive.co.za/images/TheExpert.jpg[/img]

Question

I am a public prosecutor. I need to obtain a copy or possibly download a copy of the driving instructors training manual.

Answer

There is no Driving Instructor's Training Manual available from the Dept of Transport as yet. The regulation of driving schools was only due for implementation from 2008 and the Department was busy developing materials for that (including a standard driving instructor's course and related materials). This has not been completed as yet. The only standardised manual is the K53 Manual (System of Vehicle Control) which details the actions the driver has to perform to be deemed competent for a licence. The training of Examiners of Driver's Licences does exist - but the manuals are in relation to examination - not training learner drivers.