Question

When crossing an intersection into a road on the right is it illegal to go half way into the intersection while waiting for a safe opportunity to cross?

Answer

When entering an intersection (eg a four-way intersection), and you want to turn across oncoming traffic (to your right), the correct way of doing so is to move to the right-hand side of the lane (or furthest lane to the right) and to wait until it is safe to turn. This generally means moving into the intersection. Legislation states that you may not enter an intersection if your presence will endanger vehicles, block traffic or cause difficulty for other vehicles moving through the intersection. Most intersections now have "turning channels / lanes" painted in them which imply that the vehicle must be driven into the intersection. So no - it is not illegal to do so (but you need to ensure that you do not block the flow of traffic through the intersection).

Question

I would like to have information on the laws of seatbelts, and if there is any written law that states that a school may not transport children without the use of safety belts. Many thanks

Answer

The road traffic legislation (Regulation 213) states very clearly that all persons traveling in a vehicle fitted with seatbelts must wear the seatbelts. The driver is responsible for all the passengers and will be held responsible (both legally and through cause of negligence) if any of the passengers are not wearing seatbelts. The transportation of school children in a bus without seatbelts is still legal (no legislation has been promulgated which forces busses to have fitted seatbelts). The smaller busses (eg 16 to 35 seater busses) now have to have seatbelts.

Question

Please could you forward me the latest regulations regarding having a person in the horse box when towing a horse box.

Answer

A horse box is a trailer. By law you are not allowed to transport people in a trailer unless the trailer has been specifically designed for that use. A horse box is no different. There is no specific mention of a horse box in the legislation.

Question

I am looking for informaion on loading [maximum weights]a truck, 8 foot and 22m trailer

Answer

Yes, Fleetwatch can help. We have on hand a book which we publish titled Maximum Mass and Dimensions of Goods Vehicles. Please will you contact the office on 011-794-2490, ask for either Paula or Eva and ask them to get you a copy. There is a cost but it is slight. You will find all the answers you need - along with diagrams - in the book.

Question

I would like to be a member of Traffic enforcement. My qualification includes senior certificate and certificate in call Centre. I also have a valid driver's license and I have no criminal record. I am interested in protecting and serving my community.

Answer

The National Department of Transport does not employ traffic officers. The request should be directed to provincial traffic authority, metro police and local traffic authorities. Normally the posts are advertised in local and national papers.

Question

Hi I am a varsity student at UKZN and we are busy designing a light weight, low cost scooter that can provide low income South Africans with their own transportation. I have been searching through your site for two bits of info that I can't seem to find, namely; The road rules applicable to scooters and what percentage of all road accidents involve public transport (taxi's, mini buses and buses) Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Answer

All the road rules apply to scooters (are deemed to be a motor vehicle in terms of the Act). The only rules "especially" applicable will be in terms of head gear, minimum cc for use on freeway and certain local restrictions placed by traffic authorities (ie not allowed on the M1 motorway in Johannesburg). The scooter will need to be fully roadworthy, and will have to pass the SABS homologation test process. Your first step is to go to the SABS and provide your prototype for this test process as well as to register your patent with the Dept of Trade and Industry.

Question

I'm looking for information on what the traffic laws are regarding children travelling in the front seat of a car. I'm sure this is illegal for Children under 10 or under a certain weight, but i can't find any documentation to support my argument. Can you help??

Answer

Regulation 213 Seatbelts (1) For the purpose of this regulation - (a) an adult is a person older than 14 years or 1,5 metres and taller; and (b) a child is a person between the age of three years and 14 years, except where such a person is taller than one comma five metres. (6) The driver of a motor vehicle operated on a public road shall ensure that a child seated on a seat of the motor vehicle - (a) Where it is available in the motor vehicle, uses an appropriate child restraint; or (b) if no child restraint is available, wears the seatbelt if an unoccupied seat which is fitted with a seatbelt is available. (7) If no seat, equipped with a seatbelt is available in a motor vehicle the driver of the motor veicle operated on a public road shall ensure that a child shall, if such motor vehicle is equipped with a rear seat, be seated on such rear seat. (8) (a) .... (b) A child restraint shall comply with the standard specification SABS 1340 "Child restraining devices in motor vehicles" and bear a certification mark or approval mark. (11) The driver of a motor vehicle shall ensure that all persons travelling in such a motor vehicle shall wear a seat belt as contemplated in this regulation.

Question

Pease help me out. What is south africa's legal steering wheel size - for example is a steering wheel with a diameter off say 30cm legal or not?

Answer

The sizes of wheels are determined by SANS Code 10047 which details minimum sizes to vehicle types. This information is readily available at any vehicle test station.

Question

I've had no success in searching for Legislation regarding Officer's Responsibilities in properly issuing Parking Tickets. Can you help me find legislation or by-laws governing this? Specifically, the proper way in which a parking ticket should be completed and served on the Offender, by the issuing Officer.

Answer

The actual operating procedures for officers / wardens are set by their direct employers (ie the local council, etc). The NRTA does not mention who / how / what must be done in this case - only that all notices issued in regard to offences are either personally delivered or sent by registered mail for Section 54.

Question

I would like to know the emergency vehicle requirements in South Africa.

Answer

These are specific to types of use (eg fire, traffic, medical response, etc) and are available per traffic authority (eg provincial or local) from your nearest licensing authority.