Question

I had a situation in a circle with two lanes. There are no signs in the lanes around the circle that indicate if you can turn left from that lane. Can you turn left from the inside lane of such a circle or must you go to the left/outside lane first before exiting the circle? Is there a basic rule if there is no road signs that indicate where you may or may not turn, or to go around the circle?

Answer

You must move to the outside lane to exit the circle (inside lane for continuing around the circle). Indicate your intention and move over when safe to do so. There is no basic rule apart from keep left and signal clearly when changing direction.

Question

My son is 15 years old and uses his quad bike only to drive in off road conditions and never on a public road. Do he need a drivers license for only driving in the veld. Waiting for your reply

Answer

No license is required as long as he stays off any public road at all times. Also view the content on Quad Bike Safety and Quad Bike injuries on the web site.

Question

National Road Traffic Act, 1996 refers to crossing a dual carriage road, but does not refer to a dual carriage road seperated by an island. My understanding is that one should cross over the road closest to oneself when the traffic allows for it and then enter the second, after having waited in the middle, but i cannot find any rule pertaining to this in the Road Traffic Act. Where can I get confirmation of this rule as I have a dispute with an insurer?

Answer

Regulation 297. Driving on a divided public road. (1) Whenever any public road has been divided into two or more roadways by means of an intervening space or by a physical barrier or dividing section so constructed as to impede vehicular traffic, no person shall drive a vehicle upon such public road except upon the left-hand roadway, unless directed or permitted by an appropriate road traffic sign or a traffic officer to use another roadway. (2) No person shall drive a vehicle on, over, across or within any dividing space, barrier or section referred to in subregulation (1), except through a constructed intersection: provided that no person shall so drive through such constructed intersection where such driving is prohibited by an appropriate road traffic sign or by a traffic officer: provided further that the provisions of this subregulation shall not apply to a traffic officer in the performance of his or her duties. In terms of the above, the separation can be physical (wall, ditch, poles) or space (ground, grass, road) or dividing section (painted island, lines). Regulation 299 refers to crossing after having ascertained that it is safe to do so. The bottom line here : it was illegal to cross over the division.

Question

I'm 21 and am in possession of a valid learners license for a motorbike. I was pulled over by a police officer today who asked to see my license. I obliged and was told that I can't drive my bike on a public road without a drivers for it. However its always been my understanding that I may drive on public roads so long a Im not carrying a passenger and I argued this point. The officer then replied since he is unsure he won't fine me but before I drive on the road again to get a drivers license. Being unsure I now I tried to look it up but can only fine that I may not drive with a passenger. Please clarify the rule on this for me. I don't know if I should add this in but its a 200cc bike thank you

Answer

You may drive the motorcycle on any public road with a learner's drivers license. You are correct in stating that you may not have a passenger (either pillion or in a side-car). The size of motorcycle is not an issue.

Question

I would like further information regarding impoundment of vehicles having modifications (performance filters, alloy wheels etc). I like to know what Modification are allowed to comply with the roadworthiness acts.

Answer

This is a very technical question that will be difficult to answer in writing. The BEST way of ascertaining this is by going to a local testing station - they have the data on ground clearance and vehicle emissions which will help you. We can give you the decibels but you will need to test the equipment in action so a test station is the best place to go. If you plan on doing this as a business - purchase the SABS 1047 Code which deals with roadworthiness issues.

Question

Does your drivers license or license card expire?

Answer

Yes - valid for five years. PrDP for two years.

Question

As a cyclist - are you allowed to ride on a national road?

Answer

What do you mean by a national road? No pedestrians or cyclists allowed on a freeway - BUT not all national roads are freeways. A national road is a road maintained and operated by national government (SANRAL) - common ones are N13 / N12 / N6 which are single lane roads. Perhaps you need to substantiate or add more detail to the initial request so as to assist us in answering your question.

Question

Could you tell me how to reapply for a South African drivers license from New Zealand.

Answer

Reapply?? Not sure what you mean - has it expired or has your learner's license expired? In any case you cannot do that from NZ. You can only apply for confirmation of driving details for conversion of your license to a NZ one. If your license has expired, then (in this country) you do not have a driving license and will have to reapply at the licensing authority where you last resided. You must apply for the driver's license in person in this country (eye tests, fingerprints, etc).

Question

Could I please have documentation on the laws regarding percentages of car window tinting allowed.

Answer

Regulation 202. Glass of windscreen, window and partitions (3) No person shall operate on a public road any motor vehicle - (a) unless the visible light transmittance through (i) the windscreen is at least 70 percent; and (ii) any other window is at least 35 percent.

Question

I have a Mazda Midge 2000 model and It had a front smash by a hijacked vehicle. I have given it to a a panelbeater and my front chassis is bent. The panelbeater also welded the right side control arm onto the body of the vehicle and not onto the chassis of the car. I have differing views on the safety to drive this vehicle. The panelbeater states it is safe to drive the vehicle. I personally think it is not safe. Please can you advise me.

Answer

The control arm moves up and down and pivots in a rubber mounting that is located inside a mounting bracket that is normally welded to the rigid part of the chassis/body.(The right side control arm can not be welded to the body.) This car does not have a chassis like a bakkie but has an intergrated chassis/body called a monocoque.Normally the wishbone inner mounting is welded to a strong/rigid part of the body/chassis. Moving the mounting point will also effect the suspension geometry (Wheel alignment) and will result in effected vehicle handling. I suggest that the vehicle be repaired to original condition by the panel beater before the customer accepts it back. If he is in doubt - he must take it to his nearest AA Test & Drive center for an after accident inspection report. Hope this helps