Question

[b][/b] I would like to present an ad campaign concept to your company. I understand that you have an agency that fulfils your advertising needs and as a partner in an agency, I appreciate that there is a contract involved. However, I am not attempting to marginalize your agency in any way. I simply have a creative concept that could work in conjunction with what you are currently doing. [b]

Answer

[/b] Thanks for your interest in road safety. Like you correctly stated we do have an Advertising Agency that assist us. We will be happy to look at your proposal and the angle that you want to introduce for our advertising campaign. I should point out to you that unfortunately, if we are to re-imburse you for your service, normal procurement procedures have to be followed and applied. In other words, we will have to call other companies to give them briefs to enable them to quote. If there is no monetary expectation we will proceed along the lines you are suggesting. If not, we will have to think careful about how we engage you bearing in mind procurement requirement.

Question

[b][/b] I would like to find out, how come you do not do advertisements regarding driver courtesy? Drivers in SA have forgotten that all vehicles come with indicators and that they are in a vehicle for a reason to indicate when someone is changing lanes or turning. [b]

Answer

[/b] I must point that somehow we do cover that area through our messages of "let's share the roads responsibly or the road environment is a public space that must be shared by all road users". We do encourage courteous behavior as we know that the opposite could lead to road rage and other unbecoming behavior on our roads. Those messages are carried through radio, print and television interviews that we normally do. Yes, we have not done an above the line advert on the said theme, but nonetheless we do cover that aspect through public relations activities. Our advertising normally focuses on the following themes: alcohol, pedestrian safety, seat belts and speed.

Question

[b] [/b] The "bakkie" is not, and will never be used to carry passengers for reward. My reason for wanting seats with seat belts in the goods/load compartment is for taking friends/family (for no reward) for game viewing etc. I have taken measurements of the goods/load compartment and I am in compliance of the minimum height of sides/depth/seating area. Is there any law prohibiting me from doing this (noting that it is not for reward)? [b]

Answer

[/b] My understanding: you wish to modify the load area of your bakkie for seating for passengers (within the full requirements of the law) for recreation / incidental use. Will these seats be permanently fixed to the vehicle - or only fitted at certain times for the use as stated? If they are fixed as required (bolts as specified), have seatbelts and ensure safety of the people transported - then you will be fine. Ensure that the roll bar is strong and large enough to prevent injury should the vehicle roll (SABS standards). Check with your insurance (short-term) for these and any other issues. Thus, you vehicle fitted with these seats (not for gain) as required by the law, and stopped by a traffic officer, will not be deemed illegal. Please note that we are in the process of amending legislation to require a vehicle carrying passengers in the load area to travel at a maximum of 80 kph (this will probably be effected from some time in 2007 should all processes be met) and in the future a total ban on carrying passengers in the load area of a vehicle might be imposed (this is probably far in the future).

Question

[b][/b] I would like to find out where I can apply to have a permit to have flashing lights and a siren on my vehicle. [b]

Answer

[/b] The Act is very specific in terms of the classes of vehicles that are allowed to fit differently coloured flashing lamps (lights) and sirens: 1) Emergency vehicles (fire, ambulance, doctors, life support, response) 2) Police vehicles (SAPS, Traffic, MP's) 3) Breakdown / construction vehicles (no sirens) 4) Security companies (no sirens) You need to fall into one of these categories - proof and application made to your nearest traffic registering authority where a permit will be issued.

Question

[b] [/b] We would greatly appreciate you advising whether this ruling will apply to American Diplomats who do not use South African driving licenses but utilize their driver's licenses which are issued in America. On the basis of reciprocity between South Africa and the United States of America, the driver's licenses issued in America are valid on the basis of reciprocity for utilization by them on South African Roads while their serve the American Government and as official "guests" of the South African Government. American Diplomats do not enjoy immunity for traffic offenses and all. Such unfortunate claims when and if they happen are fully honored. However, our concern and question is - how will the demerit system apply to the Diplomatic Corps in South Africa? We would greatly appreciate you providing clarification on this new demerit system to be piloted in June 2007 in Tshwane will be applied to the Diplomatic Community. [b]

Answer

[/b] In terms of the operating of diplomatic vehicles, the points will be allocated in two instances: 1) to the identified driver personally (a registered and identified individual will be nominated by the Diplomatic mission concerned). When this individual reaches the maximum points, then he/she will not be permitted to drive in this country. This will not affect the home country licence. If apprehended driving whilst under suspension or cancellation, the offender will be prosecuted according to the law of this country. 2) to the registered operator / owner of the vehicle. Thus, if the Diplomatic mission continues to allow bad driving / illegal driving, then the mission will be dealt with in terms of the law of this country and be suspended from operating vehicles. In all instances, as the vehicles have diplomatic plates, this process will be followed. Individuals of a diplomatic mission who use vehicles with local registrations (ie non-diplomatic plates) will also follow the same route.

Question

[b] [/b] What is the law with regard to having one's drivers' license on his/her person while driving? If I do not have my license with me, what is the procedure? [b]

Answer

[/b] You are required by law to carry the licence. If you do not have it on you, you will be fined for driving without an appropriate licence / alternatively fined for not carrying (having) your licence with you. The first is a serious offence (hefty fine and imprisonment possible) while the second is a minor offence with only a fine applicable. You will be ordered to present yourself at the nearest police / traffic station to present the licence and pay the second offence.

Question

[b][/b] Please can you advise me when a vehicles licence has expired, how long is the window period for renewal? [b]

Answer

[/b] Regulation 4 (3) - Motor vehicle deemed to be registered The licence expires on the day of the first month following the month in which the licence expires. Regulation 23 (3) - Date on which motor vehicle to be licensed .... may, during a period of 21 days after the date referred to in subregulation (1), be operated on a public road... This is commonly known as the "period of grace" - however - Regulation 23 (4) - Date on which motor vehicle to be licensed If it is in issue in and civil or criminal proceedings whether an alleged date is the date referred to in subregulation (1), the date alleged to be the date referred to in subregulation (1), shall, in the absence of evidence to the contrary, be deemed to be the date referred to in the said subregulation.

Question

[b] [/b] We would like to enquire whether there is any legislation regulating the amount of hours truck drivers are allowed to work on a single shift, and also whether it is a requirement for truck drivers to take breaks after certain intervals. [b]

Answer

[/b] At this stage there is no legislation within the National Road Traffic Act (NRTA) - this is covered by the Labour Act / Organised Labour and Unions through basic conditions of employment - but does not specify driving hours per se. The NRTA does refer to operators being required to ensure proper control over drivers (section 50 (2) (b)), but is not specific in any regard. The process is, however, being started for public comment / participation regarding the regulation of this aspect (as was previously done by the former Road Traffic Act - 29 of 1989).

Question

[b][/b] I would like to know how many accidents are caused by slow driving? I recently went for my drivers licence (3rd attempt) and was penalised 135points for slow driving. I feel that this was very unfair and would like to appeal it with the help of arrive alive. Do you think I have a chance? Speed kills and by failing drivers for slow driving is rediculous. [b]

Answer

[/b] The penalty was for driving too slow - the reasoning being that this would disrupt the flow / cause undue congestion / cause impatience which then lead to accidents. It is also an indicator of lack of driving skills / perceptional problems and high stress levels for the new driver. (Not necessarily in this case). The examiner should just have raised the issue and asked the person to drive faster.

Question

[b] [/b] There are many luxury cars which speed past in the emergency lane and are often driven very hazardously. From regulation 175 it appears that reversing lamps should only be only during reversing. Will this section of the regulation not outlaw the STROBE lights used on the vehicles mentioned above and even some genuine emergency vehicles? These reverse lights are put in strobe mode while driving forward on national roads. The other day I had to spend several kilometers behind a black Mercedes 200 while these lights were blinding me from ahead. [b]

Answer

[/b] Regulation 185 : Lamps not prescribed or authorised, prohibited In terms of this regulation, the use of white strobe lights to the rear (flashing) is illegal. I cannot find any authorization for the use thereof. These types of lights were brought in from the US and Australia where they have been found to be successful and were on a trial basis. Seems the trial has been forgotten and the lights implemented. These lights should not be confused with reversing lights - they are not the same (reversing lights stay on whilst reversing and are generally diffused and not strobe in nature). Secondly, the vehicle in question is (allegedly) a SAPS vehicle. Without registration details and date / place details one cannot ascertain the nature of the vehicle and its use. Non-marked vehicles are used for escort. Thirdly - parking lamps are just for that specific reason - Parked whilst visibility is ***r. Vehicles must be driven with headlamps lighted (not parking lamps as a substitute). Thanks for the information. We are in agreement with the focus of traffic policing - ie concentrate on issues that cause accidents not just speeding.