Services / On the road / Security / Driving Tips >>

Driving between locations should be one of the highlights of your trip to South Africa. However it's important to look out for a few things:

• 1. Driving standards in SA are generally quite good, although in towns you need to watch out for the white ‘mini-bus’ taxis. These are how a lot of people get around but are generally un-insured, in poor condition and always in a rush / on a suicide mission! Just give them a wide berth and look out for sudden lane-changing and pulling over to pick people up. Just accept them as part of travelling in South Africa and resist getting angry!

• 2. SA has ‘Stop Junctions’ which don’t exist in some other counties, such as the UK. These are demarked by red circle ‘Stop’ signs on all points of the junction (however normal junctions – e.g. T-Junctions – may also have a Stop sign on your road, so just be careful to check whether the other roads approaching the junction are also stopping). You need to come to a complete stop and whoever arrived first at the junction has right of way to pull off – basically it’s ‘first come, first served’ and everyone waits their turn. Most people stick to this very rigorously.

3. Roundabouts in SA (called ‘traffic circles’) should in theory work the same as they do in other countries (i.e. give way to traffic coming from the left or right depending upon which side of the road you drive on). But in reality everyone treats them as Stop Junctions. The exception is really large roundabouts which people use properly.

• 4. You will find people (and sometimes animals) trying to cross even the busiest highways, so keep an eye out ahead of you.

5. There are ‘manners’ and protocol for over-taking in SA. It is normal to pull over to the left to allow cars behind to over-take (many SA roads have a large hard shoulder lane marked by a yellow line). But only do this when you are comfortable because sometimes this hard shoulder lane disappears or can have animals and pedestrians on it. The over-taking vehicle may well flash his hazard lights to thank you. It is normal then to flash your headlights briefly to thank him for thanking you!

• 6. If you have to drive at night, take it slowly. Roads can suddenly become potholed (look out for Afrikaans ‘Slaggat’ warning signs) and there may well be animals or pedestrians on the road. Try to avoid driving long distances at night if possible.

7. Hidden speed cameras are very common, especially approaching or leaving areas where the speed limit changes. If you are stopped, treat the policeman or woman with respect and cooperate. They may try and make things difficult for you (e.g. say you need to pay them there and then – laws vary by region - or accompany them to a police station etc.) in order to solicit a bribe. We don’t recommend paying bribes, not least because it encourages this behaviour. Either ask for an official fine to be issued (this will be sent to your car hire company) or, if you pay there and then, a receipt to be issued. Phone us for assistance should you feel unsure or uncomfortable.

• 8. In busy areas of towns it is common for car guards (sometimes wearing fluorescent vests) to help you find a parking spot, look after your car and move out. These guys don’t make much money and are generally very helpful. It is normal to pay about R3 as a tip when you depart (don’t pay on arrival unless attending a really big event where this is sometimes demanded – but get a receipt). Similarly it is normal to tip petrol station attendants a small amount.
•  

• 9. Many petrol stations in South Africa don’t accept credit cards for payment for fuel (but do for other goods), although this is changing quickly ahead of the 2010 World Cup. Either carry enough cash or withdraw money at the garage’s ATM (nearly all have them).

10. Some roads may look major routes on a map but can quickly deteriorate into a dirt track. This is not necessarily a problem unless it has been raining a lot, even in a saloon car.

Remember to also have a look at our South African Safety Tips.