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About SA - Driving

South Africans drive on the left (as in the UK), and the road signs are generally the same. Most importantly, tourist signs are brown and motorway signs are blue. Note, however, that unlike the UK, you may not park facing the traffic, and you may NOT park on a single yellow or white line. You may only park in designated parking areas, unless you see that everyone else is doing it too. Unlike some US states, you may not turn through a red light, ever. You MUST wait for a green turning arrow. Our speeds are measured in metric units: Kilometres per Hour (km/h). The urban limit is 60 (37mph), large roads, 80 (50mph), motorways, 120 (75mph). Generally the speeds are well-signposted. The fines for exceeding the speed limit are severe, and the traps are hidden and usually manned by police officers. All passengers must wear seat belts. Cellphone use by a driver is prohibited.

South Africa is a very car-oriented country as the public transport systems are relatively poor. Johannesburg in particular is far too big to walk. Minibus taxis drive poorly. Municipal buses are safer but their routes are very limited. Johannesburg is currently building a new train service called the Gautrain, intended for use by foreign visitors coming from the main airport, Oliver Tambo, but its route will be limited, so you won't be able to rely on it for everything. You can arrange transport with sedan taxis (in South Africa, the word 'taxi' usually means a minibus taxi). But sedan taxis are very expensive in South Africa, so it makes much more sense to hire a car at the airport. It is best to use a car in South Africa, and Johannesburg in particular. This will probably be the biggest culture shock for Europeans who are accustomed to just stepping on and off subways; in Johannesburg you have to drive everywhere. We recommend that if you get lost, that you look for the blue motorway signs, and stay on the M1 or N3/N12, and follow signs directing you to Sandton (on the M1), or whatever other area you happen to be staying in. On the N3/N12 ring road, there are certain exits you should avoid; locals can advise you. You are strongly advised to bring a GPS or SatNav and make sure it has South African maps loaded in it.

Almost all cars have a manual transmission, but you should be able to get an automatic in Johannesburg; in other cities it's less likely. You will be offered insurance on your car at the airport. You should take comprehensive insurance. We also recommend that you get a car with an air conditioner. Summer heat in a closed car in a four-lane traffic jam is very unpleasant. There is generally plenty of parking in South African cities, except in the oldest parts of the inner cities. Most street parking is free, so don't worry about parking meters unless you see one. You will, however, have to pay to park in a mall. Sometimes car guards will offer to feed the meter for you if there is a meter. Let them.

The legal blood alcohol limit is two beers or one glass of wine. Realistically speaking, this is probably too much. Traffic police generally look for speeding or licenses during the day and drunk driving at night. Any driver's license should be acceptable. Passages taken with permission from "An Insider's Guide to Johannesburg" by J. M. Ostrowick

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