With the festive season approaching, South Africa has introduced new traffic laws aimed at improving road safety, reducing accidents, and enforcing stricter penalties for violations.
Knowing these changes is essential for both holiday travelers and daily commuters to ensure compliance and avoid hefty fines.
Zero-Tolerance
The new laws have adopted a zero-tolerance policy on drunk driving. Previously, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limits were 0.05g for general drivers and 0.02g for professional drivers. Now, any detectable level of alcohol in a driver’s system is considered illegal.
Penalties:
- Immediate arrest
- License suspension
- Fines exceeding R120,000
- Possible imprisonment
Demerit
The full implementation of the Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) introduces a demerit points system. Points will be added for traffic violations, and excessive accumulation can lead to suspension or revocation of a driver’s license.
Key Points:
- Speeding, reckless driving, and ignoring traffic signals will result in demerit points.
- Accumulating over 15 points results in a three-month license suspension.
- After three suspensions, the license is permanently revoked.
Public
Stricter regulations have been placed on public transport and heavy vehicles. Taxi and truck drivers will face tougher monitoring for overloading, safety violations, and reckless driving. Random breathalyzer tests and compliance inspections will be conducted.
Penalties:
- License suspension
- Hefty fines
- Possible vehicle impoundment
Speeding
The government has increased the number of speed cameras, especially in high-accident areas. Speeding fines have also been increased, and repeat offenders may be summoned to court.
Fines:
- 10-20 km/h over the limit: R750 fine
- 20-40 km/h over the limit: R2,000 fine
- Over 40 km/h above the limit: Court summons and possible license suspension
Seatbelt
Stricter regulations now enforce the use of car seats for children up to three years old. Passengers not wearing seat belts will face higher fines.
Penalty:
- Failing to properly restrain a child can result in fines up to R3,000 and additional demerit points.
Compliance
To avoid penalties and ensure safety, drivers should:
- Avoid drinking and driving.
- Obey speed limits and traffic signs.
- Ensure all passengers wear seat belts.
- Maintain vehicle condition to avoid fines.
- Regularly check demerit points to prevent license suspension.
These new traffic laws aim to create safer roads and reduce accidents. By knowing and adhering to these regulations, drivers can ensure a smooth and penalty-free journey during the holiday season and beyond.
FAQs
What is the new BAC limit for drivers?
Any detectable alcohol level is now illegal for drivers.
How many demerit points lead to license suspension?
Exceeding 15 points results in a three-month suspension.
What are the penalties for speeding over 40 km/h?
Offenders face a court summons and possible license suspension.
Are car seats mandatory for young children?
Yes, for children up to three years old, car seats are required.
What happens after three license suspensions?
The driver’s license will be revoked permanently.
