Freeway rules in South Africa
Freeways have their own rules. The test can ask which vehicles are kept off, when you may stop and what is forbidden there.
Which vehicles may not use a freeway?
These vehicles may not be used on a freeway:
- a vehicle drawn (pulled) by an animal
- a pedal cycle (bicycle)
- a motorcycle with an engine of 50cc (cubic centimetres) or less
- a motorcycle propelled (driven) by electrical power
- a motor quadrucycle
- a vehicle of 230 kilograms or less, specially designed, built or adapted for a person with a physical defect or disability
- a tractor, as a general rule
When may you stop on a freeway?
You may not stop a vehicle on a freeway, except in four cases:
- to obey a road traffic sign
- to obey a direction given by a traffic officer
- inside an area that a road traffic sign reserves for stopping or parking
- for any reason beyond your control
A reason beyond your control means you had no choice.
May you give hand signals on a freeway?
No. When you drive or ride a motor vehicle on a freeway, you may not give a hand signal. The only exception is a reason beyond your control.
May you walk on a freeway or leave an animal near one?
No. No person may be on a freeway on foot under normal circumstances.
Animals must be kept away too. You may not leave an animal on a freeway or allow one to be there. You also may not leave an animal in a place from where it may stray (wander) onto a freeway.
What must you do when a vehicle joins from an on-ramp?
You must let it in. A vehicle in front of you may wish to merge (join the traffic) from an on-ramp. When you notice it, you must allow it to merge in front of you.
The fine print
A tractor may be on a freeway only when it is used for the construction or maintenance of a freeway.
Numbers to remember
- 50cc or less: a motorcycle engine this size is not allowed on a freeway
- 230 kilograms or less: a vehicle this light, made for a person with a disability, is not allowed on a freeway
Mistakes learners make
- Thinking every motorcycle may use a freeway. One of 50cc or less, or one propelled by electrical power, may not.
- Thinking you may never stop on a freeway. A road traffic sign, a traffic officer, a reserved area or a reason beyond your control allows it.
- Giving a hand signal on a freeway. It is allowed only for a reason beyond your control.
Test yourself
Question 1
Certain vehicles may not be used on a freeway. Which ONE of the following is NOT one of those vehicles?
Show answer
Answer: B: A motor car
A motor car is not on the list; animal-drawn vehicles and pedal cycles may not be used on a freeway.
Question 2
What is the general rule with regard to stopping a vehicle on a freeway?
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Answer: C: Stopping is prohibited, except in certain specified cases
You may not stop on a freeway, except in a few cases that the law names.
Question 3
You are driving a motor vehicle on a freeway and intend to change lanes. Your direction indicators are in working order. What does the law provide regarding a hand signal?
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Answer: B: A hand signal may not be given
You may not give a hand signal when you drive or ride a motor vehicle on a freeway.
Question 4
True or false?
Under normal circumstances, a person is permitted to be on a freeway on foot.
Show answer
Answer: False
It is false: under normal circumstances nobody may be on a freeway on foot.
Question 5
While travelling on a freeway, you notice a vehicle in front of you wishing to merge from an on-ramp. What are you required to do?
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Answer: A: Allow that vehicle to merge in front of you
You must let a vehicle in front of you that wants to join from an on-ramp move in ahead of you.
Question 6
A motorcycle may not be used on a freeway if its engine has a cylinder capacity not exceeding what figure?
Show answer
Answer: A: 50cc
A motorcycle with an engine of 50cc or less may not be used on a freeway.
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