Speed limits in South Africa

What are the general speed limits in South Africa?

There are three general speed limits. They apply unless a road traffic sign shows a different limit.

• 60 km/h (kilometres per hour) on every public road inside an urban area (a town or city)
• 100 km/h on every public road outside an urban area that is not a freeway
• 120 km/h on every freeway

Does a speed limit apply if there is no sign?

Yes. A general speed limit applies on all roads. It does not have to be displayed by a road traffic sign. So no sign does not mean no limit.

Where a road traffic sign shows a different limit, the sign's limit applies. Exceeding the speed limit (driving faster than it) is an offence.

How fast may a minibus carrying paying passengers drive?

The limit is 100 km/h. This applies to a minibus that is a passenger vehicle conveying persons for reward (carrying people for payment).

Numbers to remember

• 60 km/h: every public road inside an urban area
• 100 km/h: every public road outside an urban area, other than a freeway
• 120 km/h: every freeway
• 100 km/h: a minibus conveying persons for reward

Mistakes learners make

• Thinking no sign means no speed limit. The general speed limit applies on all roads without a sign.
• Giving 120 km/h for every road outside town. It is 100 km/h outside an urban area and 120 km/h only on a freeway.
• Ignoring a sign because you know the general limit. The general limits apply only where no road traffic sign shows a different limit.

Test yourself

1. Question 1

   A road traffic sign indicates a speed limit that differs from the general speed limit for the road on which you are driving. Which speed limit applies?

   • A The general speed limit for that class of road
   • B Whichever of the two speed limits is the higher
   • C The speed limit indicated by the road traffic sign
   Show answer

   Answer: C: The speed limit indicated by the road traffic sign

   When a road sign shows a different speed limit, the limit on the sign applies, not the general limit.

2. Question 2

   You are driving on a public road situated within an urban area. No road traffic sign indicates a speed limit. What is the maximum speed at which you are permitted to drive?

   • A 60 kilometres per hour
   • B 80 kilometres per hour
   • C 100 kilometres per hour
   Show answer

   Answer: A: 60 kilometres per hour

   In an urban area (a town or city) the speed limit is 60 kilometres per hour unless a sign says otherwise.

3. Question 3

   Unless a road traffic sign indicates otherwise, what speed limit applies on a public road, other than a freeway, situated outside an urban area?

   • A 80 kilometres per hour
   • B 100 kilometres per hour
   • C 120 kilometres per hour
   Show answer

   Answer: B: 100 kilometres per hour

   Outside an urban area, on a road that is not a freeway, the limit is 100 kilometres per hour.

4. Question 4

   Which ONE of the following is NOT a general speed limit that applies where no road traffic sign indicates otherwise?

   • A 120 kilometres per hour on every freeway
   • B 100 kilometres per hour on every freeway
   • C 60 kilometres per hour on a public road within an urban area
   Show answer

   Answer: B: 100 kilometres per hour on every freeway

   The general speed limit on every freeway is 120 kilometres per hour, unless a road sign says otherwise.

5. Question 5

   On which roads is a general speed limit applicable?

   • A On all roads
   • B On freeways only
   • C On roads within an urban area only
   Show answer

   Answer: A: On all roads

   A general speed limit applies on all roads.

6. Question 6

   True or false?

   A general speed limit applies only where it is displayed by a road traffic sign.

   Show answer

   Answer: False

   The general speed limit does not have to be shown on a road sign; it still applies.