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QuizTraffic rulesSouth Africa

This interesting quiz helps you test your knowledge in a clear and visual way. With easy multiple-choice questions, you can quickly build confidence and learn new facts while keeping it simple, interactive, and fun.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
South Africa
True/false 17 South Africa 23 Car controls 109 Dashboard lights 40 Priority rules 9 Pedestrians 19 Cyclists 20 Show all 590
Why should you avoid parking a petrol or diesel vehicle on dry grass?

551. Why should you avoid parking a petrol or diesel vehicle on dry grass?

The tyres could lose pressure more quickly.
The engine could become difficult to restart.
The grass could block the vehicle's ventilation system.
✓ Hot exhaust components could ignite the vegetation.

Parts of the exhaust system, especially the catalytic converter, can become very hot while driving. Parking over dry grass, leaves, or other combustible vegetation can create a fire risk. Park on a suitable non-flammable surface whenever possible.

Vehicle exhaust close to dry grass
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a trailer begins to sway?

552. What should you do if a trailer begins to sway?

Steer quickly from side to side.
✓ Ease off the accelerator and reduce speed smoothly.
Move into another lane to create more space.
Accelerate to pull the trailer straight.

Sudden steering or braking can worsen trailer sway. Stay calm, hold a steady course, and reduce speed smoothly.

Trailer swaying behind a towing vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

553. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Electronic stability control.
Four-wheel drive.
✓ Driving mode selection.
Cruise control.

This control selects a driving mode. Depending on the vehicle, different modes can alter characteristics such as accelerator response, steering assistance, transmission behaviour or energy use.

Selector for the vehicle's driving modes
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

554. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

✓ Diesel glow-plug preheating.
Engine-temperature warning.
Charging-system warning.
Diesel particulate filter warning.

This symbol indicates the diesel glow-plug preheating system. In a diesel vehicle, wait for the light to go out before starting the engine when required. If it remains illuminated or flashes while driving, it may indicate a fault.

Diesel glow-plug preheating symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you use a lower gear when driving downhill?

555. Why should you use a lower gear when driving downhill?

✓ It helps control speed using engine braking.
It reduces engine braking to save fuel.
It allows the vehicle to coast more freely.
It increases tyre grip on steep roads.

Engine braking helps prevent the vehicle from gaining too much speed and reduces strain on the brakes.

Lower-gear selection for a downhill road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does the single-wipe position of the windscreen-wiper control do?

556. What does the single-wipe position of the windscreen-wiper control do?

Sprays washer fluid onto the windscreen.
Runs the wipers continuously.
✓ Operates the windscreen wipers once.
Activates the rear wiper.

The single-wipe position operates the windscreen wipers for one sweep and then stops. It is useful when only a small amount of water or spray needs to be cleared from the windscreen.

Single-wipe setting on the windscreen-wiper control
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Using indicators helps other road users understand your intentions.

557. Using indicators helps other road users understand your intentions.

False.
✓ True.

Indicators help communicate your intended direction and improve safety for everyone on the road.

Vehicle signalling its intended direction
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Who normally has priority at roundabouts in South Africa?

558. Who normally has priority at roundabouts in South Africa?

Traffic entering the roundabout.
✓ Traffic already on the roundabout.

In South Africa, traffic entering a roundabout normally gives way to traffic already circulating.

Vehicles approaching and circulating on a roundabout
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which gear is used to drive a manual vehicle backwards?

559. Which gear is used to drive a manual vehicle backwards?

2nd gear.
1st gear.
Neutral.
✓ R (Reverse).

Select R (Reverse) when you need to drive a manual vehicle backwards. The vehicle should be stationary before Reverse is selected.

Manual gear lever and gear-selection pattern
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before a long journey to reduce the risk of driver fatigue?

560. What should you do before a long journey to reduce the risk of driver fatigue?

Plan to drive through the night.
Keep the cabin as warm as possible.
✓ Get enough sleep before starting the journey.
Drink several energy drinks before leaving.

Getting enough sleep before a long journey helps reduce the risk of driver fatigue. Plan breaks in advance and avoid starting a long drive when you are already tired.

Rest and preparation before a long drive
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when temporary traffic lights show red?

561. What should you do when temporary traffic lights show red?

Continue if the road ahead appears clear.
Only permanent traffic lights are valid.
✓ Stop before the signal or temporary stop line.
Follow the vehicle ahead through the signal.

Temporary traffic signals must be obeyed like permanent signals. Stop and wait until you are permitted to continue.

Red signal on temporary roadworks traffic lights
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the general speed limit for cars on ordinary roads outside built-up areas in South Africa?

562. What is the general speed limit for cars on ordinary roads outside built-up areas in South Africa?

80 km/h.
90 km/h.
✓ 100 km/h.
70 km/h.

In South Africa, the general speed limit for cars on ordinary roads outside built-up areas is 100 km/h, unless signs indicate otherwise.

Speed limits for cars outside built-up areas
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid using air recirculation for too long in damp conditions?

563. Why should you avoid using air recirculation for too long in damp conditions?

It can overheat the engine.
It can reduce tyre pressure.
✓ It can cause the windows to mist.
It can switch off the air conditioning.

Using air recirculation for too long in damp conditions can allow moisture to build up inside the vehicle and increase window misting, especially when the air conditioning is not dehumidifying the air. Switching to fresh outside air can help clear condensation.

Air-recirculation setting and misted vehicle windows
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you reduce speed when approaching roadworks?

564. Why should you reduce speed when approaching roadworks?

✓ Road workers, narrow lanes, and unexpected hazards may be present.
You should not reduce speed near roadworks.
To reduce exhaust gases near construction sites.
To keep construction dust off the windscreen.

Roadworks can involve workers, machinery, changing lane layouts, and uneven surfaces. Lower speed gives you more time to react.

Vehicle approaching a roadworks area
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

565. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Airbag-system warning.
✓ Seat belt not fastened.
Door open.
Parking brake applied.

This symbol is a seat-belt reminder. It indicates that the driver or another detected occupant has not fastened their seat belt.

Seat-belt reminder symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

566. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Main beam.
Sidelights.
Dipped headlights.
✓ Rear fog lights.

This symbol indicates that the rear fog lights are switched on. Rear fog lights make the vehicle more visible from behind in conditions of severely reduced visibility, but they can dazzle other road users when used unnecessarily.

Rear fog-light symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before overtaking a slow-moving vehicle?

567. What should you do before overtaking a slow-moving vehicle?

Signal first and then check whether there is enough space.
Move closer before checking whether the road ahead is clear.
✓ Check that the road ahead is clear and that overtaking is safe.
Follow another vehicle that starts overtaking ahead of you.

Before overtaking, make sure you have enough visibility, space, and time. Signal clearly before moving out, do not exceed the speed limit, and never overtake if the road ahead is not clear.

Vehicle preparing to pass slow-moving traffic
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before refuelling a petrol or diesel vehicle?

568. What should you do before refuelling a petrol or diesel vehicle?

✓ Switch off the engine before starting to refuel.
Leave the engine running to protect the battery.
Increase the engine speed before removing the fuel cap.
Keep the engine idling if the vehicle is outside.

Switch off the engine before refuelling. Fuel vapours are flammable, so avoid ignition sources and follow the safety instructions at the filling station. If fuel is spilled, do not start the vehicle until the situation has been made safe.

Vehicle at a pump before refuelling
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should a front passenger keep their feet off the dashboard?

569. Why should a front passenger keep their feet off the dashboard?

It can prevent the passenger airbag from deploying.
It can make the front seat slide forwards during braking.
It can interfere with the rear-view mirror.
✓ It can greatly increase the risk of injury if the airbag deploys.

A front airbag deploys very quickly and with considerable force. If a passenger has their feet or legs on the dashboard, airbag deployment can force their legs backwards and greatly increase the risk of serious injury. Passengers should sit normally with their feet in the footwell and wear their seat belts correctly. The driver should make sure everyone is seated and restrained safely before setting off.

Passenger resting their feet on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

570. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Window lock.
Boot release.
✓ Child safety lock.
Central door locking.

This control activates the child safety lock. It helps prevent a rear door from being opened from inside the vehicle, depending on the vehicle and system design.

Child safety lock control and symbol
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should the interior rear-view mirror be adjusted?

571. How should the interior rear-view mirror be adjusted?

✓ To give a clear view through the rear window.
To show mainly the rear seats.
To show the driver's face.
To point towards the left door mirror.

Adjust the interior rear-view mirror before driving so that you have a clear view through the rear window without needing to move your head significantly.

Adjusting the interior rear-view mirror
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you not overtake near the top of a hill?

572. Why should you not overtake near the top of a hill?

✓ You may not see oncoming traffic or hidden hazards.
Your engine loses power near the top of a hill.
Hilltops usually have a slippery road surface.
Speed limits always decrease near hill crests.

Near the top of a hill, your view ahead is limited. Oncoming vehicles, cyclists, pedestrians, or obstacles may be hidden.

Hill crest hiding the road ahead
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if an EV charging cable or connector is damaged?

573. What should you do if an EV charging cable or connector is damaged?

Use it if the vehicle still begins charging.
✓ Do not use it, and report or arrange repair of the damage.
Reduce the charging power and continue using it.
Hold the damaged section away from the vehicle.

Do not use a damaged charging cable or connector. Damage can create a risk of electric shock, overheating, or fire. Use suitable undamaged charging equipment and report the fault or arrange professional repair or replacement.

Damaged electric-vehicle charging cable or connector
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which control is normally used to switch between dipped and main beam headlights?

574. Which control is normally used to switch between dipped and main beam headlights?

The hazard warning switch.
✓ The lighting stalk.
The windscreen-wiper stalk.
The dashboard brightness control.

The lighting stalk is normally used to switch between dipped and main beam headlights. The exact movement varies between vehicles, so check the vehicle controls before driving.

Lighting stalk for switching between dipped and main beam
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when approaching a narrow road with oncoming traffic?

575. What should you do when approaching a narrow road with oncoming traffic?

Move closer to the road edge without reducing speed.
Continue first if you entered the narrow section earlier.
✓ Slow down and give space when needed.
Maintain your speed if there appears to be enough room.

On narrow roads, reduce speed and be prepared to stop or use a suitable passing place. Leave enough space for the oncoming vehicle and avoid forcing either vehicle into an unsafe position.

Oncoming vehicles approaching a narrow stretch of road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What colour is normally used for the centre line separating opposing traffic in South Africa?

576. What colour is normally used for the centre line separating opposing traffic in South Africa?

Yellow.
✓ White.

Roads in South Africa normally use a white centre line to separate traffic travelling in opposite directions.

Centre-line markings separating opposing traffic
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

577. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

✓ Electronic parking brake.
Cruise control.
Automatic brake hold.
Brake-system warning.

This control operates the electronic parking brake. Pulling or pressing the switch applies or releases the parking brake, depending on the vehicle.

Electronic parking-brake switch and symbol
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a tyre has a deep cut, bulge, or exposed cords?

578. What should you do if a tyre has a deep cut, bulge, or exposed cords?

Cover the damaged area and keep using the tyre.
✓ Stop using the tyre and arrange professional inspection or replacement.
Move the damaged tyre to another wheel position.
Increase the tyre pressure and continue driving.

Cuts, bulges, and exposed cords can indicate serious structural damage. The tyre may fail suddenly and should not be used normally.

Damaged vehicle tyre requiring inspection
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you avoid resting your hand on the gear lever while driving?

579. Why should you avoid resting your hand on the gear lever while driving?

It can increase engine speed.
✓ It can cause unnecessary wear in the gear-selection mechanism.
It can apply the parking brake.
It can disengage the clutch.

Resting your hand on the gear lever can place unnecessary pressure on parts of the gear-selection mechanism and contribute to wear. Keep both hands on the steering wheel when you are not changing gear.

Driver's hand resting on a manual gear lever
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you keep a safe distance from cyclists?

580. Why should you keep a safe distance from cyclists?

Cyclists must move aside whenever a vehicle approaches.
Cyclists always have priority over other traffic.
✓ They may need space to avoid obstacles.
Cyclists cannot signal before changing direction.

Cyclists may need to move around potholes, parked cars, or drains. Giving them enough space helps prevent dangerous situations.

Lateral clearance between a vehicle and a cyclist
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why is high-visibility clothing useful during a roadside breakdown?

581. Why is high-visibility clothing useful during a roadside breakdown?

It protects you from injury if a vehicle hits you.
✓ It makes you easier for approaching drivers and recovery workers to see.
It allows you to remain close to moving traffic.
It gives you priority when walking beside the road.

High-visibility clothing improves your visibility, especially at night or in poor weather, but you must still remain away from traffic.

High-visibility clothing worn during a roadside breakdown
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a pedestrian is crossing slowly?

582. What should you do if a pedestrian is crossing slowly?

Sound your horn to encourage them to cross faster.
Drive around them if there is enough room.
✓ Wait patiently and let them finish crossing.
Pass as soon as they have cleared your part of the road.

Some pedestrians may need more time to cross. Stay patient, keep a safe distance, and do not pressure them.

Pedestrian crossing the road slowly
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

583. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Main beam.
Dipped headlights.
✓ Sidelights.
Rear fog lights.

This symbol indicates that the sidelights, also known as position or parking lights, are switched on. They help make the vehicle visible to other road users but provide little illumination of the road ahead.

Sidelight indicator symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the minimum age for riding a moped in South Africa?

584. What is the minimum age for riding a moped in South Africa?

✓ 16 years.
14 years.
18 years.
15 years.

The minimum age for riding a moped in South Africa is generally 16 years.

Minimum age for riding a moped
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Is a warning triangle required in cars in South Africa?

585. Is a warning triangle required in cars in South Africa?

✓ Yes.
No.

Cars in South Africa are required to carry a warning triangle.

Warning triangle carried as vehicle safety equipment
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if medicine makes you feel drowsy?

586. What should you do if medicine makes you feel drowsy?

Drive slowly and avoid motorways.
✓ Do not drive until the effect has passed.
Drive only for short distances.
Drink coffee before driving.

If a medicine causes drowsiness, your concentration, judgement, and reaction time may be reduced. Do not drive until you are fit to do so and the effect has passed.

Drowsiness after taking medicine
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
You do not need to look for cyclists when opening your car door.

587. You do not need to look for cyclists when opening your car door.

✓ False.
True.

You should always check for cyclists, motorcyclists, and other road users before opening a door.

Cyclist near the door of a parked car
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should you approach a sharp bend on a mountain road?

588. How should you approach a sharp bend on a mountain road?

✓ Reduce speed before the bend and remain in your lane.
Overtake just before entering the bend.
Brake hard while turning through the bend.
Accelerate through the bend to maintain momentum.

Mountain bends may hide oncoming vehicles, cyclists, animals, or debris. Slow down before entering and keep a safe road position.

Sharp bend on a mountain road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you check shortly after securing a load?

589. What should you check shortly after securing a load?

Increase speed briefly to test the restraints.
Check the load only when you reach your destination.
✓ Stop safely and check that the restraints are still tight.
Assume the load is secure once the journey has started.

Loads and straps may settle or loosen after the journey begins. Recheck them at a safe stopping place.

Rechecking straps securing a vehicle's load
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the purpose of a pedestrian crossing?

590. What is the purpose of a pedestrian crossing?

To provide a place where vehicles may stop temporarily.
To separate pedestrians from cyclists along the road.
To allow pedestrians to cross without checking traffic.
✓ To help pedestrians cross the road safely.

Pedestrian crossings provide a designated place where people can safely cross the road.

Pedestrian crossing across a road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA