Motorcycles
You may not ride your motorcycle, motorcycle with a sidecar or motor tricycle, on a public road unless there is fitted on the rear of such cycle a red retro reflector.

Light Motor Vehicles
A light motor vehicle must be fitted on the rear of it with two red retro-reflectors, one on each side.

Heavy Motor Vehicle
A heavy motor vehicle may not be used on a public road unless there are fitted on the rear of such vehicle at the same height two red retro-reflectors, one on each side.

A heavy motor vehicle or a combination of motor vehicles may not be used on a public road, if the overall length of such vehicle or combination exceeds 7 metres, unless there is fitted, on each side of such vehicle so many yellow retro-reflectors as may be necessary to ensure that no two successive yellow retro-reflectors are more than 3,6 metres apart.

If yellow reflective strips are fitted to a goods vehicle, yellow retro-reflectors are not necessary.

Yellow Reflective Strips for Goods Vehicles in South Africa Mandatory Requirements for Heavy Goods Vehicles From 1 January 2001, all goods vehicles with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) over 10 000 kg must be fitted with yellow reflective material on both sides and the rear of the vehicle.

The reflective strips must be clearly visible and securely attached.

Their purpose is to improve night-time and low-light visibility, reducing the risk of accidents.

Optional Use for Lighter Goods Vehicles
For goods vehicles with a GVM of 10 000 kg or less, the use of yellow reflective strips on the sides and rear is not compulsory. Owners may fit reflective material voluntarily to enhance road safety. While optional, it is recommended for extra visibility and to help other drivers identify the vehicle in poor lighting conditions.

Why Reflective Strips Matter
Yellow reflective markings: Increase visibility in fog, rain, and darkness. Help other road users judge the size and position of a heavy vehicle. Support compliance with South African traffic regulations.