When riding a motorcycle on a public road in South Africa, riders and passengers must follow strict traffic laws and safety requirements. These rules are designed to protect riders, passengers, and other road users, while ensuring that motorcycles are operated in a safe and controlled manner.

1. Obey All Traffic Signs and Road Rules

• A motorcycle rider may not disobey any road traffic sign, signal, or rule of the road, unless a traffic officer gives a direct instruction to do so.

• Riders must follow speed limits, stop signs, traffic lights, and all lane markings.

2. Proper Seating and Control of the Motorcycle

• The rider must remain seated astride the saddle at all times while the motorcycle is in motion

• The riders feet must rest on the front footrests, ensuring proper balance and control.

• At least one hand must remain on the handlebars at all times to maintain steering and stability.

3. Carrying Passengers

• A passenger may only be carried if,

•The motorcycle has an engine with a cylinder capacity exceeding 50 cc, and

•The passenger is seated either in a securely attached sidecar or astride on a pillion seat that is firmly fastened to the motorcycle.

• A passenger must be briefed by the rider before the journey and must,

•Sit on a securely fastened seat, and

•Keep their feet on securely fitted footrests at all times.

•No more than two persons may ride on a motorcycle, excluding a sidecar passenger.

•A rider may not carry more than two adult persons in a sidecar attached to the motorcycle.

4. Restrictions on Carrying Objects, Animals, or People

• Riders may not carry any person, animal, or object in front of them.

•The only exception is for an object of a non-bulky nature (e.g., a small package) if it is:

•Securely attached, or

•Placed in a suitable carrier fitted to the motorcycle,

•And carried in a way that does not obstruct the rider’s view or limit full control of the motorcycle.

5. Safe Riding Practices

• The rider or passenger may not take hold of any other moving vehicle (e.g., holding onto a car or truck while riding).

•The motorcycle must be ridden in such a way that all wheels remain in contact with the road surface at all times - no lifting wheels or performing stunts.

•Motorcyclists must ride in single file within the same lane, except when overtaking another motorcycle.

•Two or more motorcyclists may not overtake another vehicle side-by-side at the same time.

•Where a public road is divided into marked traffic lanes, each lane is considered a separate road for these purposes.