TURNING RIGHT ON A TWO-WAY ROAD OR STREET
When you intend to turn right on a two-way road, you must follow specific steps to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow.
1. Signal Early
Switch on your right indicator well in advance.
This alerts following drivers and oncoming traffic of your intention to turn.
2. Move to the Right-Hand Side of the Road
Position your vehicle as close as possible to the center line or right-hand edge of your lane.
This makes space for vehicles behind you to pass safely on your left-hand side if they wish to continue straight.
3. Yield to Oncoming Traffic
Wait for a safe gap before turning.
Always allow oncoming vehicles traveling straight to pass first, as they have the right of way.
Be especially cautious of oncoming vehicles that may be overtaking.
4. Complete the Turn Correctly
When the road is clear, turn smoothly into the left-hand lane of the road you are entering.
Never turn into the right-hand lane first, as this could place you in the path of oncoming vehicles.
Positioning yourself directly into the left lane ensures you are already in the correct driving lane for South African roads.
• Move to the right hand side of the road to allow following vehicles to pass on the left
• Yield to oncoming traffic
• Turn into the left lane, so that you are already on the left-hand side of the road into which you are turning
In a One-way road or street:
1. Signal Early
Always indicate your intention to turn right well in advance by using your right indicator.
Signaling in good time gives other road users behind and beside you enough warning of your action.
2. Move to the Right Lane
On a one-way road, you must position your vehicle as close as possible to the right-hand edge or right lane.
This prevents confusion and avoids obstructing vehicles that want to continue straight on the left.
3.Complete the Turn Safely
When turning, enter the new road into the correct lane (normally the left-hand lane, unless road markings or signs direct otherwise).
Take the turn smoothly and without swinging too wide into the opposite lanes.
TURNING LEFT
When turning left, you must position yourself correctly and follow a safe, step-by-step procedure.
Turning left may seem easier than turning right, but it can still be dangerous if done carelessly—especially when pedestrians or cyclists are nearby.
1. Signal Early
Indicate your intention to turn left well in advance by using your left indicator.
This gives drivers behind you, pedestrians, and cyclists clear warning of your action.
2. Move to the Left Side
Position your vehicle as far as possible to the left-hand edge of the road before the turn.
This prevents other vehicles from trying to squeeze past you on the left, reducing the risk of a side collision.
3.Turn into the Left Lane
When entering the new road, keep to the left-hand side.
Do not swing wide into the right lane, as this is illegal and dangerous—it may bring you into conflict with vehicles approaching from the opposite direction or those behind you.
4. Match the Speed of Traffic
As you complete the turn, adjust your speed so that you can merge smoothly with vehicles already traveling on that road.
Avoid turning too slowly and disrupting the traffic flow, but also don’t accelerate too fast if conditions are unsafe.
TOWING
Towing a vehicle requires strict adherence to the rules of the road to ensure safety for both the towing driver and other road users.
Rules for Safe Towing
1. Secure Connection
The tow rope must be securely fastened to both the towing vehicle and the vehicle being towed.
Make sure the rope is in good condition and strong enough to handle the weight of the towed vehicle.
2.Tow Rope Length
The maximum length of the tow rope must not exceed 3.5 meters.
A longer rope can make controlling the towed vehicle difficult and increases the risk of accidents.
3. Driver in the Towed Vehicle
The vehicle being towed must be under the control of a person with a valid driver’s licence.
This person is responsible for steering, braking, and assisting in the safe towing of the vehicle.
4. Exceptions
If a solid tow bar is used instead of a rope, the driver in the towed vehicle may not be required.
Similarly, if the front wheels of the towed vehicle are lifted off the road (as with a tow truck), the vehicle does not need a driver.
5. Speed Limit While Towing
The maximum speed when towing a vehicle with a rope is 30 km/h.
This speed restriction does not apply when a tow truck or a solid bar is being used.
Always adjust speed for road conditions, visibility, and traffic.
6. Passengers in the Towed Vehicle
Passengers are not allowed in the vehicle being towed.
Having passengers in the towed vehicle increases the risk of injury in case of sudden stops or accidents.
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