Rules for Stopping a Vehicle on a Public Road in South Africa

South African road traffic regulations strictly control where and when a vehicle may be stopped on the roadway of a public road.
These rules are designed to maintain traffic flow, protect pedestrians, and prevent accidents.
Below is a detailed guide to situations where stopping is prohibited unless specific exceptions apply.

General Prohibition on Stopping

No person may stop a vehicle on the roadway of a public road except under certain conditions. Stopping is only allowed:

• to avoid an accident - when it is necessary to prevent an immediate collision or danger.

• When directed by a traffic officer - if a traffic officer instructs you to stop.

• For a cause beyond the drivers or riders control - such as a mechanical breakdown or sudden medical emergency.

Outside of these exceptions, the following stopping restrictions apply:

Places Where Stopping Is Not Allowed

1. Obstructions and Excavations

•You may not stop alongside or opposite any excavation, roadworks, or obstruction if doing so would endanger or obstruct other traffic

2. Tunnels, Subways, and Bridges

•Stopping is prohibited within any tunnel or subway,

•On any bridge, or

•Within 6 metres of the beginning or end of a tunnel, subway, or bridge.

3. Narrow or Constricted Roadways

•Do not stop on or within 6 metres from the beginning or end of any section of roadway where the normal width has been reduced for any reason, such as construction or road damage.

4. Traffic Signs and Regulations

•Stopping in contravention of any road traffic sign (e.g., where a "No Stopping" sign is displayed) is strictly forbidden.

5. Facing Oncoming Traffic

•You may not stop on the right-hand side of the roadway facing oncoming traffic, as this creates a serious hazard.

6. Double Parking

•Stopping is not allowed alongside or opposite another vehicle where the roadway is less than 9 metres wide. This prevents dangerous narrowing of the lane for moving traffic.

7. Railway Crossings

•Stopping within a railway reserve at a level crossing is illegal unless waiting for a train to pass when directed by signals or a railway official.

8. Pedestrian Crossings

•Do not stop within 9 metres on the approach side of a demarcated pedestrian crossing. Stopping here reduces visibility for both pedestrians and approaching driver.

9. Dangerous or Obstructive Locations

•Stopping is prohibited in any other place where it would create a danger or obstruction to other traffic, even if not specifically listed above.