Freeways are high-speed roads designed for the safe movement of fast-moving motor vehicles.
Because of their speed limits and traffic conditions, certain slow or vulnerable types of vehicles are not allowed to travel on freeways.
These restrictions are in place to protect all road users and to prevent accidents.
Below are the key rules regarding vehicles prohibited from using freeways, as set out in South African traffic regulations.

1. Animal-Drawn Vehicles.
Any vehicle drawn by an animal, such as a horse cart, donkey cart, or ox wagon, is strictly prohibited.

2. Pedal Cycles.
Bicycles (pedal cycles) are not allowed on freeways, regardless of the rider's skill or the type of bicycle.

3. Low-Powered Motorcycles.
A motorcycle with an engine cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimetres (cc) is not permitted.
This includes mopeds, scooters, and certain small motorbikes.

4. Motor Quadrucycles.
A motor quadrucycle (a small four-wheeled motorised vehicle designed for short-distance travel) may not use a freeway.

5. Vehicles for Disabled Persons (Special Lightweight Vehicles).
Any vehicle with a mass not exceeding 230 kilograms that has been specially designed, constructed, or adapted for the use of a person with a physical defect or disability is not allowed on freeways.

6. Tractors
Tractors are prohibited on freeways, Except when the tractor is used in connection with the construction or maintenance of the freeway itself.

Stopping a Vehicle on a Freeway
No person is allowed to stop a vehicle on a freeway except under the following specific circumstances:

• Compliance with Traffic Signs or Officers: You may stop if it is necessary to obey a road traffic sign (for example, a stop sign, traffic light, or electronic board) or if you are instructed to do so by a traffic officer or other authorised law enforcement official.

• Designated Stopping or Parking Areas: You may stop only within an area that has been specifically reserved for stopping or parking, and this area must be clearly indicated by an appropriate road traffic sign (such as a designated rest area, emergency bay, or service station).
• Circumstances Beyond the Driver's Control: You may stop if you are forced to do so for reasons beyond your control, such as a vehicle breakdown, a medical emergency, or any other unavoidable situation that makes it impossible to continue driving safely.


Freeway Rules and Restrictions
When using a freeway, the following rules apply to ensure the safety of all road users:

• Hand Signals While Driving or Riding: No person may give a hand signal while driving or riding a motor vehicle on a freeway, except in an emergency or for a reason beyond their control.

• Walking on a Freeway: No person is allowed to be on a freeway on foot under normal circumstances.

• Animals on a Freeway: No person may leave or allow any animal to be on a freeway, nor may they leave an animal in a place from which it could stray onto the freeway.

• Merging from an On-Ramp: When a driver or rider of a vehicle travelling on a freeway notices another vehicle entering from an on-ramp and signalling the intention to merge, the freeway driver must allow the merging vehicle to join the lane safely.