The government is in the process of refining and reworking a range of new traffic laws, which will have a significant impact on motorists and particularly on those who violate the rules of the road.
Important New Road Rules & Regulations You Need to Know About
There are a lot of changes being proposed. Keep reading the blog as we discuss the most important ones that you should know about.
Traffic Offences Will Be Regarded as Major Criminal Acts
In a bid to combat the high death toll on South African roads, the government is taking a tough stance against road infringements. The Ramaphosa administration is proposing to upgrade all traffic offences to Schedule 5 of the Criminal Procedure Act, placing them alongside the most serious of crimes, such as murder and rape. Mandatory minimum sentences are also to be imposed for drunk and reckless driving.
Also Read Now: 4 Driving Safety Tips for Staying Alert & Alive on the Roads
The AARTO Act
The Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act will introduce the long-mooted demerit system, which may see drivers lose their licences after multiple road rule transgressions.
Driver’s Licence Retests
Up until now, drivers have had only to take an eye test every five years in order to renew their licences. This is set to change. The amendment proposed by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) will make it compulsory for all drivers to retake the driver’s licence test every five years.
New Drivers Will Have Their Movements Restricted
The RTMC has also proposed placing a limit on the distances that newly qualified drivers can travel within the first year of qualifying. New drivers may not be able to get behind the wheel for long road trips of more than 150km.
Among other legislative measures that have been discussed are a price cap on Premium 93 petrol (this one seems ever more unlikely) and more stringent licence testing for truck and bus drivers.
Be Ready for Anything with Timely Advice From Highway Bakkie Hire
Whatever the rules are, Highway Bakkie Hire abides by them and can provide vehicles for everyone else who does too. Contact us for all your car rental requirements.
