South Africa is about to enter a new festive season and the country has rolled out some new traffic laws for road safety and accident reduction during the busy travelling period. Millions of people are expected to travel at this time to enforce more stringent application and increased penalties upon violation. Below is a detailed look at the changes and how they may affect a driver at this festive season.
Key Highlights Of The New Traffic Laws
- Definition of Drunk Driving Zero-Tolerance : There is no doubt that the most important change is the implementation of a policy that follows the principle of zero tolerance on drunk driving. We have reduced the legal blood alcohol limit to “0.02g per 100ml”- any consumption of alcohol before driving is forbidden and compatible with international standards to help curb the increasing numbers of accidents due to alcohol.
- Conformity to Speed Limits : Speed cameras and patrols will ensure compliance with speed limits, especially those for highways and accident-prone road spots. Fines for exceeding speed limits are increased and may result in suspension of licenses for repeat offenders.
- New Demerit System : Thus, the “Administrative Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences (AARTO) Act” is fully operational now. Those demerit points are awarded to drivers due to dangerous driving and running red lights, who might even have their driving licenses revoked or canceled due to failing an online test.
- Children Safety Provisions : Children below 12 years of age or below 1.5 meters in height should be restrained using an appropriate child restraint system, for instance, car seats, and failing to comply will incur penalties of a lot of money.
- Comprehensive Vehicle Inspection : Random checks will be conducted to ascertain if a vehicle is in condition to be on the road by law enforcement officers mainly for public transport vehicles, for example, taxis and buses. Nonconformance results in an instant impoundment of a vehicle by the police.
Roadblocks And Increased Visibility Of Traffic Officials
To enforce these new laws, the South African Police Services (SAPS) and their local traffic departments have set up more roadblocks across the country. The roadblocks will check for valid licenses, roadworthy certificates, and compliance with safety regulations.
Effects Of The New Laws On Drivers And Commuters
Drivers should take note of the recent legislation to avoid being fined or penalized. The operators of public transport, in particular, will be keenly assessed to ensure the safety of passengers.
Penalties For Not Obeying
- Driving while intoxicated: “R120,000 fine” or imprisonment.
- Careless driving: after 12 demerit points, driver’s license is suspended.
- Vehicles that are not roadworthy: immediate impoundment and costs of repairs.
Government’s Goals
According to Minister of Transport Fikile Mbalula, those new laws will thus assist to reduce the number of road fatalities, mostly in December, when people travel during the festive season. In fact, just last Christmas, there were over 1,600 fatalities, with many resulting from speeding, intoxicated driving, and the use of unroadworthy vehicles.
Stay Safe Tips For Travel
- Route a trip such that most of the area traversed in the trip does not converge with high-density traffic at most times.
- Ensure car roadworthiness before travel.
- Do not drink and drive.
- Have your full driver credential and vehicle documents with you at all times.
- Use appropriate child restraints when transporting younger occupants in your vehicles.
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