| Public transportation is a great way to travel, but if | | | | approaching from the right. It is considered a |
| you are a tourist who prefers to keep your own | | | | courtesy to pull over to the paved shoulder and allow |
| itinerary and schedule, then there is nothing better | | | | faster vehicles to pass. Where speed limits are not |
| than being behind the wheel of a car. You will find | | | | posted, the limit is 60 km per hour (37 miles) in urban |
| that South Africa has an excellent network of | | | | areas, and 120 km per hour (75 miles) in rural areas. |
| highways and roads. The national road system is the | | | | Care and Safety |
| N-prefixed series of highways. You can rent a car in | | | | When driving in South Africa, always be alert for |
| South Africa if you are 23 years of age or older, and | | | | wildlife crossing signs. In mountainous areas watch for |
| have been driving legally for at least five years. | | | | falling rock signs. In urban areas you must watch out |
| Roads to Remote Areas | | | | for livestock and pedestrians. The police advise |
| Some of the more remote areas of South Africa are | | | | visitors not to pick up hitchhikers. The use of seat |
| accessible only by private transportation. Roads into | | | | belts is compulsory, and children especially must be |
| these areas range from excellent to poor. In some | | | | properly secured. The police strictly enforce laws |
| rural areas, only the main roads are paved. However, | | | | against drinking and driving. The legal blood alcohol |
| dirt roads are usually levelled and kept in relatively | | | | level is 0.05 percent, the equivalent of one glass or |
| good repair. These roads will take you to the places | | | | beer or wine. Always leave your car locked, with |
| you'll want to visit if you are the sort of traveller | | | | nothing valuable in plain view. |
| who likes to get off the beaten path. | | | | Pit Stops |
| Rules of the Road | | | | Gasoline is relatively inexpensive in South Africa. In |
| To drive a motor vehicle in South Africa you must be | | | | some of the arid interior regions, there are great |
| 18 years of age or older, and possess a valid driver's | | | | distances between towns. Therefore, when you see |
| license, printed in English, and bearing your | | | | a service station, it's a good idea to stop and fill up |
| photograph. Otherwise, you must get an international | | | | your tank. Also make sure you have a supply of |
| driver's license before you leave your home country. | | | | water in the vehicle. Some highways are equipped |
| While driving in South Africa you must have your | | | | with emergency telephones. Whether you are on the |
| driver's license with you at all times, and your vehicle | | | | six lane highway between Pretoria and Johannesburg, |
| must be equipped with a red warning triangle for use | | | | or driving along a rural dirt road, you are your own |
| in emergencies. South Africans drive on the left. | | | | travel guide, so take all due care for your own |
| Unless a road sign or a traffic officer tells you | | | | comfort and safety. You'll want to remember your |
| otherwise, always yield the right of way to vehicles | | | | tour of South Africa for all the right reasons. |