NUMBER PLATES
A South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) approve number plate must be affixed -
(a) in such a manner that it is not easily detachable,
(b) in an upright position or within 30 degrees of such position,
(c) in such a manner that each letter and figure thereon is clearly legible,
(d) in such a manner that the whole number plate is clearly visible,
(e) to the back of a motor cycle, motor tricycle, or trailer, and
(f) one to the back and one to the front of all other motor vehicles.
DRIVING VIEW TO BE UNOBSTRUCTED (Rear-View Mirrors)
General Rule:
No person may operate a motor vehicle on a public road if the driver/rider does not have a full and clear view of:
The roadway ahead,
The right side, and
The left side while the vehicle is in use.
Mirror Requirements:
A. Rear-View Mirrors (General Rule)
Every vehicle (except tractors) must be fitted with a rear-view mirror or mirrors.
These mirrors must allow the driver to see, in clear weather, a clear reflection of traffic to the rear.
B. Specific Vehicle Types
For motor cars, minibuses, buses, and goods vehicles:
1. Must be fitted with:
An exterior rear-view mirror on the driving side, and
An interior rear-view mirror.
2.Exception:
If the interior rear-view mirror does not provide a clear view of traffic to the rear, then:
An additional exterior mirror must be fitted on the side opposite to the driving seat.
In this case, the interior mirror is not required.
Key Points to Remember for Test:
Drivers view must always be clear in all directions.
No mirror = illegal (except tractors).
Cars, minibuses, buses, goods vehicles = must have both inside + outside mirrors, unless the inside one is blocked (then fit another outside mirror).
STEERING GEAR
STEERING GEAR (Motorcycles)
General Rule:
A motorcycle may NOT be used on a public road unless:
All parts of the steering gear are properly maintained,
The steering gear allows the motorcycle to be steered safely and efficiently.
Handlebar Width Requirements
For motorcycles with engine capacity 200 cc or more, Handlebar width must be between 600 mm and 800 mm.
For motorcycles with engine capacity less than 200 cc,
Handlebar width must be between 500 mm and 800 mm.
Handlebar Height Restrictions
The outer ends of the handgrips on the handlebars may NOT be:
Higher than 500 mm above the seat height, OR
Lower than the seat height.
(i) between 600 and 800 millimetres in respect of motorcycles having an engine with a cylinder capacity of 200 cubic centimetres more, and
(ii) between 500 and 800 millimetres in respect of motorcycles having an engine with a cylinder capacity of less than 200 cubic centimetres. of which the outer ends of the handgrips on the handlebars are-
• higher than 500 millimetres above the seat height; or
• lower than the seat height,
Key Points for Test:
Steering gear must be in good working condition at all times. Handlebar width depends on engine size:
200 cc or more - 600 - 800 mm.
Less than 200 cc - 500 - 800 mm.
Handlebar grips must not be too high (over 500 mm above the seat) or too low (below seat level).
STEERING GEAR - LIGHT & HEAVY MOTOR VEHICLES
General Rule:
A light motor vehicle or heavy motor vehicle may NOT be operated on a public road unless:
All parts of the steering system are properly maintained, and
The vehicle can be steered safely and efficiently at all times.
What This Means in Practice:
Steering must not be loose, worn out, or faulty.
The driver must be able to maintain full control of the vehicles direction.
Applies to all vehicles regardless of size or weight.
Key Point for Test:
No vehicle is roadworthy if its steering gear is defective - Unsafe, illegal, and can cause accidents.
TURNING RADIUS
A motor vehicle may not be used on a public road if the turning radius of such vehicle exceeds 13,1 metres.
BRAKES
Motorcycles
A motorcycle may NOT be used on a public road unless it is fitted with two independent braking systems:
• Front Brake - must act on the front wheel.
• Rear Brake - must act on the rear wheel or wheels.
Both braking systems must always be in good working order.
Light & Heavy Motor Vehicles
Every light motor vehicle (cars, minibuses, bakkies) and heavy motor vehicle (trucks, buses, etc.) used on a public road must be equipped with:
1. A Service Brake
Used to reduce speed or stop the vehicle during normal driving.
Controlled by the driver (usually the foot brake).
2.A Parking Brake (Handbrake)
Keeps the vehicle stationary when parked.
Prevents rolling when stopped on inclines.
3. OR an Emergency Brake
A separate system that can stop the vehicle if the service brake fails.
May sometimes be combined with the parking brake.
Key Points to Remember for Test:
Motorcycles - Must have 2 separate brakes (front & rear).
Light/Heavy Vehicles - Must have at least a service brake AND either a parking brake or an emergency brake.
All braking systems must always be kept in good working condition for roadworthiness.