What is the speed limit around schools?

By Ané Theron

Currently, the speed limited for restricted zones such as churches and schools is 30 or 40 kilometres per hour - and usually a road sign indicating the specific speed limit will be present. But if it isn’t, you shouldn’t be driving faster than 40 km per hour.

According to ArriveAlive.co.za, the current national speed limit is as follows:

• 60 km/h on a public road within an urban area,
• 100 km/h on public road outside an urban area which is not a freeway; and
• 120 km/h on every freeway.
• Road traffic signs can also prescribe speed limits which may be lower or higher than the general limits applicable on a public road.

New Legislation

According to the Department of Transport, the roll-out for a 20km/h reduction of the national speed limit is in progress, with other changes being implemented as soon as the beginning of May, 2017.

If the new legislation comes into effect, it will mean the following for SA road users:

• Bakkie-drivers will be prohibited from transporting school-children on the back of the vehicle, or carrying more than five occupants in the loading area,
• Heavy goods vehicles will be limited to certain speeds (depending on their weight), and will have to display a ‘100 limit’ sticker,
• A new K53 driver’s license test will be issued,
• In order to renew your driver’s license, a practical driver’s test will have to be undertaken,
• A 20km/h slower speed limit will be implemented across the board. This means: Instead of 60km/h, 40 km/ hour shall apply in respect of every public road or section thereof, situated within an urban area;  80 km/ hour (instead of 100 km/h) shall apply in respect of every public road or section thereof, other than a freeway, situated outside an urban area; and 100 km/h shall apply in respect of every freeway (instead of 120 km/h).

Click here to read Adv. Johan Jonck’s article (from ArriveAlive.co.za) on the finer details of the current speed limit in South Africa.