Lights Motorcycle lights

• Only motorcycles with fitted lamps that are properly secured, undamaged and which are capable of being lighted at all times are allowed on a public road.

• Your motorcycle's headlamps must be lighted at all times when riding (during day and night).

Light and Heavy Vehicle's Lights

All lamps of any light or heavy vehicle must be undamaged, unobscured, properly secured and capable of being lighted at all times when driving on a public road.
Always be sure that the headlamps, rear lamps and number plate lamps are kept lighted during the period:

• Between sunset and sunrise.

• Whenever there are unfavorable weather conditions, insufficient light and when you cannot clearly see vehicles and persons from 150 metres away.

The above precautions do not apply to vehicles parked:

• Off the roadway of a public road.

• Where a vehicle is parked within 12 metres from lighted street lamp illuminating the road.

• In a parking area marked by an appropriate traffic sign.

Main Beam (Bright)

The main beam of every headlamp must be adjusted and maintained in a way that it should be able to adequately brighten the area ahead of the vehicle, allowing the driver/ rider to see any road users or substantial object from at least 100 metres away.
Always dip the main-beam of your vehicle when following another vehicle and also for oncoming vehicles.

Dipped Beam

The dipped-beam of every headlamp must be adjusted and maintained in a way that it should be able to adequately brighten the area ahead of the vehicle, allowing the driver/ rider to see any road users or substantial object from at least 45 metres away.

Parking Lamps

You may not drive on a public road with your parking lamps switched on while your vehicle is in motion.

Rear Lamps

If your motorcycle or tricycle is not fitted with a rear lamp that emits a red light to the rear, then you may not ride it on public.
You may only drive a light motor vehicle on a public road if it is fitted with lamps at the rear that produce a red light to the rear.
Your heavy motor vehicle is not allowed on a public road if it does not have at least one lamp on each side at the rear that are capable of producing a red light to the rear.

Stop Lamps

You may only drive a light motor vehicle or ride a motorcycle on public roads if it is fitted with stop lamps at the rear. Which are capable of producing red light which must be brighter than the light emitted by the rear lamps, and must be visible in normal sunlight from 30 metres away to a person of normal eyesight.

You may only drive a heavy motor vehicle on public roads if it is fitted with at least one stop lamps on each side at the rear. Which are capable of producing red light which must be brighter than the light emitted by the rear lamps, and must be visible in normal sunlight from 30 metres away to a person of normal eyesight.

A brightened stop lamp means that the vehicle is slowing down and may stop.

Spot Lamps

A motor vehicle that is fitted with a spot lamp that can be adjusted in a way that it enables a beam of light which can be deflected in any direction, is not allowed on public road. Unless that adjustable spot lamp:

• Is fitted on any ambulance, rescue vehicle, firefighting vehicle, police vehicle or traffic vehicles and used for official purposes.

• May be fitted to vehicles owned by a medical practitioner or veterinarian and serves professional duties only.

• May be fitted to a breakdown vehicle or a vehicle used for public essential services (electricity supply vehicle). On condition that it is used at the scene of an accident or breakdown, or for the inspection of power lines, telephone.

Number Plate Lamps

If your motor vehicle does not have at least one number plate lamp at the rear brightening up the number plate then it is not to be driven on a public road. A person of normal eyesight must be able to see every letter and figure of the number plate from 20 metres away.

Number Plate

A South African Bereau of Standards (SABS) approved number plate must be affixed:
1. In such a way that it cannot be easily removed.
2. In an upright position or within 30 degrees of an upright position.
3. That each letters and figures on it must be clearly readable.
4. That the whole plate must be clearly visible.
5. At the back of a motorcycle, motor tricycle or trailer.
6. On all vehicles on the back and on to the front of a motor vehicle.

Fog Lamp

When driving on public roads you may only light your vehicle's fog lamps in poor conditions that reduce visibility, which are caused by:
1. Snow.
2. Mist.
4. Dust.
5. Smoke.