New Road Rules – South Africa is on the verge of implementing some of its most significant road safety reforms in years. Starting August 2025, the Department of Transport is introducing a wide set of new road rules aimed at reducing fatalities, increasing driver accountability, and aligning the country’s transport systems with global safety standards. These rule changes are not just minor tweaks—they affect every South African driver, commuter, and road user, and ignorance could result in steep fines or even license suspension. The government has cited increasing road accidents, pedestrian deaths, and reckless driving behavior as the main reasons behind this regulatory overhaul. Authorities have observed a troubling trend in vehicle crashes and DUI (Driving Under the Influence) cases, particularly involving younger drivers and heavy vehicle operators. This August, new legal requirements will enforce stricter penalties, updated speed limit zones, new pedestrian right-of-way rules, and mandatory tech-based compliance (like dashcams for commercial vehicles). If you own a car, work as a delivery driver, operate a taxi, or simply commute daily on South Africa’s road network, you must stay ahead of these changes. This article breaks down each of the upcoming regulations, what they mean for you, and how to ensure you stay compliant—and avoid unnecessary penalties.
Key New Road Rules Changes Coming into Effect in August 2025
Starting August 1st, 2025, several critical amendments will be introduced to the Road Traffic Act and related transport policies.
- Mandatory dashcams in all commercial and public transport vehicles
- Speed limit changes in urban zones: now capped at 40 km/h in residential areas
- Alcohol limit set to zero for all drivers under the age of 25
- Increased fines for cellphone use while driving: now up to R5,000
- Automatic license suspensions for repeat red light offenders
- New pedestrian priority zones near schools, clinics, and malls
- License renewal now tied to driver demerit score
- Compulsory eye tests during every license renewal appointment
Updated Penalties for Common Road Violations (August 2025)
| Offense | Previous Fine | New Fine (Aug 2025) | License Impact | Enforcement Method |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Using mobile phone while driving | R1,000 | R5,000 | 2 demerit points | Road cameras + police stop |
| Drunk driving (any detectable amount) | R2,500 | R10,000 | Immediate suspension | On-site breathalyzer |
| Speeding (40+ km/h over limit) | R2,000 | R7,500 | 3 demerit points | Average speed cameras |
| Skipping red light | R1,500 | R6,000 | Auto-suspension (3x) | Traffic camera + registry |
| Not stopping for pedestrians | R800 | R3,500 | 1 demerit point | Patrol reports |
| Expired vehicle license disc | R500 | R1,500 | Possible impoundment | License plate scans |
| Faulty headlights or taillights | R400 | R1,200 | Warning first offense | Physical vehicle check |
| No dashcam in commercial vehicle | N/A | R3,000 | Business license review | Compliance inspection |
How the New Alcohol Limit Will Affect Young Drivers
One of the biggest changes will impact drivers under 25. These new rules are part of the “Zero Tolerance Youth Safety” initiative.
- The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) for drivers under 25 is now 0.00%
- Even minor alcohol traces will trigger immediate penalties
- First-time offenders will face:
- R7,000 fine
- 3-month license suspension
- Mandatory road safety course
Under-25 Drunk Driving Offense Breakdown
| Offense Level | Penalty Amount | Suspension Period | Mandatory Course | Criminal Record |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First Offense | R7,000 | 3 Months | Road Safety 101 | No |
| Second Offense | R10,000 | 6 Months | Defensive Driving | Yes |
| Third or More | R15,000 | 12 Months | Full Rehab Program | Yes |
Speed Limit Zones Being Redefined Nationwide
The Department of Transport has revised speed limits in sensitive urban and semi-urban zones to enhance pedestrian safety.
- Residential zones: 40 km/h (was 60 km/h)
- School zones: 30 km/h during peak times
- National roads remain 120 km/h unless otherwise marked
- Speed limits will be displayed with reflective, radar-equipped signs
Revised Speed Limits as of August 2025
| Zone Type | Old Speed Limit | New Speed Limit | Enforcement Tools |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Area | 60 km/h | 40 km/h | Speed cameras + radar posts |
| School Zone | 40 km/h | 30 km/h (peak) | Mobile speed traps |
| Main Highway | 120 km/h | Unchanged | Average speed check system |
| Rural Roads | 100 km/h | 80 km/h | Patrol car + cameras |
| Taxi Routes | 80 km/h | 60 km/h | Taxi enforcement checkpoints |
| Mall/Clinic Access | 50 km/h | 35 km/h | Pedestrian-zone enforcement |
| Construction Zones | 60 km/h | 40 km/h | Temporary digital signage |
Compulsory Dashcams for Commercial Vehicles
To curb hit-and-run cases and ensure accountability among taxi and freight drivers, commercial vehicles must now be equipped with working dashcams.
- Applies to:
- Minibus taxis
- Delivery vans
- Long-haul trucks
- Buses
- Footage must be stored for at least 30 days
- Random inspections will be conducted by metro police
- Penalty for non-compliance: R3,000 and up to 5-day suspension from service
How Dashcam Footage Will Be Used in Court
Dashcam recordings will now be admissible as primary evidence in road accident cases. This means:
- Faster resolution of liability disputes
- Proof of reckless driving by other parties
- Protection against fraudulent accident claims
New Demerit System and License Renewal Policy
The government is finally rolling out the long-anticipated national demerit system.
- Each driver starts with 0 points
- Points added for each violation
- Accumulating 12+ points leads to automatic license suspension
- License renewals will now include a demerit check
Demerit Point Allocation System
| Violation | Demerit Points |
|---|---|
| Using mobile while driving | 2 |
| Red light violation | 3 |
| Speeding 20+ km/h over limit | 2 |
| Drunk driving | 4 |
| No seatbelt | 1 |
| Not stopping at pedestrian zone | 2 |
Additional Tests During License Renewal
When renewing your driver’s license:
- You must undergo an updated vision test
- A digital knowledge test on basic road rules is being piloted
- Your driving record and point tally will be printed on your new license
Enhanced Pedestrian Safety Zones
To reduce pedestrian-related fatalities, the new law introduces dedicated “pedestrian priority zones.”
- These zones include:
- School exits
- Hospital and clinic perimeters
- Public parks
- Mall entrances
- Vehicles must come to a full stop if pedestrians are present
- Non-compliance could lead to a R3,500 fine
Changes to Pedestrian Crossing Rules
All zebra crossings in the identified zones will have:
- Elevated surfaces for traffic calming
- Speed bumps before entry
- Flashing pedestrian-activated lights
- Enforced by community patrols and CCTV
Departmental Contact Details for Road Rule Queries
If you need more information or assistance on the new road rules, you can contact the relevant departments below:
| Department | Contact Number | Email Address | Office Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| National Department of Transport | 012 309 3000 | [email protected] | Mon–Fri, 08:00–16:00 |
| Road Traffic Infringement Agency | 0861 400 800 | [email protected] | Mon–Fri, 08:00–16:00 |
| Gauteng Transport Department | 011 355 7000 | [email protected] | Mon–Fri, 08:00–15:30 |
| Western Cape Transport | 021 483 2281 | [email protected] | Mon–Fri, 08:00–16:00 |
| Eastern Cape Transport | 043 604 7400 | [email protected] | Mon–Fri, 08:00–16:00 |
These sweeping changes are designed not just to penalize but to protect lives—yours and others’. Stay informed, adjust your driving behavior, and share this guide with friends and family to keep South Africa’s roads safer for everyone.
FAQs of New Road Rules
Q1. When do the new road rules take effect?
August 1, 2025.
Q2. Are dashcams required in personal vehicles?
No, only commercial and public transport vehicles are affected.
Q3. Will older drivers need to do vision tests?
Yes, vision tests are mandatory for all license renewals.
Q4. What happens if I exceed 12 demerit points?
Your license will be automatically suspended.
Q5. How will drivers be notified of speed limit changes?
New reflective and radar-equipped signs will be installed across zones.