Do You Know These SA Road Signs? Test Your Knowledge
Mastering South Africa’s road signs isn’t just about passing your learner’s test. Whether cruising the Karoo or meandering through Cape Town, road traffic signs warn you of bumps, guide you through twists and help you spot hazards early, protecting your car and keeping your car insurance valid.
Ready to explore? Let’s dive in and look at some of the most misunderstood road signs in Southern Africa.
Warning Signs
Warning signs give you a heads-up about road hazards ahead so you can slow down, stay alert, and cruise on safely.
Appearance: A bright yellow diamond with a bold black symbol.
Dip
The dip sign tells you to watch out for a sudden dip ahead. Make sure you slow down ahead of time to keep your suspension happy and stay safely in control.
Sharp Bend
If you see a sharp bend sign, keep an eye out for a sudden curve, slow down well ahead of time so you stay in your lane and make a smooth turn.
Pedestrian Crossing
Signs showing people walking mean you should ease off the gas and be aware that people or kids might be crossing the street. This sign is typically seen around schools and busy neighbourhoods.
Uneven Road Surface
No, this is not a sign showing a river. The uneven road sign warns you against rough patches or loose gravel. Steady your speed and grip the wheel firmly to avoid sliding.
Hawkers
In some towns, you’ll see street vendors stepping into the road – slow down, watch for sudden movement, and give them plenty of space.
Too many drivers don’t realise how quickly incidents can happen. Warning signs give you that precious extra moment to react and could be the difference between a close call and a crash.
Regulatory Signs
Regulatory signs lay down the law on the road, so you know exactly what’s allowed and what’s off-limits.
Appearance: Red signs with white inside indicate things you shouldn’t do, whereas blue-coloured signs indicate actions you must take.
Yield
A downward-pointing white triangle with a red border means you should pause and give way to cross traffic. Skipping it can lead to a dangerous T-bone collision.
No Entry
That bold red circle means “stop – do not enter.” Ignore it, and you could face a head-on collision, and your insurer might refuse your claim.
Stop
A stop sign means you should come to a complete halt, check for oncoming traffic, and only go when it’s safe. Skipping it or simply treating it as a yield sign is one of the biggest causes of intersection crashes.
Minimum Speed
A blue circle with a white number indicates the minimum speed unless conditions require slower driving. This is to keep traffic flowing and prevent dangerous bottlenecks.
Reservation Signs
Blue vertical rectangles with a big “R” and a car in white show lanes reserved for buses, taxis, ambulances, or bicycles. Drive where you see this sign, and you could risk fines, traffic delays, or your insurer declining to cover any incident that happens here.
Noise Prohibition
A horn with a red line through it means no hooting is allowed. Honking zones protect hospital areas and quiet residential streets – blasting your horn here can get you a hefty fine.
Don’t risk a fine or, worse, a denied insurance claim. Follow the rules to keep you, your passengers, and other road users safe and maintain your coverage.
Guide Signs
The purpose of guide signs is to direct you toward your destination and tell you how far you still have to go so you don’t miss a turn.
Appearance: Green for national routes (like the N1) and blue for regional or local roads.
Route Markers
Ever wonder which road you’re actually on? Route marker signs, such as N2 or R27, keep you informed so you always know which road you’re on.
Distance Panels
Distance panels show the number of kilometres left until you reach specific towns or cities. “Pretoria 120 km” will help you plan fuel stops and avoid last-minute panic.
Service Symbols
These handy service symbol icons point you to fuel stops, rest areas, and hospitals and can be your lifeline on a long drive.
Understanding guide signs keeps you on track, helps you avoid missed exits or costly detours, and makes your drive stress-free and easier on your car.
Get Car Insurance That Has Your Back
Sometimes, unexpected accidents happen. That’s why planning ahead and choosing the right car insurance cover is just as important as reading road signs.
Compare the different types of car insurance available, explore plans that suit your needs and budget, and get a quick online quote. With the right policy, misread signs or sudden hazards won’t rock your peace of mind.
Spotting warnings early, following road rules, and using guide markers can significantly lower your accident risk every time you hit the road. Remember: always obey local road regulations to avoid fines or invalidated insurance claims.
Disclaimer:
This article offers general information about commonly misunderstood road signs in South Africa. However, this is not a complete list.
Always conduct your own research and consult a certified financial advisor to select the best insurance policy for your needs.
Get a quote for affordable comprehensive cover with fixed premiums*, reducing excess*, and top-tier service. T&Cs apply.
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