Rules in detail: Loads, passengers and projections

Conveyance of goods

What the rule says. Goods may not be loaded so that they can touch the road surface, or block the driver or rider from seeing traffic to the front or either side, or traffic behind in the rear-view mirror. Goods must be safely contained in the body of the vehicle or securely fastened to it, and protected from being dislodged or spilled. On the roof of a motor car, goods may not rise above the roof by more than half of the height of the car, measured from ground level. Pedal cycles on a roof are exempt. A container made for twist locks must be fastened with at least four twist locks.

Why it matters. A load that falls or hides your view endangers everybody.

In practice. A car 1,5 metres high may have a roof load rising 0,75 metres above the roof. Baggage on a motorcycle goes in suitable carriers attached securely.

Key idea: Contain it, fasten it, keep your view clear.

Persons on a goods vehicle

What the rule says. If persons are carried on a goods vehicle, the part in which they travel must be enclosed to a height of at least 350 millimetres above the surface they are seated on, or at least 900 millimetres above the surface they are standing on. Passengers may not ride in a caravan.

Why it matters. The enclosure helps stop people falling out.

In practice. People stand on the load bed of a bakkie with sides 600 millimetres high. That is not enough, because standing persons need at least 900 millimetres. Nobody may ride inside a caravan being towed.

Key idea: Seated: 350 mm. Standing: 900 mm. No passengers in a caravan.

Projections on a motorcycle

What the rule says. A motorcycle may not be used on a public road if goods carried on it, or on a sidecar, project more than 600 millimetres to the front of the axle of the front wheel, more than 900 millimetres to the rear of the axle of the rear wheel, more than 450 millimetres on either side of the wheels, or more than 300 millimetres to the outside of the wheel of the sidecar.

Why it matters. A projection that is too far can hit people and other vehicles.

In practice. A rider ties a long item so it sticks out 700 millimetres in front of the front axle. That is over the 600 millimetre limit, so the load must be moved back.

Key idea: Motorcycle goods: 600 front, 900 rear, 450 sides, 300 sidecar (mm).

Projections on light and heavy motor vehicles

What the rule says. On either side of the longitudinal centre-line of the vehicle, goods may not project more than 1,3 metres for a bus or a goods vehicle with a GVM of more than 12 000 kilograms, and not more than 1,25 metres for any other vehicle. Side mirrors and direction indicators are not counted. Goods may not project more than 300 millimetres beyond the front end of the vehicle, or more than 1,8 metres beyond the rear end. No bracket may project more than 150 millimetres beyond the widest part of the vehicle, again not counting side mirrors or indicators.

Why it matters. The measurements keep the vehicle within a predictable width and length.

In practice. A car carries a load sticking out 2 metres behind the rear end. That is over the 1,8 metre rear limit, so it is not allowed.

Key idea: Sides 1,25 m or 1,3 m; front 300 mm; rear 1,8 m; brackets 150 mm.

Warning flags and reflectors on loads

What the rule says. A load that projects more than 150 millimetres to the side, or more than 300 millimetres to the rear, must be marked. During the day use a red flag or flags measuring 300 millimetres by 300 millimetres. At night, or at any other time when persons and vehicles are not clearly visible because of unfavourable conditions, use retro-reflectors: white to the front and red to the rear.

Why it matters. Other road users must be able to see where the load ends.

In practice. In daylight a load sticks out 400 millimetres at the rear. It is over 300 millimetres, so it needs a red flag. At night the same load needs a red retro-reflector at the rear.

Key idea: Over 150 mm side or 300 mm rear: red flag by day, reflectors by night.

Quick recap

• Goods may not touch the road or block your view
• Roof load on a motor car: not above half the car's height from the ground
• Twist-lock container: at least four twist locks
• Persons on a goods vehicle: enclosed 350 mm seated, 900 mm standing
• Vehicle goods: 300 mm front, 1,8 m rear, 1,25 m or 1,3 m each side
• Mark loads over 150 mm side or 300 mm rear: 300 mm x 300 mm red flag by day