Rules in detail: Number plates, mirrors and steering

Number plate lamp

What the rule says. You may not drive a motor vehicle on a public road unless it is fitted with at least one number plate lamp at the rear that lights the number plate. Every letter and figure on the plate must be visible from a distance of 20 metres by a person of normal eyesight. The number plate lamp must also be kept lit between sunset and sunrise and when visibility is poor, along with the headlamps and rear lamps.

In practice. If your plate lamp bulb fails, the plate cannot be read at night. You must repair it before driving.

Key idea: At least one plate lamp, and every character readable from 20 metres.

Fitting number plates

What the rule says. An SABS-approved number plate must be fixed so it is not easily detachable. It must be upright or within 30 degrees of upright. Each letter and figure must be clearly legible and the whole plate clearly visible. A motorcycle, motor tricycle or trailer carries one plate, at the back. All other motor vehicles carry two: one at the back and one at the front.

In practice. A car needs a plate on the front and the back. A trailer needs only one, at the back. A plate hanging loose or half covered does not comply.

Key idea: SABS plate, firmly fixed, upright within 30 degrees, front and back on cars.

Clear view and rear-view mirrors

What the rule says. A driver or rider must have a full and clear view of the road ahead and to the right and left. The vehicle must have a rear-view mirror or mirrors showing a clear reflection of traffic behind in clear weather. A tractor is exempt from this mirror rule. A motor car, minibus, bus or goods vehicle must have an exterior mirror on the driving side and an interior mirror. If the interior mirror does not let the driver in the driving position see traffic behind, an additional exterior mirror must be fitted on the side opposite the driver, and then no interior mirror is needed.

In practice. A load that blocks your view to the right means you may not drive.

Key idea: Clear all-round view, plus an exterior driving-side mirror and an interior mirror.

Motorcycle steering and handlebars

What the rule says. You may not use a motorcycle on a public road unless every part of the steering gear is kept in a condition that lets the motorcycle be steered safely and efficiently. The distance between the outside edges of the handlebars must be between 500 and 800 millimetres for an engine of less than 200 cubic centimetres. For engines of 200 cubic centimetres or more, the distance must be between 600 and 800 millimetres.

In practice. The maximum handlebar width is 800 millimetres for every motorcycle. A 125 cc motorcycle's handlebars may be as narrow as 500 millimetres.

Key idea: Handlebars: 500 to 800 mm under 200 cc; 600 to 800 mm at 200 cc or more.

Car and truck steering, and turning radius

What the rule says. A light or heavy motor vehicle may not be used on a public road unless all parts of its steering are kept in a condition that lets it be steered safely and efficiently. A motor vehicle may not be used on a public road if its turning radius exceeds 13,1 metres.

Why it matters. A vehicle that cannot turn tightly enough or steer reliably is a danger at junctions and bends.

In practice. A car with badly worn steering that is hard to control may not be used on a public road. A radius of 13 metres is within the limit; more than 13,1 metres is not.

Key idea: Steering must be sound, and turning radius may not exceed 13,1 metres.

Quick recap

• At least one number plate lamp; every letter and figure visible from 20 metres
• Number plate: SABS approved, not easily detachable, upright or within 30 degrees of upright
• Cars carry a plate at the front and the back; motorcycles, tricycles and trailers carry one at the back
• Cars, minibuses, buses and goods vehicles need an exterior mirror on the driving side plus an interior mirror
• Motorcycle handlebar width: 500 to 800 mm under 200 cc; 600 to 800 mm at 200 cc or more
• Maximum turning radius is 13,1 metres