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How long may a pole or ladder overhang from your vehicle?

Photo by James Loretz

Question:

Please advise what the legal length a pole can stick out of a vehicle. I am a 2.8m truck and need to transport a 4m pole.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Answer:

It may hang over the back of the vehicle by 1.8 metres. Please note the second regulation for the warning of the projecting load.

The regs are attached

Projections in case of vehicle other than motor cycle, motor tricycle or pedal cycle

Reg 227. (1) No person shall operate on a public road a vehicle, other than a motor cycle, motor tricycle or pedal cycle-
(a) carrying any goods which project–
(i) either side of the longitudinal centre-line of the vehicle by more than
(aa) in the case of a bus contemplated in regulation 223(a) or a goods vehicle contemplated in regulation 223(b), one comma three metres; or
(bb) in the case of any other vehicle, one comma two five metres:Provided that any side mirror or direction indicator on the vehicle shall not be taken into account;
(ii) more than 300 millimetres beyond the front end of the vehicle; or
(iii) more than one comma eight metres beyond the rear end of the vehicle; or
(b) of which
(i) the front overhang, together with any projection, exceeds the front overhang as provided in regulation 226(1)(b); or
(ii) any bracket projects more than 150 millimetres beyond the widest part of the vehicle.
(2) No person shall operate on a public road a vehicle or combination of vehicles where the combined length of such vehicle or combination of vehicles and any projection exceeds the overall length prescribed in regulation 221 for such vehicle or combination of vehicles.

Warning in respect of projecting load

Reg 229. (1) No person shall operate a vehicle on a public road if the load on such vehicle projects more than 150 millimetres beyond the side thereof, unless—
(a) during the period between sunset and sunrise and at any other time when, due to insufficient light or unfavourable weather conditions, persons and vehicles upon the public road would not be clearly visible at a distance of 150 metres, the extent of such projection is indicated—
(i) by means of either a white retro reflector or a lamp emitting a white light, fitted at the outer edge of the front of such load; and
(ii) by means of either a red retro reflector or a lamp emitting a red light, fitted at the outer edge of the rear of such load; and
(b) during any other period, the extent of such projection is indicated by means of flags of red cloth, not less than 300 millimetres by 300 millimetres, suspended by two adjacent corners thereof transversely to the direction in which the vehicle is travelling, from the front and rear of such projection.
(2) No person shall operate a vehicle on a public road if the load on such vehicle projects more than 300 millimetres beyond the rear thereof, unless—
(a) during the period between sunset and sunrise and at any other time when, due to insufficient light or unfavourable weather conditions, persons and vehicles upon the public road would not be clearly visible at a distance of 150 metres—
(i) the width of such projection is indicated by means of red retro reflectors or lamps emitting a red light fitted on the end of such projection: Provided that where the width of any such projection is less than 600 millimetres it shall be sufficient for the purpose of indicating such width to fit one retro reflector or lamp on the end thereof; and
(ii) the length of such projection is indicated by means of yellow retro reflectors or lamps emitting a yellow light fitted on both sides of such projection at the end thereof; and

(b) during any other period, the length of such projection is indicated by means of a red flag or red cloth, not less than 300 millimetres by 300 millimetres, suspended by two adjacent corners thereof transversely to the direction in which the vehicle is travelling, from the end of such projection, and the width of such projection is indicated by means of such flags suspended by two adjacent corners thereof parallel to the direction in which the vehicle is travelling, from both sides of such projection at the end thereof: Provided that where the width of such projection is less than 600 millimetres it shall be sufficient for the purposes of indicating such projection to suspend one such flag from the end thereof.
(3) For the purposes of this regulation, the light of any lamp shall comply with the provisions of regulation 158(2).

Regards

Alta

Alta Swanepoel and Associates

What does the law say about the use of retread tyres on the front axles of buses?

Question:

Hope you can help.

I would like to know if there is any law in SA regarding the use of retread tyres on the front axles of buses?

The reason I ask is that the bus company my son’s school uses for transporting children for outings is using them and I would like to email the Princiapl regarding this, so want to know what the law states. I Googled extensively but only found reference to say it is is illeagal in most countries over seas to have retreads on the front axle, so I would like to know what the stance is in SA.

Answer:

There is no specific prohibition but par (n) requires commercial steel radial tyres for such vehicle. I copy the regulation for you. Retreads are only prohibited on motor cycles.

Tyres

Reg 212. No person shall operate on a public road—

(a) a motor vehicle, other than a tractor or trailer, which is equipped with a metal tyre;
(b) a tractor or trailer, other than an animal-drawn vehicle, which is equipped with a metal tyre of less than 130 millimetres in width;
(c) an animal drawn vehicle which is equipped with a metal tyre less than 40 millimetres in width;
(d) a vehicle which is equipped with a metal tyre unless the whole width of the tread of the tyre is at all times in direct contact with the surface of the road;
(e) a vehicle which is equipped with a tyre which is in such a state of disrepair or in such a condition that it may cause or is likely to cause damage to the road surface or may be or is likely to be a danger;
(f) a motor vehicle which is equipped with a pneumatic tyre of which the rubber covering is so worn or damaged that the fabric or cord used in the construction of such tyre is exposed;
(g) a motor vehicle of which a tyre is so constructed and fitted that the metal part of the wheel to which such tyre is fitted may come into contact with the road surface;
(h) a motor cycle which is equipped with a retreated tyre;
(i) a motor vehicle which is equipped with a regrooved tyre having a bead diameter of 430 millimetres or less;
(j) a motor vehicle—
(i) which is fitted with a pneumatic tyre unless such tyre displays throughout, across its breadth and around its entire circumference, a pattern which is clearly visible, and has a tread of at least one millimetre in depth;

(ii) which is fitted with a pneumatic tyre which contains a tyre tread depth indicator, if the tread is level with the tyre tread depth indicator:
Provided that this paragraph shall not apply in respect of a motor cycle with an engine which has a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimetres, or a trailer drawn by a tractor at a speed not exceeding 40 km/h;
(k) a motor cycle with an engine having a cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 cubic centimetres, which is fitted with a pneumatic tyre which does not at any position on the tread thereof have a visible tread pattern over at least 80 per cent of the full width of the tread;
(l) a motor vehicle which is equipped with a pneumatic tyre which has a break in its fabric or which has a cut, measured in any direction on the outside of the tyre and of such depth that it reaches the cords used in the construction of such tyre, in excess of 25 millimetres or 10 per cent of the maximum width of the tyre, whichever is the greater; or
(m) a motor vehicle which is equipped with a pneumatic tyre which has a lump or bulge caused by the separation of or a partial break in its structure.
(n) A minibus, midibus, or bus operating in terms of an operating licence issued in accordance with the provisions of the NLTTA, unless such minibus, midibus or bus is fitted with commercial steel radial tyres; and

Alta

Alta Swanepoel and Associates

What are the requirements and costs to renew a Professional Driving Permit [PrDP]?

Question:

I have to renew my PDP, What form must I complete and do I again have to get a medical certificate, fingerprints, eye test and ? What is the costs involve? I stay in Centurion, Thank-you.

Answer:

Herewith is the response to the question asked below:

Yes in terms of a renewal of a Professional Driving Permit (PrDP), the applicant has to go for a medical assessment, eye test and have their fingerprints taken. The Application for Professional Driving Permit (Form PD1) is the form that needs to be completed. The Medical Certificate (Form MC) will have to be completed by a medical professional. The requirements stipulated for the issuing of a PrDP remain applicable. In terms of the cost, the issuance of a PrDP involves the application fee (R96.00) and the Issue fee (R204.00). These fees are provincially based and the fees provided are for Gauteng since you indicated that you stay on Centurion.

All the forms can be accessed on the eNaTIS website www.enatis.com

What are the Rules of the Road on truck chevron boards?

Question:

I’d like to enquire if there is a minimum legal standard for Chevron boards on the back of Long Haul Trucks(besides needing to be clean at all times).

Is one allowed to add further lighting on and around the board to increase rear-end safety.

Look forward to your reply

Answer:

Yes there is a SANS specification that determines the standards. I copy the regulation for you.

Additional lighting must fit into the current ambit of the legislation. No lamps other than the allowed ones may be added to a vehicle. Reg 157 to 185 of the NRT Regulations deal with it.

Warning sign on rear of certain motor vehicles (chevrons)

Reg 191. (1)        For the purposes of this regulation the expression “motor vehicle” shall not include a motor vehicle propelled by electrical power derived from overhead wires, motor car, motor cycle, motor tricycle, motor quadrucycle, tractor, or any other motor vehicle the gross vehicle mass of which does not exceed 3 500 kg and which is not a trailer.

(2)        Subject to subregulation (3), no person shall operate on a public road a motor vehicle unless there is fitted at the rear of such vehicle a warning sign which—

(a)        is a chevron sign which complies with the requirements referred to in standard specification SABS 1329 “Retro‑reflective and Fluorescent Warning Signs for Road Vehicles”, Part 4 “Retro-reflective chevron-signs” and Part 5 “Retro-reflective chevron decals”;

(b)        bears a certification mark;

(c)        notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (a), from 1 January 2001 incorporates both retro-reflective red and retro-reflective yellow chevron strips.

(3)        (a)        If the design or construction of any motor vehicle does not allow a chevron to be fitted thereto such chevron may be cut into sections to avoid the interference of protrusions, or its edges may be trimmed to permit fitment to the contour of the vehicle or its equipment, but the chevron pattern shall be substantially maintained.

(b)        If the design or construction of any motor vehicle does not allow a modified chevron to be fitted thereto as contemplated in paragraph (a), at least 11 retro-reflectors shall be fitted to such motor vehicle as shown in diagram A below, and in the case of a trailer the gross vehicle mass of which does not exceed 3 500 kg, at least seven retro‑reflectors shall be fitted to such trailer as illustrated in diagram B below.

DIAGRAM B

Provided that a trailer the gross vehicle mass of which does not exceed 3 500 kg may, in lieu of the said seven retro-reflectors, be fitted with at least one triangular retro-reflector at each side no further than 400 millimetre from the outer edge of the widest part of such trailer, that comply with the requirements of standard specification SABS ECE R3 “The uniform provisions concerning the approval of retro-reflecting devices for power-driven vehicles and their trailers.

(4)        Every warning sign required in terms of this regulation, to be displayed on a motor vehicle or on a trailer referred to in subregulation (2), shall—

(a)        be in an upright position or within 15 degrees of such position and face squarely to the rear;

(b)        be so placed that the lower edge thereof is not more than one comma one metres above ground level: Provided that if, owing to the structure of the vehicle, it is impossible to fit the warning sign at the prescribed height, it shall be fitted as near as possible to such height;

(c)        extend horizontally for such distance as is necessary to indicate the overall width of the vehicle to which it is fitted to within 400 millimetres of either side: Provided that these provisions shall not be applied to any chevron fitted in addition to the requirements of this regulation; and

(d)        be clean and in good condition and not be obscured to the extent that it will be rendered ineffective.

Alta

Alta Swanepoel and Associates

Nissan SA recalls 1178 Juke crossover SUV's

Nissan South Africa has confirmed that close to 1200 units of its Juke crossover SUV will be recalled here as part of a 250 000-vehicle global recall.

While the global recall includes Juke, Micra and Tiida models and models from Nissan’s premium Infiniti range, in South Africa only 1178 units of the range-topping Juke – the 1.6 DIG-T Tekna – are affected.

According to Reuters, Nissan said a mechanical glitch in the fuel rail of certain direct injection engines is at fault. A fuel rail pressure sensor on certain vehicles could be tightened insufficiently to the fuel rail of the engines and could gradually loosen.

Although 83 incidents and no accidents have been reported – mostly in Japan and the UK – no local incidents have yet been noted.

The faulty parts require about 90 minutes to repair and local Juke owners affected are being contacted.

[Info from Wheels24]

Also view:

Alarming number of vehicle owners not responding to vehicle recalls

What do I need to know about solid and broken yellow lines next to the kerb?

Question:

Hi I am trying to find out the law regarding single yellow lines in residential area… Does it mean no parking whatsoever or is their another interpretation? Your help and response would be most appreciated..

Answer:

A solid single yellow line alongside the kerb in a residential area means no parking is permitted there at any time.

A single yellow broken line alongside the kerb means no parking is permitted there during the times shown on an accompanying road sign.

Gavin Hoole
Cape Town
K53 Info Website
For Learner’s & Driver’s Licence Test Preparation
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What are the most popular colours for cars in South Africa?

SABC News Online revealed some interesting findings on the most popular colours for cars in South Africa:

“White and silver cars remain the most popular in South Africa with a combined market share of over 60 per cent of all new cars sold in the country last year. Most car buyers opt for white followed by silver and much lower down in the popularity stakes are grey, blue and red. Yellow, maroon, purple and pink are the least popular colours with pink right at the bottom.”

It appears that these colours are perceived to be more “neutral” and it might be easier to sell vehicles with these colours. Others believe that is is easier to repair scratches and damage to these vehicles.

It has also been revealed that the colour black has slipped down the rankings and that the warm climate in South Africa is what is making this a less desirable colour for vehicles in South Africa.

Also view:

Which color car was most popular in 2010?

“Your colour does affect car insurance in South Africa”

3 Attorneys arrested in Pretoria for defrauding the Road Accident Fund

Three attorneys were arrested in Pretoria on Thursday morning in connection with 54 counts of fraud amounting to about R6m, Gauteng police said.

They handed themselves over at the Pretoria Central police station following an investigation by the Gauteng Commercial Crime Unit, said Lieutenant Colonel Katlego Mogale.

Cases of fraud were opened in Brooklyn, Pretoria, last year in July and November by the Road Accident Fund.

Another attorney, a doctor and an agent acting as a middleman, were arrested on Tuesday and had appeared in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court.

The attorney and the doctor were granted bail of R10 000 and the agent bail of R1 500, said Mogale.

Two other attorneys were arrested on Wednesday. They appeared in court and were also granted bail of R10 000 each.

It was alleged that the six attorneys, the doctor and the agent were lodging claims on behalf of clients, said Mogale.

Third party claims lodged after an accident were referred to the same doctor, who in some instances provided medical certificates for claimants he had not physically examined.

In some instances, those claimants had not been involved in accidents, he said

All eight would appear in the Pretoria Magistrate’s Court on March 6.

- SAPA

Could the size and shape of your buttocks become an anti-theft device?

We have all kinds of unique identifying features! It is however not only fingerprints and eye scanning that can be used to identify a specific person.

Japanese scientists claim their pressure sensor sheet can accurately identify an individual’s backside and when placed on a driver’s seat could be used as a last line of defence to stop someone else driving away your motor.

Your buttocks may have 39 identifying features

“The sheet has 360 sensors, which collect data for 39 features to recognise a person, such as pressure patterns and the dimensions of the buttocks,” said Dr Shigeomi Koshimizu, who led the research.

Koshimizu, an associate professor at Tokyo-based Advanced Institute of Industrial Technology, said his device is 98% accurate and far less onerous than conventional biometrics as it requires nothing more than someone to sit naturally.

Clothing may present a challenge

But, he added, there are still a few hurdles to clear before the technology makes it to market.

“The recognition tends to be compromised by different clothes,” he said. “Sensors read different signals from a pair of trousers and a pair of jeans.”

Conclusion:

Few would have thought that the size and shape of your buttocks may one day be an anti-theft device! We believe that not only clothes might present a challenge – but also our ability to change shape with fitness exercises and weight loss programmes.

We look forward to seeing how these studies could impact on fighting vehicle theft and the potential benefits for car insurance!

[Information from a story that appeared via Sapa]

Rules of the Road, Professional Driving Permits and transporting students to events

Question:

Please can you advise on what the regulations are with regards to the transporting of students to an event outside of the school. If a teacher uses their own vehicle to transport students, is there a minimum number of students they can transport, does the teacher need a PDP, what are the legal implications for the school and the teacher should the teacher be involved in a motor vehicle accident while transporting students?

If a teacher is using a school vehicle to transport students to an external event, again, what is the number of students they are allowed to transport, do they require a PDP if it’s more than this number, what are the legal implications if any?

Look forward to hearing your reply.

Answer:

Herewith is a response to the question asked below:

A professional Driving Permit is required for amongst others, the following:

• A minibus which has been designed or adapted for the conveyance of 12 or more persons, including the driver;
• A motor vehicle conveying 12 or more persons, including the driver;
• A motor vehicle used for the conveyance of persons for reward or is operated in terms of an operating licence issued in accordance with the provisions of the NLTTA.

So in answering the question below, if the vehicle used whether owned by the teacher or the school has any of the conditions as set out above applicable, then a PrDP will be required. In case of an accident, the Road Accident Fund Act then applies.

The application form for a PrDP can be accessed on the eNaTIS website at www.enatis.com.

Regards,

Clancinah Baloyi
Manager: Business Analysis
Tasima