South African Driving Etiquette

I find it pretty easy to drive in South Africa. With the exception of driving on the opposite side of the road, things operate pretty similarly. Of course, Africans’ relaxed regard to rules, which are more regarded as guidelines, carries through to the rules of the road.

While the transportation infrastructure sometimes leaves some to be desired, I am always impressed by the efficiency of driving here. Many main roads outside of the city are two lanes and often have heavy trucks or tiny cars on them that struggle up the winding hills. This is a problem if you want to go more than 40 kilometers an hour. However, South African’s have pretty well solved this one. And nicely.

If you are driving and somebody quickly comes behind you, you are obligated to drive on the shoulder to let them pass. There is no need to slow down- just move over. The vehicle behind you will pass quickly—even if it has to cross over the line into on-coming traffic.

When I was first driving, my good friend always reminded me that “they see you!!” This meant that if passing required crossing the line it is perfectly reasonable to do so even if there is an oncoming car because… you guessed it: “they see you”. And, crazy as it is, he is absolutely right. No laws or regulations around this. It is just how it is.

Proper etiquette then requires that the passing car quickly flash his hazards once safely past as a gesture of thanks. In customary South African friendliness, a quick flash of the headlights by the driver who was passed indicates “thank you for saying thank you”. South African’s are so polite!