Pedestrians and Cyclists

The short version

Pedestrian right of way at an uncontrolled crossing

Yield to a pedestrian on your half of the road, or approaching it closelyRegulation 315(2)

Where pedestrians may cross

At a crossing or intersection, or more than 50 m from oneRegulation 316(6)

Cyclists riding two or more together

Single file, except when overtaking each otherRegulation 311(2)

Hands on the handlebars

At least one, at all timesRegulation 311(6)

Cyclist helmet

Compulsory, properly fitted and fastenedRegulation 207(2)

Passing distance for a cyclist

No fixed figure — a safe distance, judged on the momentRegulation 298(1)

A pedestrian crossing's right of way isn't automatic

Regulation 315(1) covers a crossing with its own traffic signal: a pedestrian may only step out in line with what that signal shows, the same as a vehicle would. Where there's no signal, regulation 315(2) is the rule most drivers actually mean when they talk about pedestrian right of way — you must yield, slowing or stopping if you have to, to a pedestrian crossing on your half of the road, or approaching so closely from the other half that they're in danger.

That right of way has a limit too. Regulation 315(3) says no pedestrian may suddenly step into a crossing and into the path of a vehicle too close to stop for them — the driver's duty to yield only exists where yielding is actually possible. And regulation 315(4), covered on its own page here, forbids passing a vehicle that has stopped to let people cross.

Jaywalking has an actual definition, not just a vibe

Regulation 316 sets out what a pedestrian is required to do, and it's more specific than "be careful". Where a sidewalk exists, you don't walk on the roadway except to cross it. Where none exists, you walk facing oncoming traffic, as near the edge as practical. And under subregulation (6), a pedestrian may cross a public road only at a pedestrian crossing or an intersection, or at a point more than 50 metres from either — crossing casually 20 metres from a marked crossing because it's more convenient is exactly what this rule prohibits.

Regulation 316(4) adds one more: once you're crossing, you must proceed with due despatch, not linger partway across. All of it sits alongside the general duty in 316(3) not to cross without first checking that the road is clear enough to do so safely.

Cyclists have their own rulebook, and a helmet law nobody expects

Regulation 311 covers how a pedal cycle must be ridden: seated astride the saddle, in single file except when overtaking another cycle, with at least one hand on the handlebars at all times, and without holding onto another vehicle in motion. Where part of the road has been set aside for cyclists, they must use it rather than the rest of the road.

The rule that surprises most people is regulation 207(2): a cyclist must wear a protective helmet, properly fitted, with the chin strap fastened — the same duty that applies to a motorcyclist under 207(1), just for a pedal cycle instead of a motor one. The rider of any cycle must also make sure a passenger under 14 is wearing one, under subregulation (3). "Cycling without a helmet is legal in South Africa" is a belief, not the law.

Passing a cyclist: same standard as following distance, no fixed number

There's no regulation setting a minimum clearance for overtaking a cyclist, the way some other countries prescribe one. What applies is the general passing rule in regulation 298(1): pass at a safe distance, and don't return to your lane until safely clear. It's the same shape as the following-distance rule — a standard rather than a figure — which means the space a cyclist actually needs is a judgement call about their line, the road surface, and what a gust of wind or a pothole could do to them, not a number you can point to on the test.

Common questions