The riding of motorcycles in South Africa is regulated by various laws to protect all road users.
This being said, there are many misunderstandings relating to riding motorcycles.
Can anyone with a car license ride a motorcycle under 125cc? Can motorcyclists ride on the white line (known as lane splitting)?
Rather than remain in the dark, let’s look at the laws for riding motorcycles in South Africa. But first, let’s define what is needed to ride a motorcycle.
Age
Around the gates of many South African high schools is the constant humming sound of small motorcycles.
At 16, South Africans can apply for a Code 1 learner’s license and ride a motorcycle or scooter up to 125cc. This license will expire after 24 months. After this, you must either reapply for a learner’s license or take the test for a Code A license.
For parents, it’s worth remembering that the same learner’s license used to operate the small motorcycle also qualifies them to take their car driving test.
Sixteen and 17-year-olds can take a riding test, but only for a Code A1 license, which allows them to ride motorbikes up to 125cc, or scooters. This license expires in the usual 5 years.
A Code 1 motorcycle license does not allow you to ride a bike with a sidecar or carry passengers, including instructors. However, you may ride on all public roads, including the freeway. The smallest motorcycle allowed on a freeway is 125cc (four stroke), but we strongly recommend against exercising this right.
If you are 18, you may apply for a Code A license to ride a motorcycle over 150cc. With a Code A, you may ride any motorbike you please, but we’d recommend taking extra lessons before purchasing a monster 1300cc.
Unlike Code 1, with a Code A, you must pass a simple riding test at a traffic department. Also, to clarify a myth, you may not ride a motorcycle under 125cc on the road with a Code B license (or a light vehicle license or a motor car).
Now that we’ve addressed the age restrictions, let’s discuss safety gear requirements.
Safety Gear Requirements
The only required protective gear for South African motorcyclists is a helmet with a chin strap. Helmets must be firmly fitted before the motorcycle’s engine starts. When buying a new motorcycle helmet, you’re looking for internationally labelled standards, which need to be visible, and you’re looking to see if it meets the European standard (ECE 22.05 and ECE 22.06).
The helmet must also fit properly and fasten securely with a chin strap, and helmets are required for passengers in motor-trikes and sidecars.
That being said, Arrive Alive recommends that motorcyclists exercise the All The Gear All The Time (ATGATT) approach. This means wearing all the personal protective equipment, which includes:
- Gloves,
- Boots,
- A leather jacket and pants
Protective gear should enhance the safety experience on your ride and needs to conform with your anatomy (not slide around), providing better protection around vulnerable areas (e.g., knees, elbows, shoulders, and hips).
While helmets can be expensive, don’t skimp, and make sure that they also offer a full-face visor. Buy the best you can afford!
Now that we’re ready to ride safely, let’s discuss vehicle registration, roadworthiness, and more.
Legalities For Your Bike
If your motorcycle is secondhand and you want to put it in your name, you will need it to pass a roadworthy test.
Also, make sure that your bike has a valid vehicle registration certificate. When taking your motorcycle for a roadworthy test, you must present a registration certificate, an identity document (driver’s license or citizen’s ID), and the money to pay for the test.
Pricing will vary depending on the outlet to which you take your motorcycle.
For the vehicle to pass the roadworthy, you need to ensure that the following are up to standard:
Controls and Cables
All controls, including the throttle, clutch, and brakes, should operate smoothly and without excessive play.
Cables should be properly lubricated and free from fraying or damage.
Your motorcycle’s controls must also be properly and securely mounted to the handlebars.
The next check will be the lights.
Lights
All lights on your motorcycle must work. This includes headlights, taillights, brake lights, and indicators. When riding a bike on any public road, your headlights must be on, day or night.
Also, your lights must be aimed appropriately and free from cracks or damage. Lastly, the bulbs must be in good condition, which means they must not have dimmed.
Suspension
Your motorcycle’s suspension system should be in good working order and structurally sound, without any signs of cracks, bends, or damage that could hamper stability or safety.
Fork seals should be intact, and there should be no signs of leaking fork oil. Lastly, your rear shocks should also function properly and show no signs of excess wear or leakage.
Brakes
The motorcycle’s braking system for front and rear brakes must be in good working order.
Your brake pads and brake shoes should have sufficient material remaining, and brake fluid levels should be adequate. What you’re looking to achieve is that the brakes provide good stopping power without excessive noise or vibration.
Exhaust System
Your motorcycle’s exhaust system should be in good condition and leak-free. Exhaust pipes and mufflers should be securely mounted without excessive noise or emissions. Modifications to the exhaust system should comply with relevant regulations.
Frame and Chassis
The backbone of your motorcycle is its frame and chassis. As you can imagine, it should be structurally sound, without any cracks, bends, or other damage that could compromise stability or safety.
Inspecting critical areas such as welds and mounting points for signs of weakness or corrosion is essential.
Now that we’ve covered the roadworthiness factors, let’s demystify some motorcycle laws that are bound to cause debate.
Motorcycle Laws That Will Cause a Debate
We’ve all heard various stories of what is and is not legal for motorcyclists. A huge debate is lane-splitting. Is it legal?
Lane-Splitting
According to the National Road Traffic Act & Regulations 93 of 1996, lane splitting by motorcycles is not illegal in South Africa. However, it needs to be done safely and sensibly.
We’d recommend not exceeding 20km/h faster than the general traffic when lane-splitting and not trying to squeeze the motorcycle through very tight gaps.
It’s also worth noting that if you’re lane-splitting and a traffic officer deems you were displaying reckless behaviour, they are within their rights to issue you a fine.
Car drivers are not allowed to block (with vehicle or car door) or discourage riders from lane-splitting, as it is illegal.
Slower Vehicles Need To Move Out The Way
SA’s National Road Traffic Act says slower drivers must move safely to allow faster vehicles to pass. This law was drafted to ensure that emergency vehicles reach their destination without being obstructed.
It’s worth mentioning that the law does not state it is illegal for a driver/rider not to move out of the way.
The last law we’re reviewing is just a bit of fun to discuss.
Do Cattle Herders Have Right of Way?
Yes, in South Africa, you must yield and give right of way to a herder and their livestock.
Now that we know the laws of the road, you know who to call if you need your battery checked or replaced.
And if you need motorcycle parts and accessories, AutoCycle Centre has you covered.
