We can all be pretty adamant that we’re right when faced with someone driving like an idiot.

Road rage is a thing for a reason – especially if you’re trying to navigate traffic behind or around a minibus taxi.

While taxis are a law unto themselves, however, you might be surprised to learn that some of the times you thought you were the world’s most clued up driver, you were actually violating traffic laws.

Here’s BusinessTech with five of the most common misconceptions about the rules of the road.

1. Gated estate roads are private roads

A large number of gated estates in South Africa think that the roads within the estate are private.

These roads are in fact “public roads” in terms of the law and are regulated by the provisions of the National Road Traffic Act 93 of 1996 (NRTA).

In many instances, the estate’s signage and road markings also do not comply with the requirements of the NRTA and are therefore illegal.

Homeowners’ Associations can put in place internal agreements and arrangements with the residents in the complex, but these terms cannot replace the NRTA or the powers and duties of the law enforcement authorities.

2. It’s fine to use your cell phone as long as you are not talking on it

Nope. Not okay. According to the NRTA, the following rules apply:

• No driver is allowed to use a hand-held cell phone while driving.
• A cell phone may not be used at traffic lights when the car is not moving.
• A cell phone may not be used whilst the engine of a vehicle is running. Even if the vehicle is stationary but the engine is still running, you may not use your cell phone.
• A cell phone may not be used for taking photos or browsing the Internet while driving.
• In terms of the Western Cape bylaws, your cell phone will be confiscated for 24 hours if you happen to be caught using your cell phone while driving.

3. You can warn motorists of an upcoming roadblock

Turns out your good deed for the day could actually be a criminal offence.

“Drivers who alert fellow motorists about roadblocks by flashing their lights or posting warning messages on social media are committing an offence as they are seen to be defeating the ends of justice,” it said.

“Your actions might be warning a wanted criminal by helping them evade the long arm of the law.”

Best to just keep to yourself then.

4. It’s okay to smoke in your car while transporting children

The Tobacco Products Control Act, 1993 states that ‘no person may smoke any tobacco product in any motor vehicle when a child under the age of 12 years is present in that vehicle’.

The penalty for smoking in a car with minors could be as much as R500, according to the Act.

I’m a smoker, and I wouldn’t smoke in a car with kids of any age present. Second-hand smoke is a thing, people.

5. You can transport children in the back of a bakkie 

The so-called “bakkie-taxis”, which are often the only way learners in informal areas are able to reach school, may no longer transport school children.

As of 11 May 2017 the National Road Traffic Regulation specifically states that school children may not be transported for reward in the goods compartment of a vehicle.

Probably for the best. It always looked dangerous.

Now that you’re armed with the facts, you can become the kind of driver who’s justified in their indignation when confronted with an asshat who can’t seem to pick a lane.

[source:businesstech]