South Africa for Irish Drivers — Same Side, So Watch the Cities Instead

How does driving in South Africa compare with Ireland? Closer than almost anywhere you could fly to. Both countries drive on the left, both set the general alcohol limit at 0.05, and your full Irish licence is valid in South Africa for up to 12 months after entry. The differences are in the numbers on the signs, the price of a ticket, and the care you need in city traffic.

What Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs says

The Department of Foreign Affairs tells Irish travellers that a full Irish driving licence is valid in South Africa for up to 12 months after entry, as long as it carries the holder’s photograph and signature. The Irish card has both. The same advice asks you to make sure your insurance is adequate and appropriate for the trip. An International Driving Permit is optional, and the South African rule is that an IDP is only required where the licence is not in English. Carry the licence in the car and keep your passport with it.

Where the road rules line up

Left-hand traffic, so no junction retraining. Roundabouts, overtaking and the position of the gearstick should all feel natural after a night’s sleep. Try to collect your car at a quiet time rather than the evening rush, and leave the airport on the main road you have already studied on the map. Other Irish-specific habits carry over too: the alcohol limit is 0.05 g per 100 ml of blood in South Africa and 0.05 in Ireland.

Where the numbers differ

Town limits are 10 km/h higher than you are used to, so do not carry an Irish 50 into a South African 60 zone and annoy the traffic behind. Lorries are held to 80 km/h on rural roads and 100 on freeways.

Fines in rand and in euro

A South African ticket for 10 km/h over or less runs from ZAR 500 to 1,250, about EUR 25-65. For 10-20 over the range is ZAR 1,250-2,500, and for more than 30 over fines start at ZAR 2,500 with a court appearance and possible suspension. A red light is ZAR 1,250-2,500 and a hand-held phone ZAR 500-1,000; going without a seatbelt costs ZAR 500. In Ireland, the same speeding bands are EUR 160 plus 3 penalty points, and phone or seatbelt offences are EUR 60 plus 3 points, so South African fines are lower in euro terms for small offences. Pay any ticket promptly, since unpaid fines on a rental can follow you home through the hire company, and ask the desk how fines are passed on before you drive off.

City sense

With the usual hazards removed, put your attention on urban safety. GOV.UK warns that vehicle crime targets cars in some city areas. Keep doors locked and windows up in traffic, leave valuables out of sight, and avoid waiting at deserted junctions after dark if you can. The open roads are fine, but fuel stops can be remote, so refill before the tank is low and do not plan a long leg for the end of the day.

Triangle and phone numbers

A warning triangle is required in the car in South Africa, whereas Ireland only recommends one. Check the boot of the hire car. For emergencies: police 10111, ambulance and fire 10177, and 112 from a mobile phone. At home 112 covers all services, so the second and third numbers are new. Add all three at the rental desk. The South Africa driving guide covers the rest, and the Driving Permit Checker is there for other nationalities.

Sources

• Department of Foreign Affairs (Ireland), travel advice for South Africa, on the validity of an Irish licence for up to 12 months after entry with photograph and signature: ireland.ie
• GOV.UK foreign travel advice, South Africa, safety and security, on road travel and vehicle crime: gov.uk