Watch out for more roadblocks across South Africa – this is what you’ll get nailed for

South African authorities are ramping up road safety measures this festive season to tackle the alarming rate of road accidents and fatalities during the country’s busiest travel period.
With approximately 34 people dying on South African roads each day, the government and law enforcement agencies are intensifying efforts to ensure compliance and safety across key routes in South Africa.
According to officials, human error accounts for a staggering 80% of road fatalities, particularly during peak travel times, and this remains a significant concern heading into the holiday season.
The Department of Transport (DoT) and provincial traffic authorities have confirmed that roadblocks will be significantly increased across major highways, provincial routes, and urban centres.
These measures aim to curb dangerous driving behaviours such as speeding, drunk driving, and reckless overtaking, which are among the leading causes of crashes.
Research shows that most accidents occur late at night, on weekends, and during the early morning hours—times when enforcement will be particularly stringent.
In addition to addressing driver behaviour, authorities are cracking down on vehicle roadworthiness. Transport officials noted that approximately 10% of registered vehicles on South African roads are deemed unroadworthy, exacerbating the risks for all road users.
With the average vehicle age sitting at 11 years, many cars suffer from poor maintenance, which heightens the likelihood of accidents.
Vehicles found with serious defects will not be allowed to continue their journeys.
Under this policy, any vehicle found with three or more critical defects during a roadblock will be immediately impounded.
This includes vehicles with issues such as:
- Leaking engine oil,
- Defective lights,
- Faulty brakes,
- Worn tyres,
- Expired driving or car licences, and
- Cracked windscreens.
Minister Barbara Creecy has urged motorists to take greater responsibility for ensuring their vehicles are safe for the road.
Drivers are encouraged to have their cars inspected before embarking on long journeys, to carry all necessary documentation, and to adopt essential safety habits.
These include adhering to speed limits, avoiding overtaking on barrier lines, and taking regular breaks every two hours to combat fatigue.

Creecy stressed that drivers who fail to comply with traffic regulations or are caught engaging in unsafe behaviours will face severe consequences, including steep fines and jail time.
Pedestrian safety is another focus area this festive season.
Authorities have warned pedestrians to use designated crossings, wear bright or reflective clothing at night, and avoid walking near roads when under the influence of alcohol.
Pedestrian fatalities remain a significant contributor to the overall road death toll, and officials are urging both drivers and pedestrians to be more vigilant and mindful of their surroundings.
To ensure the effectiveness of these measures, traffic law enforcement agencies, including metro police departments and provincial traffic authorities, will operate on an expanded 24/7 shift system.
This means a constant presence of officers at roadblocks, key intersections, and known accident hotspots, ensuring that dangerous drivers and unroadworthy vehicles are removed from the roads.
By targeting both drivers and vehicle conditions, authorities aim to address the root causes of accidents and bring down the unacceptably high number of fatalities.
The festive season is a time of celebration, but it has historically been marred by tragedy on the country’s roads.
Motorists, passengers, and pedestrians alike are being urged to play their part in ensuring that roads are safer, lives are saved, and tragedies are avoided during this busy time.