Zimbabwe South Africa
Zimbabwe 
South AfricaLast reviewed July 2026
Crossing the border
The Beitbridge crossing over the Limpopo is southern Africa's busiest land border.
Driving rules in South Africa
- Drive on the left.
- Toll roads (e-tolls) on major routes.
- Four-way stops are common.
- 0.05% alcohol limit, strictly enforced.
What to see when you arrive in South Africa
- Table Mountain in Cape Town
- Kruger National Park
- the Cape of Good Hope
- the Garden Route
- the Blyde River Canyon
Once you're driving in South Africa
Destination-specific detail sourced from national road authorities, motoring clubs and rental policies — the things that catch cross-border drivers out.
Driving on a foreign licence
You may drive on a valid foreign licence that is in English and carries your photo and signature; if it is not in English you must hold an International Driving Permit alongside it, and many rental firms ask for an IDP regardless.
Tolls & road charges
Toll roads use manned plazas (cash or card) plus some electronic gantries; the Gauteng e-toll scheme was scrapped in 2024, but routes like the N1, N3 and the short Chapman's Peak (around R36 for 9 km near Cape Town) still charge.
Parking in the cities
In cities, informal car-guards in reflective vests watch your car for a small tip (a few rand), while malls and paid lots use ticket machines; always park in secure, well-lit areas to deter break-ins.
Fines & camera enforcement
Speeding fines start around R250-R400 for minor excess and rise to R1,500+ for serious cases, with handheld phone use and seatbelt offences also fined; many fines are camera-issued and passed on by the rental firm, and roadside officers occasionally seek cash, which you should decline.
If you have an accident
Phone 10111 (police) or 112 from a mobile for injuries; you must stop, exchange details and, even with no injuries, report the crash in person at the nearest SAPS police station within 24 hours to get a case number.
Driving in the capital
Johannesburg's 80 km ring road (N1 Western, N3 Eastern, N12 Southern bypasses) is heavily congested at peak hours; keep doors locked and avoid stopping, and treat malfunctioning traffic lights ('robots') as four-way stops.
Sources: expatica.com · aa.co.za · topauto.co.za · globalpetrolprices.com