Where legislation does not protect bikers common sense has to!

Question:

I am doing additional research of on the bike gear across Africa. I know there are certain regulations for Helmets, Hi-Vis, Personal Protective Equipment, etc. all over the world but are there any countries in Africa that have set in stone regulations? If you hear anything or know any useful resource please let me know. Thank you

Answer:

It is a sad fact that in this country (South Africa) you can ride in the nude as long as you have a helmet on your head. You might however be locked up for indecent in public, but there are no set laws stating which riding gear should be worn and when.

It is only compulsory to wear a helmet when out riding a motorcycle in SA. Other countries in Africa are no different and even more relaxed on this matter.

I quote from our National Road Traffic Act & Regulations of 1996 (very outdated)

207. Compulsory wearing of protective helmet

(1) No person shall drive or be a passenger on a motor cycle, motor tricycle or a motor quadrucycle, or be a passenger in the side-car attached to a motor cycle, on a public road, unless he or she is wearing a protective helmet—

(a) which is specially designed for use in connection with such cycle; and

(b) which fits him or her properly and of which the chin strap is properly fastened under the chin.

(2) After expiry of 3 years from the date of commencement of this regulation, no person shall drive or be a passenger on a pedal cycle on a public road unless he or she is wearing a protective helmet which fits him or her properly and of which the chin straps is properly fastened under the chin.

(3) The driver of a motor cycle, motor tricycle, motor quadrucycle or pedal cycle shall ensure that any passenger in or on such cycle who is younger than 14 years, complies with the provisions of subregulation (1) or (2), as the case may be.

(4) Notwithstanding the provisions of subregulations (1) and (3), the driver and passengers of a motor cycle—

(a) equipped with a seatbelt anchorages that comply with the requirements of standard specification SABS 1430 “Motor vehicle safety – anchorages for restraining devices in motor vehicles”, for the driver and passengers (if any);

(b) the engine of which cannot move unless the driver and passengers (if any), of the motor cycle wears the seatbelt referred to in paragraph (a); and

(c) that complies with the requirements of annex II of the standard specification SABS 1440 “Motor vehicle safety – The steering mechanism of motor vehicles (M1 only) – behaviour on impact, may drive or be passengers on such motor cycle on a public road while not wearing a protective helmet.

By SABS (SA Bureau of Standards) they refer to your D.O.T. and European E.C.E. standards.

This is the only law or regulation on Motorcycle Rider Gear in South Africa. Other guidelines are implemented on local level through motorcycle clubs, safety institutes and riding academies.

I hope this addresses your question.

Regards,

HEIN JONKER | Editor & Chief Instructor

Mobile: 083 7937975 | Office: 031 9038240| Fax: 0866 4898 55

Head Office: Amanzimtoti, KwaZulu Natal

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Website: www.biketalk.co.za | Blog: www.biketalk.co.za/wp

Where legislation does not protect bikers common sense has to!