No. Lane splitting—where motorcycles overtake between lanes of slow-moving or stationary traffic—is not explicitly legal in South Africa under current road traffic regulations. The National Road Traffic Act (Act 93 of 1996) and its Regulations do not provide for lane splitting, and the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) has not issued formal guidelines permitting it. While anecdotal enforcement varies, courts have not recognized lane splitting as a defensible maneuver in liability cases, leaving riders exposed to liability for accidents.
Key Regulations for Lane Splitting in South Africa
- Section 2(1) of the National Road Traffic Act prohibits reckless or negligent driving, which courts may interpret to include lane splitting if it endangers other road users.
- Regulation 293 of the Road Traffic Regulations (2000) mandates that drivers must maintain a safe following distance, effectively discouraging lateral movement between lanes in congested traffic.
- RTMC Circulars (2024–2026) emphasize motorcycle safety campaigns but reiterate adherence to the Act, with no provision for lane splitting as a recognized practice.
Enforcement remains inconsistent, but the absence of statutory authorization means riders cannot rely on lane splitting as a legal defense in collisions. The Department of Transport’s 2026 road safety strategy focuses on stricter enforcement of existing rules rather than legalizing lane splitting, leaving the practice in a legal gray area. Riders are advised to avoid lane splitting to mitigate legal and safety risks.