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sub-Saharan Africa Topics specific to sub-Saharan Africa. (Includes all countries South of 17 degrees latitude)
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



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  #1  
Old 17 May 2009
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Quad bike South Africa
Hi

Can some one point me in the right direction as to how the law stands on Quad bikes in South Africa.

Cheers
Chris
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  #2  
Old 20 May 2009
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I am no expert on law. But you are not allowed to drive a quad bike on roads. I have certainly never seen one on any road.
Only on farms or tracks. On most beaches vehicles are no longer allowed 2 or 4 wheels.
Was your plan to do a road trip on a quad?

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  #3  
Old 21 May 2009
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Yes my idea is to use a quad, so far it looks possible.

I've just recievedthis from the transport dept in SA.

In terms of the NRTA (Act 93 of 1996 as amended), a quadrucycle is referred to as: "motor quadrucycle" which means a motor vehicle, other than a tractor, which has four wheels and which is designed to be driven by the type of controls usually fitted to a motor cycle. All motor vehicles are liable for registration (Regulation 3) and licensing(Regulation 18) apart from those exempted under Regulation 5 (long list). Quadrucycles are not amongst this list. The MEC may charge a "flat rate" for vehicles not used on "a public road". Crossing a road / driving down a road (less than 1 km) is seen as not using a private road. The shoulder of a road (gravel section) is still part of a public road. Quads were not designed for "normal" transport on roads - so all the necessary requirements will have to be met (lighting, mirrors, brakes, tyres, reflectors) before it can be registered for public road usage.
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Old 21 May 2009
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Chris, are you thinking of buying a quad in SA or shipping one out from the UK?

I think it's the Schengen convention which governs the use of vehicles registered in one country and being temporarily imported in another. If SA is signed up to this then it means that a UK road-registered quand SHOULD be fine on SA roads as while they may or may not be road-legal there, they accept that it's road legal and registered in the home country and allow its use.

But I could be wrong, so you might want to look into it more.

EDIT: Now I look at it, that's not the most informative post. But hopefuly a bit of Googling, or asking about might point you further in the right direction. Sorry it's not better.
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Old 21 May 2009
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Hi

My plan is to drive the quad to SA and a little further time permitting.

The Shengen Covention only applies to 25 states within Europe as far as i understand.

I'm in the mind that should it not prove possible then i'll trailer it.

Chris
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Old 21 May 2009
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I will visit the traffic department and speak to one of the officers,these are the guys that issue the roadworthy certificates (MOT? in UK). I will report back on what they say.
What speed can you drive on the quad? On public roads the limits are often exceeded. Limit are 60 for normal roads in town, 80 slightly out of town. Few roads with 100 limit out of town and 120km on freeways.
However cars/bikes traveling 100kmph in a 60 zone is not uncommon. The point I am making is that it may be dangerous. On my 125cc road bike I often need to travel in the yellow line with trucks passing at plus 100kmph.
Much land is privately owned so you won't really be able to drive through as it is fenced off.
I would recommend you do a 4x4 route of sorts there are many of these, but the terrain is harsh. The reward wonderful places that are unspoilt.
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Old 22 Jun 2009
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cy, check out the posts of this guy on HU
QuadsAcrossAfrica

he did it last year

Ch
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  #8  
Old 22 Jun 2009
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As far as I remember they didn't actually go into South Africa. Southern Africa yes, but not SA.
Did they?
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Old 22 Jun 2009
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You are right Anton:
This is our story of being the first people to ride ATV's Across Africa.

but I thought his advice and experience was interesting. I think it would be a great way to travel - kind of like a horse, more relaxing - and esp in Africa where riding a fully laden moto can get tiring in mud and sand.

cy01: I see you tracked QFA's posts down already.

Ch
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Old 27 Jun 2009
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I know they use quads on the road in Namibia.
In South Africa it is very uncommon, I've never seen one on the road (legaly that is), so if you do get to ride down there, expect to be pulled over by the cops a few times, and have a letter or some kind of documentation ready to show them that it actually is legal.

I had a similar issue towing a trailor behind my bike for a few years. It ended up being ilegal only in certain provinces (Like the Western Cape), where I got pulled over a few times. The other 8 provinces I had no issues with cops, some even waved at me and showed me the thumbs up. You might experience the same with a quad.
I think it will be fun on a quad, enjoy.

Johan
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  #11  
Old 5 Jul 2009
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hello. normaly it is not allowed to ride a quad on the road in sa.

but i did it the last month ( http://www.quadridesafrica.de )
and i never have had problems with the customs or at several policecheckpoints.
when you have a european road-legal quadbike and a carnet de passage and the insurance, it will be ok for the southafricans.
but you do it on your own risk, can be, that one policeman stop you - but thats africa, that you can speak to the people.....
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