The announcement of the easing of South Africa’s national lockdown from level 5 to level 4 came as a welcome surprise (and relief) to many South Africans. So, how will we now be living under Alert Level 3? Well, there’s the broadened window for exercising in the great outdoors as well as the opening up of several stores that previously classified as non-essential, including furniture and books. But there’s another question on many people’s lips: how will we be driving under level 3 lockdown? What do level 3 travel regulations mean for South Africans?
Is there a new curfew?
No one wants to be caught out after curfew, and there were many conflicting accounts as to when the official start and end times are – even under level 4. This should clear up any further confusion around curfew during lockdown:
- The curfew for public transport remains in place: no travel between 20h00 to 05h00.
- Private vehicle travel is only permitted between 05h00 and 20h00. As with public transport, you still have that one-hour grace period to get home by 21h00 at the very latest.
- If you are rendering an essential service or some other service permitted under level 4 lockdown regulations, your mobility is decided by your operating shifts or worktime schedules determined by the responsible authorities within your respective institutions.
- The operating shifts or work schedules should be stamped and signed by the aforementioned authority figure.
- Delivery services (both courier and hot food delivery) are permitted to run between 09h00 to 19h00.
Can I renew my license or my license disk?
Transport Minister Mbalula has extended the validity of all learner’s license, driving licenses, motor vehicle license disks, temporary permits, and roadworthy certificates that would otherwise expire during lockdown. This extended grace period applies for 90 days as of 1 June.
Mbalula’s directive also specified some strict sanitation rules for licensing centres. Highlights include:
- All vehicle testing and licensing centres must sanitise or provider hygiene dispensers for washing hands for all clients entering the premises.
- A person will not be allowed to enter a building or premises unless they are wearing a cloth face mask or a home-made alternative that covers the nose and mouth.
- All driving license and vehicle testing centres must apply measure to adhere to physical distancing practices to curb the spread of the virus.
- All driving license and vehicle testing centres must enforce regular procedures for cleaning and disinfecting their premises.
Can I go back to work now?
If your employer expects you back in the office or your daily delivery route, they must first issue a travel permit. This applies to anyone carrying on with their work responsibilities or performing a permitted service as well anyone traveling between provinces, metropolitan areas, districts, or “hotspots”.
Meanwhile, anyone, who is still able to work from home, should continue to do so.
How is public transport affected?
From your typical taxi to the newly ubiquitous Uber ride, people still need to get about their business, even if they do not have a car of their own. Here’s how level 3 of lockdown is impacting public transport:
- Public transport sedans may not carry more than 50% their permissible passenger-carrying capacity. A sedan vehicle with a capacity to carry 5 persons, may only carry two passengers plus the driver (three persons).
- E-hailing (e.g. Uber), meter taxis, shuttle services, and chauffeur-driven vehicles are permitted to carry no more than 50% of their permissible passenger-carrying capacity.
- Minibus and Midibus Taxis may not carry more than 70% of their maximum licensed passenger-carrying capacity.
- Buses may not carry more than 50% of their permissible passenger-carrying capacity. This includes standing passengers as well as sitting.
Even though you can expect your travel to remain limited under the Alert Level 3 regulations, car insurance is still an absolute must for any car owner. Whether it’s for the sake of your livelihood or for the safety of your family, you’ll want car insurance that keeps you moving, even when government restricts your movement. With All Things Motor you can find the best car insurance quotes to consider for your budget.