The Arrive Alive website received an email with a request pertaining to temporary speed signs. This request reads:
“Is it true that eventhough there are yellow speed limit signs on the Diepkloof construction area marked at “80”, a driver cannot be fined if he/she is above the 80km speed limit (and less than 129 km) because there is no speed prosecution sign and i was told that these signs are more for the construction workers working in that area and more of a guideline to other drivers?
I look forward to your answer. Many people are confused about this.”
Our experts reponded as follows:
The temporary version of a regulatory sign – such as the speed limit sign shown here – must be obeyed. Failure to do so is an offence for which the driver can be fined.
The reason for the yellow background is to draw attention to the temporary sign, which takes precedence over any permanent version that may be situated close by. Usually the permanent version would be covered over to avoid any confusion, though this may not always be the case.
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