Important Facts Relating to Alcohol, Roads and the Law in South Africa

• The Legal Limit in South Africa for public road users is 0.05 % B.A.C (roughly 2 beers for a person of average weight)
• The Legal Limit in South Africa for professional drivers i.e. people who drive for a living eg. Bus Drivers, Courier and Truck Drivers, is 0.02 % B.A.C (1 beer for a person of average weight)
• If found to be over the Legal Limit when AARTO, the 12 point system, is in force during and after April 2010 a motorist will receive 12 points and have one's license suspended.
• AARTO is short for Administration and Adjudication of Road Traffic Offences Act

Laws relevant to alcohol and substance abuse in South Africa

• The Adjudication and Administration of Road Traffic Offences Act
• National Road Traffic Act No. 93 of 1996
• Mine Health and Safety Act 1996, No 29 of 1996
• Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 85 of 1993 – (OHSA) section 8 and 14 OHSA General Safety regulations 2A
• Labour Relations Act No. 66 of 1995
• Employment Equity Act No. 55 of 1998
• Basic Conditions of Employment Act No. 75 of 1997
• Compensation for Occupational Diseases and Injuries Act No. 130 of 1993
• Merchants Shipping Act no. 57 of 1951

Links to recommended websites

• DME - Important Mine Health and Safety Act Information Portal
• Arrive Alive - Well known for its continual campaigning and promoting of safe driving
• Alcoholics Anonymous South Africa
• The South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence
• Speedtraps - Countrywide speedtrap information to help you reduce your speed and traffic fines
• Road Angel - South Africas largest database of speedtrap locations built into one device

What is alcohol abuse?

• Alcohol abuse can be referred to as the over indulgence or excessive usage and dependence on alcohol that acts on the central nervous system to alter brain functions. This typically results in temporary changes in perception, mood, consciousness and behaviour leading to effects that are harmful to a person’s physical or mental health or the welfare of others.

Effects of alcohol abuse on the body:

• Physical Effects – poor vision, poor co-ordination, poor reaction speed
• Mental Effects – poor concentration, lack of morale, low self-esteem

Effects of alcohol abuse on companies:

• Increased health and safety risks – more accidents occur
• Decreased productivity – staff are not as productive at work
• Increased absenteeism – staff often miss more days from work
• Increased health costs
• Labour turnover increases
• Increased legal liability
• Conflict in the workplace

Did you know?

• “Just two drinks” is in fact over the legal limit for members of the public driving.
• “Just one drink” is in fact over the legal limit for Professional Drivers

What constitutes "Just one drink"?

• One can of beer OR 140ml of Wine or 2 Tots of Spirits