South Africa's load shedding schedule means traffic lights go out hundreds of times a day across the country. Knowing the rules isn't optional - it's a matter of not causing an accident or getting a fine.
The legal rule
Under the National Road Traffic Act, a non-functioning traffic light must be treated as a 4-way stop. Every driver approaching from every direction must stop completely before the intersection, then yield to whoever arrived first. If two vehicles arrive simultaneously, the vehicle on the left yields to the vehicle on the right.
This is not optional. Traffic officers are deployed to busy intersections during load shedding, and fines are issued.
Step-by-step: how to handle a dark intersection
- Slow down well before the intersection - treat it like an uncontrolled crossing
- Come to a complete stop behind the stop line
- Look left and right for vehicles already waiting
- If others arrived before you, wait your turn
- When it's your turn, proceed slowly and watch for drivers who aren't following the rules (there will be some)
What the fine looks like
The fine for failing to stop at a non-functioning light is classified as a moving violation. Fines typically range from R500 to R1,500 depending on province and the officer's discretion. A point is added to your licence record.
Practical tips
- Don't follow the person ahead blindly. Just because the car in front went doesn't mean it's your turn.
- Watch for taxis and trucks. Load shedding intersections are where SA's most aggressive driving happens. Drive defensively.
- At large multi-lane intersections, the rule still applies but co-ordination breaks down. Slow down and make eye contact before committing.
- Flashing amber means proceed with caution - yield to cross-traffic. Flashing red means full stop and treat as a 4-way stop.
The rule everyone forgets
You must stop even if you can see there's no cross traffic. The rule is a complete stop first, then assess. Officers catch drivers who slow down and roll through without fully stopping.
Brush up on your rules knowledge with our free practice test.
Frequently asked
- What do I do when a traffic light is off?
- Treat it as a 4-way stop. Come to a complete stop. Yield to any vehicle already stopped before you. Take turns.
- Is it legal to just drive through a non-functioning traffic light?
- No. Failing to stop at a non-functioning traffic light is a moving violation. Fines vary by province but can exceed R500.
- What if the lights are flashing red?
- Flashing red means treat it exactly like a stop sign: full stop, then proceed when safe.
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Information is accurate to the best of our knowledge as of May 2026. Road traffic laws, DLTC procedures, and fee schedules can change — verify critical requirements with your DLTC or the RTMC (rtmc.co.za) before your test.