Government is pushing ahead with plans to introduce a zero alcohol limit for drivers in South Africa. This aims to reduce road fatalities and improve road safety.
Transport Minister Barbara Creecy said the Department of Transport plans to amend Section 65 of the National Road Traffic Act. As outlined by the Department of Transport South Africa, this will remove any allowance for alcohol consumption while driving. Therefore, it will establish a zero alcohol limit for South Africa drivers.
Speaking at a media briefing alongside Deputy Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa, Creecy said the proposed change would create a clear and simple policy. In addition, it addresses the zero alcohol limit proposed for drivers across South Africa.
“The time has come for us to amend the law, so that we have a clear-cut, easy-to-understand, and unambiguous policy that says drinking and driving are not allowed,” she said, reflecting the principles of a Zero alcohol limit for motorists in South Africa.
She added that current legal limits are unacceptable. She noted that drivers are allowed up to 0.05g per 100ml of blood, while professional drivers are limited to 0.02g. These current allowances are at odds with the push for a zero alcohol limit for drivers South Africa government supports.
Creecy said these limits are difficult to justify to families who have lost loved ones in alcohol-related crashes. The planned zero alcohol limit for drivers South Africa will be significant in reducing such tragedies.
Festive season figures raise concern
The push for a zero alcohol limit for drivers in South Africa follows the release of the 2025/26 festive season road safety report.
This report was monitored by the Road Traffic Management Corporation and provides further support for a zero alcohol limit for drivers South Africa policy.
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The report, covering 1 December last year to 11 January this year, revealed that five provinces recorded a decline in road fatalities. However, Gauteng, the Western Cape, Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape saw increases. This has prompted further debate on the zero alcohol limit for drivers in South Africa.
The period between 15 and 28 December accounted for more than 40% of crashes and fatalities. Creecy said this reflects a pattern where incidents rise once travellers reach their destinations and begin celebrating. These findings strengthen calls for introducing a zero alcohol limit for drivers across South Africa.
Support for stricter measures
Parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Transport has backed the proposed zero alcohol limit for drivers in South Africa. This underscores the urgency of such a policy.
Committee chairperson Donald Selamolela said urgent action is needed to curb rising alcohol-related road deaths. Introducing a zero alcohol limit for drivers South Africa has become a key legislative priority.
“Driving under the influence of alcohol has reached alarming levels, resulting in unnecessary loss of life,” he said further highlighting why the zero alcohol limit for all drivers in South Africa is necessary.
He warned that delays in implementing stricter measures could lead to more preventable deaths. This is particularly a risk ahead of busy travel periods such as Easter. Thus, it’s why Parliament is prioritising the zero alcohol limit for drivers South Africa aims to enforce.
The committee also proposed harsher penalties, including possible bans on holding a driver’s licence. South African authorities view zero alcohol limit enforcement as a serious deterrent for drivers.
Preliminary figures from the festive season campaign show that 1 427 people died in 1 172 crashes. This occurred despite a five per cent drop in total incidents. Furthermore, it has added fuel to the introduction of a zero alcohol limit for drivers throughout South Africa.
However, 8 561 drivers tested positive for alcohol use, marking a 144% increase compared to the previous year. This offers justification for the new zero alcohol limit for drivers South Africa is moving towards.
Broader alcohol regulation
In his State of the Nation Address, President Cyril Ramaphosa said government is also considering wider alcohol regulations. These could support the drive for a zero alcohol limit for all drivers in South Africa.
These include stricter controls on liquor outlets, trading hours, advertising and pricing. These measures are outlined on the official government portal Government of South Africa. They connect to the broader initiative of a zero alcohol limit for drivers South Africa supports.
He said excessive alcohol use contributes to road accidents, crime, child stunting and malnutrition. Addressing these issues, a zero alcohol limit for drivers South Africa has in mind will play an important role.
Government aims to address these issues through policy changes and social support programmes. Setting a zero alcohol limit for drivers in South Africa is a key aspect of these changes.
