IT has become a common courtesy for many motorists to alert their counterparts about an upcoming roadblock and this is often done by flashing lights at oncoming traffic to caution others that they are about to encounter a law enforcement manned roadblock up ahead.

However, that courteous act is viewed as “defeating the ends of justice”.

Durban Metro Police spokesperson Colonel Boysie Zungu confirmed this and said: “If a person does that, he or she is defeating the ends of justice. That is not allowed.”

So, as the Festive Season approaches and different law enforcement agencies are set to conduct roadblock operations, motorists are cautioned not to find themselves on the wrong side of the law by warning their fellow drivers about a roadblock ahead.

Here are four other traffic laws motorists may not be aware of:

Smokers should be aware that according to the Tobacco Products Control Act 83 of 1993, there are limitations to where they are permitted to smoke, and this includes inside a motor vehicle when a child under the age of 12 is inside.

Also read: Metro police responds to viral Pinetown robbery video

Thirdly, according to Arrive Alive, roads within gated estates are public roads subject to the provisions of the National Road Traffic Act (NRTA).

This means that road rules and regulations set by the respective associations of gated estates do not trump the NRTA, and the power and authority of law enforcement agencies remains in place in such communities.

According to the Automobile Association of South Africa, the NRTA has the following rules, which are fourth and fifth on our list:

• Drivers may not use cellphones at a traffic light when the vehicle is not moving,
• Even when the vehicle is stationary, a cellphone may not be used whilst the engine of the car is running.

So motorists should take note, in particular as the holiday season approaches and traffic congestion is expected to increase on certain roads.

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