Running out of fuel on the highway in Durban - here's the tea!

Loading player...
Running out of petrol on a Durban highway can turn a scenic drive into a hot and sunny wait.

Beyond the inconvenience, are there legal repercussions for this unfortunate situation?

In South Africa, there's no national law specifically targeting empty fuel tanks. However, stopping on a highway is generally a no-go and Durban is no exception.

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Transport enforces this regulation and the eThekwini Municipality can issue fines of between R500 and R1,000 for stopping on the highway due to an empty fuel tank.

On top of the fine, towing and recovery can add a hefty cost to your unexpected pitstop.

While specific details on fines might be difficult to find online, contacting the eThekwini Traffic Department directly can provide the latest information.

Avoid becoming a statistic on the highway. Here are some tips to keep your Durban travels smooth:

Develop a habit of checking your fuel gauge regularly, especially before hitting the freeway.
Most modern cars have a low-fuel warning light. Learn its location and what it means.
Utilise trip computers that display your remaining fuel range.
Plan your route and familiarise yourself with gas station locations, especially if you're venturing outside the city centre.
By staying fuelled up and informed, you can keep your Durban adventures frustration-free and keep the traffic flowing!
12 Apr 2024 English South Africa Society & Culture · Personal Journals

Other recent episodes

What's your favourite meal and why?

Every Wednesday, we hand the mic over to the smallest but mightiest voices in KwaZulu-Natal! The kids of our province take centre stage to share something special with us and honestly? They never disappoint. This week we stepped into the kitchen. You know that dish that makes you run to…
20 May 7 min

Have you outgrown your friends?

Palesa dropped one of those confessions that will have you stopping to think about your own life. She loves her friends, has real history with them and would not trade those memories for anything. But something has shifted and she just cannot unfeel it. The conversations, the energy, the mindset,…
14 May 5 min

Would you risk your life to stop a crime?

South Africa's crime rate means most of us have either seen something go down or know someone who has. Stacey and J Sbu put the question to KZN: if a crime happened right in front of you today, would you step in or would you stay back? Some say intervening…
19 May 7 min

Social media: Should parents be allowed to post their kids?

In the age of Instagram, Facebook and TikTok, sharing milestones of your children online has become as natural as breathing for most South African parents. But here is the thing. South Africa's POPI Act exists specifically to protect personal information and a child's image is personal information. Yet millions of…
12 May 10 min

A strong confessor gets vulnerable...

Once a week, on a Thursday, Stacey and J Sbu get into other people's lives. This week we’ve got anonymous from Hillcrest, who is feeling a bit emotional about their home situation. Here's what they had to say: “I’m the strong one in my family, the one everyone depends on…
7 May 7 min