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Everything you need to know about roadblocks

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As inconvenient as they may seem, roadblocks exist to ensure the safety and well-being of all road users, especially during peak traffic hours, holiday periods and over weekends. Knowing your rights as a motorist as well as the best approach to dealing with the situation is important, so keep these tips from Imperial Auto top of mind the next time you find yourself in a roadblock.

•    There are two different types of roadblocks.

Informal roadblocks are set up at random, often on major roadways or at the end of an off-ramp, while the K78, a provincially or nationally-approved roadblock, is an official roadblock where police officers can legally search vehicles and even conduct full body searches if required.

•    When approaching a roadblock, follow the police officers’ instructions or signals.

Pull over and present your driver’s licence or ID book if requested. Remember to be respectful when addressing or responding to the officers on duty – while this may be an inconvenience for you, it’s their job to ask these questions in order to ensure yours and other road users’ safety.

•    You have the right to verify the authenticity of the roadblock.

You are entitled to ask the police officer to see the written authorisation certificate signed by the National or Provincial Police Commissioner.

•    You can only be arrested in certain instances.

For example, if you resist a breathalyser test, the police have the right to detain you and have your blood tested or if your blood alcohol level is found to be over the legal limit of 0,05g per 100ml. Police can also arrest you at a roadblock for unpaid fines, but only if a warrant has been issued against you for those fines and the officers can present you with a valid copy of the document.

•    If your vehicle is deemed not roadworthy, you may be stopped from driving it any further.

Officers can legally prevent you from continuing to use your car if it is not roadworthy, simply because the vehicle is a risk to you and other road users. In some cases, motorists will be allowed to drive the car to their destination if it is a short distance.

Keeping these tips in mind will help you to make your way through a roadblock safely and efficiently. Make sure you and your family get to your destinations safely by following the rules of the road and complying with police and traffic officers at all time. 

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