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

Violence in KZN schools: Whose fault is it and how do we fix it?

Stacey and J Sbu discussed a deeply concerning pattern of school violence in KwaZulu-Natal, after two separate incidents unfolded on the same Friday - a Grade 10 learner stabbed by two junior pupils outside school gates and a mass brawl in Northdale. With over 2 300 cases of violence, drug…
1 Jun 15 min

Parents Hotline: The lines you've carried down to your kids

Stacey and J Sbu asked KwaZulu-Natal parents about the classic lines passed down through generations. From "Do you want something to cry about?" to the legendary "I wish you knew your school work like you that know song". Listeners shared the phrases they grew up dreading and some they've already…
27 May 5 min

UB40's Ali Campbell sits down with Stacey and J Sbu

Ahead of UB40's Durban performance, icon and legend Ali Campbell joined Stacey and J Sbu for a conversation about his career and so much more. Stacey had an intense fan girl moment while J Sbu got into the nitty gritty of Ali's career and what he hopes to be remembered…
27 May 6 min

Eldest child syndrome: Is it real or are they just being dramatic?

Stacey and J Sbu unpacked Eldest Child Syndrome - the idea that firstborns carry more anxiety, responsibility and emotional weight simply because of birth order. They debated whether eldest kids earned their struggles or whether younger siblings had it just as hard. Listeners Masindi, Stefan and Sri weighed in, with…
26 May 13 min

When did you last say a real, intentional no?

We all know the polite get-out: "Oh, I can't make it" when really, you just didn't want to go. But when did you last say a genuine, intentional no? A no that cost you something. A no that you truly meant. Stacey opened up this conversation and listeners did not…
25 May 6 min