{"id":42825,"date":"2026-10-09T11:59:48","date_gmt":"2026-10-09T09:59:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/?p=42825"},"modified":"2026-10-09T11:59:49","modified_gmt":"2026-10-09T09:59:49","slug":"gauteng-zero-alcohol-limit-proposed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/gauteng-zero-alcohol-limit-proposed\/","title":{"rendered":"Gauteng Drivers: Zero Alcohol Limit Proposed As December Road Safety Plans Take Shape"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gauteng motorists could face a zero alcohol limit under proposed changes to South Africa\u2019s National Road Traffic Act, announced by Deputy Transport Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa in Midrand on Thursday, 8 October 2026. The proposal would amend Section 65 of the Act to introduce a zero alcohol approach, while new mobile alcohol evidence units are being introduced to strengthen roadside testing. The announcement comes ahead of the December holiday period, with transport authorities seeking to address alcohol related crashes, dangerous driving and road fatalities.<\/p><div id=\"gaute-839315630\" class=\"gaute-after-paragraph-1 gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hlengwa outlined the proposal at the South African Breweries Sharp Responsible Partnership event, where he presented national figures on drink driving arrests, traffic enforcement and road deaths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The proposed amendment has not yet been implemented, and no commencement date has been announced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/home-affairs-withdraws-asylum-directive\/\"><strong>ALSO READ: Home Affairs Withdraws Asylum Directive After 24 Vehicles Torched<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What The Proposed Zero Alcohol Limit Means For Gauteng Drivers<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The proposed zero alcohol limit would introduce a stricter approach to alcohol consumption by motorists across South Africa, including Gauteng.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hlengwa said the government wants to amend Section 65 of the National Road Traffic Act to establish a clearer standard for drivers and strengthen enforcement against alcohol impaired driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.za\/news\/speeches\/deputy-minister-mkhuleko-hlengwa-sab-sharp-responsible-partnerships-event-08-oct-2026\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u201cA zero-alcohol approach<\/a> provides an unambiguous standard for drivers and strengthens the ability of law enforcement to address alcohol-impaired driving,\u201d Hlengwa said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the Deputy Minister, the purpose of the amendment is to change driving behaviour, prevent crashes and save lives rather than simply increase prosecutions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The proposal would require a legislative amendment before it could take effect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Gauteng motorists, the announcement signals a possible change to the legal requirements governing alcohol consumption and driving. However, the existing legislation remains applicable until any amendment is implemented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">New Mobile Alcohol Evidence Units For Roadside Testing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Alongside the proposed legal changes, Hlengwa announced the introduction of mobile alcohol evidence units to support roadside enforcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The units are intended to assist traffic officers in testing motorists for alcohol consumption during roadside operations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the Midrand event, a Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department officer demonstrated how breathalyser equipment is used during roadside checks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The announcement forms part of broader efforts to strengthen traffic law enforcement and address impaired driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the department did not specify how many mobile alcohol evidence units would be deployed, which Gauteng roads would be targeted or when the full rollout would be completed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-357720054\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Nearly 20,000 Drink Driving Arrests Recorded In 2026<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hlengwa presented national traffic enforcement figures covering March to September 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the Deputy Minister, law enforcement authorities recorded:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>19,829 arrests for drunken driving<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More than 8.5 million vehicles stopped and checked<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More than 17,000 traffic law enforcement operations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nearly 3.5 million traffic violation notices issued<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>More than 43,000 vehicles impounded<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Almost 48,400 unroadworthy vehicles discontinued from operating on public roads<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The figures reflect national enforcement activity rather than Gauteng specific statistics.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hlengwa also cited estimates indicating that alcohol contributes to approximately 27% of road fatalities in South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Deputy Minister said the figures highlight the need to address driver behaviour alongside traffic enforcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Human Behaviour Linked To 88% Of Major Road Crashes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Hlengwa, approximately 88% of major road crashes are linked to human behaviour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He identified several contributing factors, including excessive speeding, loss of vehicle control, driving into oncoming traffic, dangerous overtaking, driver fatigue and driving under the influence of alcohol.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Deputy Minister said preventing road crashes requires more than increased enforcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He called for greater emphasis on safer road design, improved lighting, visible pedestrian crossings, community education and responsible driving.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cRoad crashes are not inevitable; most are preventable,\u201d Hlengwa said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The proposed zero alcohol driving limit forms part of this wider approach to reducing crashes and fatalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Pedestrian Deaths Remain A Major Road Safety Concern<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Pedestrian safety was another priority raised during Hlengwa\u2019s address.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Deputy Minister said 3,091 pedestrians had died on South African roads since the beginning of 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to the figures he presented, this represented a reduction of 722 pedestrian fatalities, or approximately 19%, compared with the corresponding period in 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite the decline, pedestrians still accounted for approximately 42% of all road fatalities nationally.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hlengwa said vulnerable road users remained disproportionately affected by road crashes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He called for improved road infrastructure, better lighting, visible pedestrian crossings and stronger community education to address pedestrian fatalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-357720054\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Alcohol Evidence Centres Support Traffic Enforcement<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Midrand event also highlighted cooperation between transport authorities and South African Breweries through the Drive Sharp Programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to SAB, the programme currently supports 34 alcohol evidence centres across South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The company said the initiative had contributed to more than 60,000 drink driving arrests since 2022.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hlengwa said partnerships between government and businesses could support road safety through education, innovation and enforcement resources.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, he emphasised that the success of road safety interventions should not be measured solely by the number of arrests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The intended outcomes include fewer motorists driving after consuming alcohol, fewer crashes and a reduction in road deaths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What This Means For Gauteng Residents<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For motorists in Johannesburg, Pretoria and other parts of Gauteng, the proposed zero alcohol limit is relevant to future driving requirements and roadside enforcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The announcement took place in Midrand, while the roadside testing demonstration involved a Johannesburg Metropolitan Police Department officer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If the proposed amendment is introduced, Gauteng motorists would be subject to the same national zero alcohol approach as drivers elsewhere in South Africa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For now, the proposal should not be confused with an implemented legal change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Gauteng residents should also note that the announcement did not identify specific roads, checkpoints or locations where the new mobile alcohol evidence units would operate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The broader concerns raised by Hlengwa, including speeding, driver fatigue, dangerous overtaking and pedestrian safety, remain relevant to motorists and pedestrians across the province.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Is South Africa Introducing A Zero Alcohol Limit For Drivers?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Deputy Transport Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa has proposed amending Section 65 of the National Road Traffic Act to introduce a zero alcohol approach. The amendment has not yet been implemented.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">When Will The Zero Alcohol Driving Limit Take Effect?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">No implementation date was provided in the announcement. The proposal would require changes to the National Road Traffic Act.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Will The Zero Alcohol Limit Apply To Gauteng Motorists?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If introduced as a national legal requirement, the proposed zero alcohol limit would apply to motorists in Gauteng and other provinces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Are Mobile Alcohol Evidence Units?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">They are units intended to support roadside alcohol testing and enforcement operations involving motorists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">How Many Motorists Were Arrested For Drunk Driving In 2026?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hlengwa said 19,829 motorists were arrested for drunken driving between March and September 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"gaute-357720054\" class=\"gaute-inbetween-content gaute-entity-placement\" style=\"margin-top: 30px;margin-bottom: 30px;margin-left: auto;margin-right: auto;text-align: center;\"><div class=\"gaute-adlabel\">Advertisement<\/div><script async src=\"\/\/pagead2.googlesyndication.com\/pagead\/js\/adsbygoogle.js?client=ca-pub-1852772760112594\" crossorigin=\"anonymous\"><\/script><ins class=\"adsbygoogle\" style=\"display:block;\" data-ad-client=\"ca-pub-1852772760112594\" \ndata-ad-slot=\"1819787043\" \ndata-ad-format=\"auto\" data-full-width-responsive=\"true\"><\/ins>\n<script> \n(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); \n<\/script>\n<\/div><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Happens Next For Gauteng Motorists?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The proposed amendment to Section 65 of the National Road Traffic Act remains a development to follow as South Africa approaches the December holiday period.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Hlengwa has outlined the government&#8217;s intention to introduce a zero alcohol approach, while mobile alcohol evidence units are being introduced to strengthen roadside testing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Further information will be needed on the legislative process, the implementation date and the deployment of the new enforcement units.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Until the proposed amendment becomes law, motorists remain subject to the existing road traffic legislation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For Gauteng drivers, road safety enforcement continues, with alcohol impairment, speeding and other dangerous driving behaviour remaining areas of concern for transport authorities.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Gauteng motorists could face a zero alcohol limit under proposed changes to South Africa\u2019s National Road Traffic Act, announced by Deputy Transport Minister Mkhuleko Hlengwa in Midrand on Thursday, 8 October 2026. The proposal would amend Section 65 of the Act to introduce a zero alcohol approach, while new mobile alcohol evidence units are being introduced to strengthen roadside testing. The announcement comes ahead of the December holiday period, with transport authorities seeking to address alcohol related crashes, dangerous driving and road fatalities.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":42829,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"rank_math_focus_keyword":"alcohol limit,gauteng","rank_math_title":"","rank_math_description":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[48,47],"tags":[11862,627,10093],"ppma_author":[11575],"class_list":["post-42825","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-transport","category-news","tag-arrive-alive","tag-gauteng-news","tag-transport-news"],"authors":[{"term_id":11575,"user_id":23,"is_guest":0,"slug":"nomthandazo","display_name":"Nomthandazo Ntisa","avatar_url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/ec3262463e8ed5ea26dca074ed7eff95ffede057639be73a77f7896ccd06170f?s=96&r=g","author_category":"1","first_name":"Nomthandazo","last_name":"Ntisa","user_url":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/","job_title":"Content Editor","description":"Nomthandazo Ntisa is a journalist and Content Editor at What's On G with more than six years of experience in journalism, digital publishing, and content strategy. She covers the people, places, events, and issues shaping Gauteng \u2014 producing stories that help readers understand and connect with life across the province."}],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42825","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/23"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=42825"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42825\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":42828,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/42825\/revisions\/42828"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/42829"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=42825"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=42825"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=42825"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.gauteng.net\/whats-on-g\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/ppma_author?post=42825"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}