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

SharksFest 2025: East Coast Radio calls on Jacaranda FM

In the lead-up to SharksFest, Stacey and J Sbu called their sister station, Jacaranda FM to chat with JacaDrive hosts Rob and Roz. With the Sharks taking on the Bulls this SharksFest, it was important to the Drive duo to get in touch with their frenemies... Rob and Roz got…
10 Dec 3 min

Lego League success: Northlands Primary's Smooth Sailors head to South Korea

As we close off Kiddies’ Hotline for the year, we’re celebrating a proudly KZN story that is making waves far beyond our coastline. Northlands Primary’s First Lego League team, the Smooth Sailors, have just made history. After an incredible performance at the national “Unearthed” First Lego League competition in Johannesburg,…
10 Dec 5 min

Christmas gifting: Is it about presents or presence?

Every December, the same question pops up: What’s the real meaning of gifting? Is it about piling up shiny boxes under the tree, or is it about giving experiences and memories that last a lifetime? Some say material gifts are overrated; they clutter our homes and drain our wallets. Others…
9 Dec 5 min

FlySafair have a surprise in store for you this festive season

J Sbu sat down with the team from FlySafair to talk about something truly magical taking to our skies this festive season. For years, they’ve dreamed of creating a Christmas livery that would wow South Africans, and this year, that dream came true. Picture this: Santa in his sleigh, packed…
5 Dec 4 min

Deterrence vs rehabilitation: KZN DoT weekly roadblocks

Today on The Great Drive, we’re diving into a campaign that’s been making waves across KwaZulu-Natal, the KZN Department of Transport’s #NenzaniLaEzweni.It’s a province-wide crackdown targeting reckless driving, illegal trucking operations, unroadworthy vehicles, and drivers operating without proper documentation. Week after week, the RTI teams have been out on the…
2 Dec 8 min