Zero blood-alcohol limit proposed as thousands die on SA roads
SA tightens grip on drunk driving with zero-alcohol law push
South Africa is considering introducing a strict zero blood-alcohol limit for motorists to tackle the issue of drunk driving, following thousands of arrests and over 6,000 road deaths this year. Transport Minister Barbara Creecy announced plans to amend Section 65 of the National Road Traffic Act, with Cabinet approval expected by the end of 2026.
Over 18,000 individuals have been arrested for drunk driving between March and August, comprising about a third of all traffic arrests in the period. Creecy emphasized that South Africa cannot accept the high number of road fatalities, with nearly 12,000 people dying annually. The country aims to halve road deaths by 2030, in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
While road crashes and fatalities decreased by 6% in 2025 compared to 2024, the burden remains heavy in Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Western Cape. The Motor Industry Staff Association (MISA) supports the proposed amendment, calling it a critical step in addressing South Africa's road death crisis.
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