Frequently asked questions
WiseUp gives you the answers to your questions.
Question: Who can you claim from for lost or damaged luggage?
Answer: > If your luggage is lost or damaged during your holidays, you need to lodge a complaint as soon as possible. It is preferable to do so immediately as you become aware of the loss or damage.
> The risk of lost or damaged luggage is higher at an airport and might be as a result of the airline. If that is the case, you can submit a claim with the airline you were travelling with.
> The airlines have their own terms and conditions, including prescribed forms that would need to be filled in when submitting a claim.
> It is worth noting that some airlines might have an indemnity clause in their terms and conditions that absolve them from being liable for damages or limit their liability. It is important to keep this in mind when booking flights.
Question: How often must a vehicle be taken for a roadworthiness test according to law?
Answer: > There are consequences if your vehicle is not roadworthy, such as it being confiscated. However, how often must a vehicle actually be taken for a roadworthiness test?
> As a general rule, a roadworthiness test must be conducted every time a vehicle changes ownership. The roadworthiness test is a legal requirement to ensure that a vehicle meets the safety standards set by the South African Bureau of Standards (“SABS”).
> There are certain instances where a licence disc for a vehicle will not be issued if a valid certificate of roadworthiness was not issued within 60 days before the renewal of the licence disc. For example, a minibus that is used to convey 12 or more persons must do a yearly roadworthiness test, and a vehicle used to convey people for reward.
> Another exception to the general rule relates to buses, which must do a roadworthiness test every six months.
Question: Is it legal to consume alcohol in a public place?
Answer: > Each province or municipality might have its own legislation and/or by-laws that regulate drinking in public.
> For example, the Gauteng Liquor Act 2 of 2003 states that no person may consume alcohol in or near any public place, this includes a vehicle driven on a public road or parked in a public area. A fine of R300 will be issued if a person is caught.
> Be careful and think twice when you want to consume alcohol in a public space that is not licensed accordingly, like a beach or a park, as you can be guilty of an offence and be fined.
Question: Can you be arrested for exceeding the speed limits?
Answer: > Generally, exceeding the speed limits on roads will lead to a fine. Once the AARTO Act has been rolled out nationally and the demerit points system has been implemented, the fine will also be accompanied by negative demerit points against your name.
> However, speeds that excessively exceed the limits can get you arrested and may lead to your licence being suspended or cancelled.
> A person that exceeds the speed limit by 30 kilometers per hour in an urban area or 40 kilometers per hour on a freeway, can be arrested and brought before the court.
Did you know… There are certain instances where a vehicle must go through a roadworthiness test once a year.