Have room to complete the movement
Before crossing a road or entering a junction, establish that you can complete the movement without endangering or obstructing traffic. Look for the space where your whole vehicle will finish, not just a gap at its front bumper. A queue beyond an intersection can leave you blocking other traffic even after a green signal allowed you to approach.
Check each approach and look again for road users who are harder to see, particularly motorcycles, cycles and pedestrians. A large turning vehicle needs time and space for its rear and load to clear. Do not rely on a driver’s wave when another traffic stream remains hidden.
Traffic circles and controlling instructions
At a traffic circle, give way to traffic approaching from your right within the circle unless a traffic sign or traffic officer directs otherwise. Approach slowly enough to see the relevant traffic and to stop when necessary. Do not assume your vehicle’s size or the fact that you reached the entry first gives you priority over traffic already approaching from the right.
The sign at the junction matters. A mini-circle with its own controlling sign must be interpreted under that sign’s rule, rather than treating every circular island identically. Follow the appropriate lane markings and do not change lanes within the manoeuvre without a safe opportunity.
Read the active control
Obey lawful directions from a traffic officer and the signals, signs and markings controlling the junction. A green light is permission to proceed only when the route is safe; it is not permission to block the junction or strike a pedestrian already crossing.
Where traffic signals are not functioning and no officer is directing traffic, official Gauteng guidance is to treat the junction as a four-way stop. Stop, check each approach and proceed in turn only when safe. If arrival order or another driver’s intention is uncertain, resolve the conflict cautiously rather than forcing priority.
Worked situation
Your light turns green, but stopped vehicles fill the road beyond the crossing. Entering would leave the back of your vehicle across the other traffic stream. Wait before the junction until enough exit space exists, even if a driver behind hoots.
Approach, decide, complete
Identify the control before reaching the junction, reduce speed, decide who must give way, check all approaches and the exit, then complete a safe movement. Keep watching for pedestrians and changes in traffic while crossing.