For those who need to transport cargo volumes larger than the vehicle allows, whether for leisure or work, trailers, popularly known as 'carretinhas,' are an option. Although widely used, the rules for their use are often unknown, which can cause difficulties for the driver.
This accessory acts as an extension of the car but constitutes an autonomous vehicle. For this reason, the trailer must follow the guidelines of the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB); otherwise, the driver is subject to fines. Thus, this article details the essentials for operating the trailer correctly, in addition to offering important guidance on driving and care.
Since they are classified as vehicles, trailers need to comply with regulations similar to those for automobiles, which includes registration with the local Detran, licensing, and maintenance of updated documentation. The CTB also determines that these attachments must have various safety devices to circulate properly.
Failure to comply with these obligations results in a fine of R$ 195.23 and the addition of five points to the National Driver's License (CNH). Mandatory equipment includes: rear bumper; rear wheel protectors; red rear position lights; parking and service brakes with independent controls for vehicles over 750 kg manufactured from 1997 onwards; red brake lights; rear license plate illumination; amber or red rear turn signal lights; tires that guarantee minimum safety conditions; and delimiting and side lights, according to dimensional requirements.
When coupling a trailer, the vehicle ceases to be classified as light and its speed limit changes. Resolution 798/202 of the National Traffic Council (Contran) classifies the automobile pulling another vehicle as belonging to the heavy vehicle category. Therefore, when attaching a trailer, the automobile is no longer seen as a 'light vehicle' while circulating with the accessory, but rather as a 'heavy vehicle,' and must obey the speed limits applicable to trucks and buses.
In the absence of specific signage, Article 61 of the Brazilian Traffic Code (CTB) stipulates a maximum speed of 90 km/h for various vehicle categories, including automobiles with trailers.
Driving with a trailer requires a change in the driver's behavior. It is essential to be aware that the combination is larger, heavier, and has a 'foreign body' that impacts the entire dynamics of the car.
Therefore, caution is crucial, as above a certain speed, the trailer may begin to oscillate like a pendulum behind the car. A gust of wind, for example, can be enough to destabilize it, increasing the danger of serious accidents.
Regarding overtaking on highways, the increase in size and weight of the vehicle must be considered, which requires more time to regain speed compared to a car without a trailer. Thus, on single and two-way roads, overtaking should only occur in safe and permitted locations, with good visibility and without oncoming traffic.
It is also necessary to pay extra attention in curves, as the trailer compromises the car's stability, causing the rear to tend to swing out more. The recommendation is to maintain a reduced speed and avoid sudden steering maneuvers, both in curves and on straight sections.
South Africa has long been recognized as one of the world's premier destinations for ornithology enthusiasts. With over 870 registered bird species inhabiting mountains, wetlands, forests, coastal areas, and open savannas, the country demonstrates astonishing diversity across a relatively small area. In fact, one can find nearly one out of every ten bird species on the planet here, making South Africa a desirable destination for both seasoned observers and curious travelers.
The charm of birdwatching lies in its encouragement of a more unhurried travel pace. Instead of rushing between sights, one begins to notice the rustling in the reeds, flashes of color on a flowering tree, and the characteristic cry echoing through the forest. Whether you hope to spot a Fish Eagle or simply spend a quiet morning in a hide overlooking wetlands, here are some of the best places in South Africa for it.
Kruger National Park is famous for its 'Big Five,' but many experienced visitors claim that its birdlife is equally impressive. Established in 1898 as the Sabie Reserve and later becoming South Africa's first national park in 1926, the park protects an exceptional range of habitats supporting over 540 bird species.
The northern areas around Pafuri and Punda Maria are internationally recognized among ornithologists for several species found nowhere else in South Africa. The park is also home to the famous 'Big Six' birds, including the Saddle-billed Stork, Martial Eagle, and Southern Ground Hornbill.
The best time to visit is from November to April for migratory species and breeding plumage. May to September offers easier viewing as the vegetation thins out. Tip: Spend sunrise in one of Kruger's bird hides instead of immediately driving onto the roads. Water bodies attract everything from kingfishers and cormorants to fish eagles and storks before the day gets too hot.
The first UNESCO World Heritage site in South Africa protects one of Africa's most vital wetland ecosystems. This area was declared a protected zone in 1895 and later gained international recognition for its ecological significance. iSimangaliso supports over 520 bird species in its lakes, estuaries, forests, and coastal dunes.
Visitors can expect to see flamingos, pelicans, African fish eagles, kingfishers, cormorants, and many other waterfowl. The diversity of habitats means that birdwatching opportunities can change drastically over short distances between trips.
The optimal time to visit is from October to March, when migratory birds arrive and activity in the wetlands peaks. Tip: Join an early morning estuary cruise from St. Lucia. The slower pace provides excellent opportunities for photographing fish eagles, herons, and kingfishers.
West Coast National Park, originally established to protect the Langebaan Lagoon ecosystem, has become one of the main birdwatching spots on the South African coast. The lagoon is internationally recognized as a Ramsar site of international importance and serves as a vital stopover for thousands of migratory birds along the East Atlantic flyway.
During migration season, the tidal flats teem with waterfowl, and flamingos, African black ostrichbills, and numerous seabirds are common sights.
The best time to visit is from August to March, when migratory coastal birds are present. Spring also coincides with the renowned wildflower season. Tip: Bring binoculars and spend time in the Geelbek and Abrahamskraal bird hides instead of just driving through the park.
The lakes, forests, and estuaries of the Garden Route create ideal habitats for both waterfowl and forest species. Some of the wetlands are part of an internationally recognized Ramsar site, making this area particularly important for nature conservation.
The Rondedlei bird hide is especially popular among photographers, where waders, herons, rollers, and ducks are regularly seen. Forest walks also offer the chance to spot the elusive Knysna Turaco.
The best time to visit is year-round, although spring and summer bring greater bird activity. Tip: Combine a canoe trip on the Touws River with a stop at the Rondedlei bird hide for two completely different birdwatching experiences in one day.
Several towns in South Africa do not host birdwatching to the extent of Wakkerstroom. This small farming town, founded in the 1880s, has become one of the country's most famous birding centers due to its surrounding highland wetlands and grasslands.
It hosts several endangered grassland specialists, including the Botella Warbler and the Radd's Warbler, as well as the Yellow-breasted Pipit, attracting ornithologists from around the world.
The best time to visit is from September to February, when breeding birds are most active. Tip: Hire a local bird guide. Many desired species are masters of camouflage, and experienced guides significantly increase your chances of spotting them.
Marakele is located in the transition zone between the Waterberg Mountains and the bushveld, creating an impressive combination of habitats. The park, established in 1994, gained special significance due to its Cape vulture colony, one of the largest in the world. The park's rocky cliffs, open plains, and river systems also support eagles, hornbills, and numerous forest birds.
The best time to visit is winter for clearer visibility, while summer brings breeding activity. Tip: Go to the Lenong viewpoint early in the morning to enjoy panoramic views and soaring raptors utilizing mountain thermals.
As part of the larger Mpumalanga biodiversity hotspot, Mkuze has earned a reputation among ornithologists for its exceptional diversity in acacia woodlands, fig forests, and wetlands. A network of well-placed hides overlooking ponds makes birdwatching particularly accessible even for beginners. Species such as the African Finch, Narina Trogon, and Pink-breasted Double-spot are regularly recorded.
The optimal time to visit is from October to March. Tip: Spend several hours in the Nsumo Pan hides instead of moving too quickly between locations. Patience is often rewarded.
De Hoop, known for its dramatic coastline and seasonal whale watching, is equally interesting for bird lovers. The reserve, protected since 1957, includes fynbos, dunes, wetlands, and estuaries that support over 260 bird species. Ornithologists can see Blue Storks, Denham's Sandgrouse, and a wonderful variety of waterfowl, while the surrounding fynbos attracts many sunbirds and sugarbirds.
The best time to visit is spring and early autumn. Tip: Combine a morning birdwatching walk with the reserve's coastal hiking trails. It is one of the few places where exceptional birdwatching combines with ocean views.
The best birdwatching spots in South Africa share a common trait: they encourage travelers to pause, listen, and look closely. You don't need to identify every species to appreciate the experience. Sometimes the most memorable sight is simply watching a fish eagle take off from a riverbank at dawn or spotting your first brightly colored cormorant sitting quietly on a branch.
Whether you are planning a specialized ornithological vacation or adding a pair of binoculars to your next trip, these places prove that the skies of South Africa are as magnificent as its landscapes. From coastal wetlands and ancient forests to mountain grasslands and iconic national parks—there is always another bird waiting to be discovered.
A proposal has been put forward in Uzbekistan to restore abandoned airfields and runways for use in the tourism sector. This initiative is enshrined in a draft presidential decree concerning the development of active tourism.
The Tourism Committee reported that after landscaping, these facilities will be leased to private entrepreneurs. It is planned that they can be used for light aviation, paragliding, and parachuting. Additionally, there is a provision for renting buildings to create training centers designed to prepare qualified personnel.
Significant attention is being paid to promoting small aviation. The Civil Aviation Agency proposes appointing a state regulator with expanded powers in the field of aircraft certification and registration.
To support entrepreneurs engaged in active tourism, it is proposed to exempt them from customs duties when importing approximately 40 different types of equipment. This equipment includes quad bikes, buggies, jet skis, auto-campers, parachutes, paragliders, and mountain hiking gear.
The stipulated benefits will take effect on January 1, 2027, and last until January 1, 2030. Starting in 2027, projects related to developing infrastructure at active tourism sites will be able to be included in state programs.
Previously, the development of a draft presidential decree aimed at stimulating active forms of tourism was announced. As part of this work, a list of 162 natural sites with high development potential was compiled.
The UAE Lottery, valued at 30 million dirhams, announced the results of its latest Lucky Day draw on Wednesday, August 5, promising an even larger prize for participants.
As part of the Lucky Day series, the winning numbers in the Days section for draw 260805 were 8, 22, 13, 28, 25, and 16, and the winning number in the Months section was 1.
Additionally, the Lucky IDs draw guarantees three prizes of 50,000 dirhams each to participants. During the live broadcast, the host displayed the following Lucky IDs: CC5358243, DH8430744, and DC7935200.
According to the official UAE Lottery website, 2,842 participants won 100 dirhams each, and 25 people received 1,000 dirhams. However, the jackpot of 30 million dirhams and the 5 million dirham prize were not claimed.
The UAE Lottery is regulated by the General Commission for Gaming Regulation (GCGRA), whose organizers state that all games are conducted in accordance with responsible gaming principles to ensure a safe, reliable, and transparent experience for players.
Live draws take place every Saturday and Wednesday. The next draw is scheduled for Saturday, August 8, 2026.
In a recent interview with Khaleej Times, the winner of the Dh30 million lottery, Sunil Kumar Sadasivan, shared that this prize opened a new chapter in his life. The 52-year-old resident of Kerala expressed gratitude to the UAE for the opportunities provided.
