South Africa has been ranked as the country with the most lenient road rules in a new study that compares 17 nations across the globe.

This study is not a measure of how strict police and governments are in terms of fines and enforcement, but how much room drivers are given before they break the law.

The study was conducted by Australian insurance specialist Compare the Market AU.

Researchers analysed six different metrics for each country, including blood alcohol limits, speed limits, mobile phone restrictions and seatbelt requirements, in order to determine which country has the strictest road rules.

Norway was ranked as the strictest country, with France second, followed by Colombia and Denmark.

Norway achieved an index score of 7.09 out of 10.

The Nordic country has a low blood alcohol limit of 0.02 BAC (blood alcohol concentration), lower speed limits on urban streets and rural roads (30 km/h for residential areas and 80 km/h on country roads), as well as strict and mandatory seatbelt requirements.

France is second on the index (at 5.94/10), largely thanks to having the strictest rules regarding mobile phones. 

No driver is allowed to use their mobile phone, even with a hands-free setting.

Colombia and Denmark both have an index score of 5.84 out of 10. 

Colombia’s lower highway speed limit of 100 km/h and low blood alcohol limit of 0.02 BAC helped offset the fact that seatbelts are required, but not strictly enforced. 

In Denmark, drivers can use a mobile phone handsfree, but only if it is using a system built into the car. 

Having phone holder attachments to take calls hands free is not allowed, and this saw Denmark rank in the top three for strict road rules.

South Africa has an index score of 3.13 out of 10. 

According to researchers this is largely based on having higher speed limits for highways, residential areas and rural roads, despite having low BAC limits. 

Also, while seatbelts are mandatory for drivers and passengers, there are more exemptions.