New Zealand Driving Rules

If you come from overseas there may be some New Zealand driving rules, road signs and driving conditions you are not used to.

• In New Zealand, we drive on the left side of the road.  (See Below)
• Seatbelts are Compulsary
• New Zealand has a unique give way rule at intersections.   (See Below)
• New Zealand's many hilly, narrow or winding roads mean that your journey may take longer than you expect. (See Below)
• It's illegal to use a cellphone whilst driving.
• Not all railway crossings have active warnings

• KEEP LEFT! - Always drive on the left side of the road!

Always drive on the left side of the road!

• STOP MEANS STOP! - A Stop sign means just that... stop, give way (yield) to all traffic before moving.

• GIVE WAY -  Rules changed at 5am on 25 March 2012? (There are two give-way rules that have changed).

  Change 1: The left-turn versus right-turn rule
  
  This new rule now requires all traffic turning right to give way to a vehicle coming from the opposite direction and turning left. This applies at cross roads, T-intersections and driveways where both vehicles are facing each other with no signs or signals, or the same signs or signals.
  
  Think: If you're turning right, give way.

• CHANGE 2: THE UNCONTROLLED T-INTERSECTIONS RULE ('UNCONTROLLED' MEANS WHEN THERE ARE NO SIGNS OR SIGNALS TO TELL YOU WHAT TO DO)

Stop	Give Way

• RED LIGHT MEANS STOP! - You are not allowed to turn left at an intersection when the traffic lights are red

• WATCH YOUR SPEED! - Driving speeds in New Zealand are varied however always well signposted showing the maximum speed you can travel. However, at times you may need to drive at a slower speed due to road or weather conditions. On most of New Zealand's main roads the speed limit is 100 km/h unless a sign says a lower speed applies. In urban areas, the speed limit is usually 50 km/h unless a sign says otherwise.

50km	100km	Open Road

• BUCKLE UP! - New Zealand law states that everyone in a vehicle must wear a safety belt, including passengers in the back seat!

• OVERTAKING - Most New Zealand roads have a single lane in each direction and you will find plenty of passing lanes at regular intervals so that you can safely pass any slower vehicles (or allow other vehicles to pass you). NEVER cross a solid yellow ling on your side of the centre-line, as this indicates it is too dangerous to over take.

• ONE LANE BRIDGES - A lot of New Zealand roads have one lane bridges, which means vehicles travelling in one direction must give way to vehicles going in the other direction. These are always well signposted, showing which 'side of the bridge' has to give way (yield).

Give way to traffic	Give way to traffic	Proceed with caution

• WATCH THAT STOCK! - New Zealand has a large amount of rural land, and while this makes driving a more scenic experience, you must be aware of stock on the road such as cows, sheep, deer and horses.  When you see a horse or other stock, you must slow down and do NOT sound your horn as you may startle the animal! You may need to stop and let the animal(s) go past you or move slowly past.

• SKATING ON THIN ICE! - During winter some New Zealand roads can become hazardous. Look out for slippery surface signs in wet or icy conditions, which means you need to slow down and avoid braking suddenly!

Animals on the road	Winter Driving

SIGNS YOU MAY SEE

Compulsory Signs

(These signs show you what you must or must not do)
    
   
        
    
Permanent Hazard Warning Signs
(these sign warn you to be careful because of a particular hazard on the road ahead)
   
      
Temporary Hazard Warning Signs
(these sign warn you to be careful because of a particular temporary hazard on the road ahead)
         

Information Signs
(These signs give you useful information, such as the names of places, the distance to the next town, etc)
         

(Please note that the examples shown above are only a small sample of the symbolic signs used on our roads. They are intended only to familiarise you with the three main types of symbolic sign. They do not show you all the symbolic signs you will see when driving.)

NOTE: this is just a brief guide for more information check out NZ Road Code

TRAVELLING TIMES:
It's easy to underestimate travelling times in New Zealand.
Although distances may seem short on paper, New Zealand roads may be narrower than you are used to, cover hilly terrain and vary from motorways to unsealed gravel roads.
If you're tired you're much more likely to have a crash. Here are some tips to help you stay alert.

• Get lots of rest before a long drive.
• Take a break from driving every two hours.
•  If possible, share the driving with someone else.
•  Avoid large meals and drink plenty of fluid.
•  If you begin to feel sleepy, try to nap for up to 40 minutes.
•  If you're feeling very tired - find a place to stay overnight

   or   
 

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