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The Official New Zealand Road Code
The Official New Zealand Road Code
A user-friendly guide to New Zealand's traffic law and safe driving practices.
Introduction
The official New Zealand road code is a user-friendly guide to New Zealands traffic law and safe driving practices. You will be tested on this information in your theory and practical driving tests. Information in the Licence and study guide section will help you through each stage of your driver licence. It explains the driver licensing system in New Zealand, describes each stage of your driver licence and provides useful information about the theory and practical tests. It also includes most of the questions that you could be asked when you sit the theory test for your learner licence, and a driving skills syllabus to help you and your driving coach when youre learning to drive. This guide is intended for drivers of cars and other light vehicles. For information for heavy vehicle drivers and motorcyclists, please obtain a physical copy of The official New Zealand road code for heavy vehicle drivers and The official New Zealand road code for motorcyclists.
Updates
Any changes made to the web version of The official New Zealand road code since the last published edition are listed on the Updates page.
DISCLAIMER
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has endeavoured to ensure the material in this document is technically accurate and reflects legal requirements. However, the document does not override governing legislation. The NZTA does not accept liability for any consequences arising from the use of this document. If the user of this document is unsure whether the material is correct, they should make direct reference to the relevant legislation and contact the NZTA.
It will take 10 years or more to build this level of safety into the road system, and it will only happen if we all play our part. Please do your bit for safer journeys on our roads.
The 2013 version of The official New Zealand road code was published in June 2013.
Page 302: Question I6 - The image displayed for this question is incorrect. The question is not currently included in the questions you could be asked in a theory test for a car licence.
Hazards and emergencies - Dealing with hazards Text change made to 'Course' information under 'The system of car control'.
About signs
In this section youll be introduced to the main types of road and vehiclemounted signs you will see on New Zealand roads. Other signs are introduced throughout this book in relevant sections.
Main types of signs Vehicle-mounted signs
You must be able to recognise and understand each type of sign. Some examples of these signs are shown on the following pages. Note: the examples shown are only a small sample of the symbolic signs used on our roads. They are intended to familiarise you with the three main types of symbolic sign rather than introduce you to all of the signs you will see when driving.
Important Road authorities (for example, local councils) may have special rules for road users in specific areas. These restrictions should be indicated by signs or markings.
Compulsory signs
Compulsory signs tell you what you must or must not do. They are usually red or blue.
Turn right
Keep left
You must slow down (or stop, if necessary) and give way
Transit lane, which can only be used by passenger service vehicles, cycles, motorcycles and vehicles carrying at least the number of people displayed on the sign (eg T2 means two or more people, T3 means three or more people)
Warning signs
Warning signs alert you to a particular hazard on the road ahead. They warn you to be careful for your own safety, the safety of other road users or the safety of road workers carrying out maintenance. There are two types of warning signs:
1. 2. those that warn you of a permanent hazard those that warn you of a temporary hazard.
Pedestrian crossing
Slippery surface
Road narrows
Roadworks
Slips
Gravel surface
Stop on request
Other hazard
Note: this sign will always be displayed with another sign explaining the hazard, eg Flooding
Information signs
Information signs give you useful information, for example, the distance to the next town. They are all rectangular, but come in a range of different colours and sizes.
You may turn left, but first give way to any pedestrians and vehicles
Shows the state highway number and the distance in kilometres to places listed
Oversize sign
The sign below will be displayed on the oversize vehicle itself. If you see this sign when driving, you should drive cautiously. The vehicle may be very wide, long or high, or a combination of all three.
Oversize vehicle
Pilot vehicles
When a vehicle is carrying a large load, it may be accompanied by a pilot vehicle, with flashing yellow roof lights and a roof-mounted sign, to warn other road users. If the pilot vehicle is in front of the load, the sign will say either Long load follows or Wide load follows. If the pilot vehicle is behind the load, the sign will say either Long load ahead or Wide load ahead.
The first pilot vehicle will have flashing yellow and purple roof lights and a rooftop sign that says Danger slow down. The second pilot vehicle will have flashing yellow roof lights and a roof-top sign that says Wide load follows.
Important If you see an Oversize sign or a pilot vehicle with flashing lights, slow down and be prepared to pull over and stop.
About driving
Key driving skills
This section introduces you to the key driving skills and road rules that you need to learn to be a safe and competent driver.
Keeping left Giving signals Receiving signals Turning Using lanes correctly Following distance Passing Merging Motorway driving Towing Reversing
Giving way
This section describes the situations in which you must give way to other vehicles when driving. It shows you what to do in a variety of situations and at different kinds of intersections.
Intersections The give way rules Giving way at roundabouts Giving way at railway level crossings Giving way on one-lane bridges
The lane closest to the centre line should only be used when:
you want to pass another vehicle you want to turn right the left-hand lane is full with other traffic or is blocked.
Laned road
Unlaned road
Driving tip When driving on an open road with a centre line, your driver's seat should normally be in the centre of your half of the road (except when driving a left-hand drive vehicle). Reduce your speed to stay in this position when driving around bends.
Giving signals
Signals enable you to tell other road users that you are changing your direction or position on the road. Because of this, knowing when and how to give signals is a very important part of being a safe driver. Drivers usually signal using their indicators. However, you may sometimes need to use hand signals, if your indicators can't be seen.
Important Don't assume that other drivers have seen your signals.
Signalling left
Signalling right
Important Don't just rely on the other driver's signal. Is the vehicle slowing down? Is the vehicle in the right place on the road in relation to the signal?
Stopping
Your stop lights (the red lights at the back of your vehicle) let people behind you know that you're slowing down or stopping. Stop lights come on automatically when you use the brake pedal (footbrake). Keep your foot on the brake pedal to keep the brake light on to warn other drivers.
Stop lights
Tip: tapping the brake pedal will flash the stop lights to warn other drivers.
Hazard lights
When you turn on your hazard lights, both indicator lights flash at the same time as a warning to other road users. You should only turn on your hazard lights when your vehicle becomes a temporary hazard to other road users, such as when:
you're changing a tyre on the side of the road your vehicle has broken down and is being towed.
Receiving signals
There are a variety of other signals that other road users will use to communicate to you. You must know what these signals are and what to do when you see them.
If a police car is following you with its siren on and/or flashing blue, or blue and red lights, you must pull over and stop as soon as possible. If asked to, you must give the following to a police officer:
your name, address and date of birth your driver licence the name of the vehicle's owner.
If a vehicle is following you with flashing blue lights, you must pull over and stop as soon as possible. Flashing blue lights are used by customs officers, fisheries officers and marine reserve officers. These people have the right to stop vehicles.
Doctors, nurses or midwives on urgent business may use a roof-mounted green flashing light. If you see these, you must pull over and allow the vehicle to pass.
When service vehicles, such as tow trucks and road maintenance vehicles, use flashing yellow lights, they are warning you to be careful around them. When you see these lights, slow down and be prepared to stop, if necessary.
Oversize vehicles may use flashing yellow lights and pilot vehicles may use flashing yellow and purple lights. These mean you must pull over and, if necessary, stop, and let all the vehicles pass. For more information about oversize vehicles, seeVehicle-mounted signs. Red flashing signals outside a fire station or airport mean you must stop and remain stopped until the lights stop flashing.
If a police officer is controlling an intersection, be careful to get into the correct lane. If you don't, you may have to go the wrong way. Show the officer where you want to go by using your indicators.
Turning
Turning can be dangerous, because it usually means you have to cross the path of other vehicles. Remember turning traffic gives way to traffic that is not turning.
How to turn
To legally and safely make a left or right turn:
do a thorough check for other vehicles in front, behind and to the sides remember to check over your shoulder for your blind spots (the areas of road to the sides of your car that you can't see in your mirrors) watch for pedestrians signal for at least three seconds turn when safe.
If you are turning left, use your left indicator. If you are turning right, use your right indicator. Be prepared to stop, even if the other driver should give way to you.
Important When turning or changing lanes remember to always check your blind spots.
Left turn
Important When turning, maintain your position on the road. For example, if you are on the left-hand side of the road, you should stay on the left-hand side of the road after you've turned; or if you are in a lane next to the centre line, you should turn into the lane next to the centre line.
In this situation:
signal left for at least three seconds move across to the left-hand side of the road wait there until it is safe to turn signal right for at least three seconds before you turn move when it is safe.
If a vehicle in front of you has also stopped to turn right, it's best to wait behind them and then use the same position to turn from. Take extra care on roads where traffic is moving quickly.
Turning right from the left side of the road Safe turning tip If you have stopped to turn right, keep your wheels pointed straight ahead until you start to turn. That way, if you are hit from behind you are less likely to be pushed into the path of oncoming traffic.
Right-turn bay
Important When using a flush median, watch out for pedestrians who might be waiting on the flush median to cross the road.
Making a U-turn
You are normally allowed to make U-turns, as long as the road is clear in both directions and it is safe to do so. Make sure you have enough room to complete the turn and don't create a hazard for oncoming vehicles. You aren't allowed to make U-turns if a 'No U-turn' sign is displayed.
Ideally, you should stay in the same lane all the way through the intersection. Don't change lanes unless you can do so safely.
Laned intersection
Passing lanes
When there are passing lanes, drive in the left-hand lane unless you are passing another vehicle. If you've been driving slower than the speed limit, don't speed up when you reach a passing lane if other vehicles are following give them the opportunity to pass you safely. See Passing for more information.
Passing lane
Following distance
It's very important to make sure you have a safe distance between you and the vehicle in front, so you will have enough time to stop if you need to stop suddenly. Several seconds can pass from the time you see the hazard until you come to a complete stop. This is because you need time to react to the hazard and take action putting your foot on the brake as well as time for the brakes to slow the vehicle down.
The faster you are going, the longer it will take to stop. This means you must increase your following distance as you increase your speed.
Important Some people take longer to react to hazards than others. If you're tired, or your reaction times are slower than normal, take this into account and increase your following distance.
one, one thousand and two, one thousand and three, one thousand and four' instead.
Important When you're following another vehicle and you don't intend to overtake them, you must leave enough space in front of your vehicle for vehicles behind to pass you.
Passing
Many serious crashes on New Zealand roads are caused by dangerous passing. To safely pass another vehicle, you need to be extremely careful. You need to have a clear view of the road ahead, to make sure you can finish passing safely. You must also pay close attention to the vehicle you are passing, in case it changes its course.
Before passing, always ask yourself 'is it really necessary to pass?' Don't pass just because you are feeling impatient with the car in front that's often when crashes happen. If you do decide to pass, follow the rules shown below. Before you pass:
make sure you will be able to see at least 100 metres of clear road ahead of you once you have finished passing - if not, don't pass look well ahead to make sure there are no vehicles coming towards you look behind to make sure there are no vehicles passing you signal right for at least three seconds before moving out to pass.
Important Take extra care, and leave extra room, when passing cyclists, horses or pedestrians, as the wind gust of your vehicle could affect their balance.
At all other times, when you are passing, you must pass on the right.
Important Keep a safe distance behind the vehicle you are about to pass. Follow the two-second rule.
move as far to the left of the road as possible never speed up to stop the other vehicle from passing you.
No-passing line
On some sections of road there will be a solid yellow line painted on your side of the centre line. This line is called a no-passing line. No-passing lines are usually there because it's unsafe to cross the centre line to pass, because features like hills and curves make it impossible to see if there is oncoming traffic. Sometimes no-passing lines are marked because:
there is already a passing lane on your side of the road and you must use that to pass the road is multi-laned, so you do not need to cross the no-passing line to pass.
You must not pass another vehicle if it means you have to cross over a nopassing line on your side of the centre line. If you see a dashed yellow line on your side of the centre line, that means that a no-passing line is about to start. While you may come back over the dashed yellow line to finish passing, you must not cross it to start passing.
No-passing line
Don't use the centre lane to pass if there is an oncoming vehicle in the centre lane.
Don't pass any vehicle when you are coming to a blind corner or curve. (A blind corner or curve is where you can't see what's around the corner.)
Don't pass any vehicle when you can't see at least 100 metres of clear road in front of you for the whole time while you are passing.
Dont pass any vehicle at an intersection if it means you will cross the centre line. You must not get in the way of:
vehicles coming towards you vehicles coming out of side roads.
Don't pass:
any moving vehicle when you are less than 60 metres from a railway level crossing any vehicle that has stopped for a train.
Don't pass any vehicle if it means you have to drive over a flush median.
Passing at an intersection
In some situations, you are allowed to pass another vehicle at an intersection; however, you need to be very careful when doing this.
Passing on the left at an intersection with one lane on your side of the road
In this situation, you can pass on the left if there is enough room in your lane for you to pass and the vehicle you are passing:
has stopped, or is signalling a right turn, or is turning right.
Passing on the left at an intersection with more than one lane on your side of the road
In this situation, you can pass on the left if the vehicle you are passing is in a different lane and you can pass safely.
Passing on the right at an intersection with more than one lane on your side of the road
In this situation, you can pass on the right if you are turning right or going straight ahead.
Merging
Sometimes on a road, two lanes will merge into one lane. The lanes merge where the broken lane lines stop. It's important to make sure that all vehicles from both lanes have plenty of space in which to merge safely. The instructions in this section show you how.
Merging
Merge lane
Motorway on-ramp
watch for exit signs signal left for at least three seconds move into the left-hand lane as soon as possible keep up with the traffic flow until you are on the off-ramp don't leave the motorway at a sharp angle adjust your speed.
Motorway off-ramp
Motorway driving
Motorways are designed so that traffic can flow with as little disruption as possible. On a motorway, you shouldn't come across things that hold up traffic flow, such as:
intersections turning vehicles parked vehicles pedestrians cyclists.
Although the number of 'everyday' driving hazards are reduced on motorways, you still need to drive carefully as motorway traffic usually moves very quickly.
Motorway signs
Most motorway signs are green with white around the edges. Pay special attention to signs that show the beginning and end of the motorway, as well as signs that show particular exits.
Motorway signs
Breakdowns on motorways
If you break down on a motorway:
indicate and steer your vehicle as far off the road as possible don't stop suddenly lift up the bonnet and boot and, if possible, hang something white on the driver's door handle or window this will show you need help turn on your hazard lights or use a safety triangle to warn approaching traffic at night, turn on the inside light if you don't have a mobile phone and it isn't safe to walk to a telephone, stay in your car and wait for help don't stand on the motorway if you need help from other drivers, leave plenty of space for them to stop remember, vehicles travel fast on a motorway and it will take a while for them to slow down.
Towing
Light motor vehicles On a learner or restricted car licence (Class 1) you can tow a trailer but the combined weight of your vehicle, the trailer and its load must not exceed 4500kg. On a full licence the combined weight of your vehicle, the trailer and its load must not exceed 6000kg. Tractors and agricultural vehicles On a restricted or full car licence you can drive an agricultural tractor-trailer combination of up to 25,000kg providing you do not exceed 40km/h. On a full car licence you can also drive:
a tractor/trailer combination of up to 25,000kg if being used for non-agricultural purposes at a speed of up to 30km/h, or an agricultural tractor-trailer combination of up to 25,000kg being driven at a speed of up to 40km/h.
See page 1318 for more information about what you can drive on different licence classes.
You must take extra care when towing a trailer or another vehicle. This is because, with the extra weight behind it, your vehicle will feel different to drive. Follow the safe towing guidelines on these pages whenever you tow a trailer or another vehicle. Note: the term trailer includes caravans, and boat and horse trailers.
Important If you are towing a trailer or another vehicle, check your rear-view mirror often to make sure you aren't holding up vehicles behind you.
Important When towing a horse trailer, take extra care as the horse may move especially when you brake or travel around corners and this could affect the movement of the trailer.
Reversing
When reversing, take special care to make sure that the way is clear. Every year, young children are killed and injured by reversing vehicles. If you are in any doubt about whether the way behind you is clear, get out and check.
Reversing guidelines
Follow the guidelines below whenever you are reversing:
Before you move off, make sure it is safe to reverse. The best way to do this is to walk around the vehicle and make sure there are no children or other obstacles in your path. Don't rely on your mirrors alone. Always turn around and look over your shoulder. Try to reverse in a straight line.
Giving way
This section describes the situations in which you must give way to other vehicles when driving. It shows you what to do in a variety of situations and at different kinds of intersections. It is very important to know the give way rules.
Intersections The give way rules Giving way at roundabouts Giving way at railway level crossings Giving way on one-lane bridges
Intersections
What is an intersection?
An intersection is where:
two or more streets or roads join or cross a public entrance or exit joins a street or road.
Intersections include entrances to and exits from supermarkets, petrol stations and other public parking areas, such as airports and hospitals. There are a number of different types of intersections, depending on how many roads meet at the intersection.
Driving up to an intersection
If any other vehicle is approaching or crossing an intersection, do not speed up when approaching. As you drive up to an intersection, use the system of car control. This method helps you deal with hazards safely.
Course (look ahead for a safe and legal path). Mirrors (look behind and in your blind spots). Signal for at least three seconds. Brakes (slow down so that you can give way if required). Gears (change if necessary).
When it is safe:
The red shading in the diagram below shows you which areas to check carefully before entering an intersection.
Approaching an intersection
As you ride up to an intersection:
slow down and look in all directions: ahead, behind and to both sides be ready to stop if you have to.
The red shading in the diagram below shows you which areas to check carefully before entering an intersection.
In all other situations, give way to all vehicles coming from your right, eg at a crossroad controlled by traffic signals, when the signals have failed and all approaches have flashing yellow lights.
When two vehicles are coming towards each other and both are turning right, no one should have to give way. This is because normally neither will cross the other's path, so both vehicles can turn safely. However, be careful if the other vehicle is a large truck or bus, as they may need more room to make the turn. Remember to check for traffic coming towards you that is going straight through the intersection (see The give way rules). Your view might be blocked by the turning vehicle.
Important
Giving way means that the road user you're giving way to (whether they are a driver, cyclist, pedestrian or any other kind of road user) doesn't need to stop, brake or slow down, swerve or take any other evasive action to avoid you.
At many intersections traffic is controlled by Stop signs, Give Way signs and traffic signals. See below for when to use the give way rules at these intersections. If a police officer is directing traffic you must obey his/her directions as they overrule the give way rules.
Stop sign
At an intersection controlled by a Stop sign:
come to a complete stop (do not just slow down) stop where you can see vehicles coming from all directions stay stopped until you have given way to all other vehicles (this includes cycles and motorcycles, etc) if you and another vehicle are both facing Stop signs, use the give way rules (see The give way rules) you must not go until it is safe.
The word STOP and a single yellow line will be painted on the road.
Helpful hint
If you are are turning right, give way to all vehicles coming towards you who are turning left.
A triangle give way marking and a white line will be painted on a sealed road. A car facing a Stop sign gives way to a car facing a Give Way sign.
If you are turning, give way to all traffic that is not turning.
This includes giving way to cyclists using cycle and bus lanes, and vehicles using bus lanes.
It also applies when both vehicles are facing the same control, such as Stop signs, Give Way signs and green traffic signals.
If you are leaving the path of a marked centre line at an uncontrolled intersection, you must give way to vehicles following the centre line. This is because vehicles leaving the path of the centre line are legally turning (even though sometimes they might actually be going in a straight line) and the give way rules apply.
If you are turning right and the opposing vehicle is turning left, you must give way.
If the road you are on terminates (bottom of the T), give way to traffic on the continuing road (top of the T). This also applies at driveways.
You must give way to all traffic on the road and any road user on a footpath, cycle path or shared path.
In all other situations give way to your right. An example would be at a crossroads controlled by traffic signals when signals have failed and all approaches have a flashing yellow light.
Traffic signals
The following rules apply at an intersection controlled by traffic signals (also known as traffic lights):
Red signal
A green signal means you can go, provided it is safe and: o if you are turning right, you give way to vehicles coming towards you that are going straight through,or vehicles turning left. o you give way to pedestrians crossing. This includes riders of mobility devices and wheeled recreational devices.
Green signal
A yellow signal means stop, unless you are so close to the intersection that you can't stop safely. A yellow signal indicates that the lights will soon turn red.
Yellow signal
A flashing yellow signal means the traffic signals are not working. In this case, you must apply the give way rules for uncontrolled intersections.
A red arrow means you must stop if you are travelling in the direction the arrow is pointing.
Red arrow
A yellow arrow means you must stop if you are travelling in the direction the arrow is pointing, unless you are so close to the intersection that you can't stop safely.
Yellow arrow
A green arrow means you can go if you are travelling in the direction the arrow is pointing, provided it is safe.
Green arrow
Turning left
Must stop. The red arrow protects pedestrians crossing the road.
Straight through
Turning right
May go provided: > it is safe, and > you give way to vehicles coming towards you that are going straight through the intersection.
Turning left
Straight through
Turning right
Turning left
Straight through
Turning right
May go, provided it is safe. All vehicles coming towards you should be stopped.
Turning left
Must stop.
Straight through
Must stop.
Turning right
May go, provided it is safe. All vehicles coming towards you should be stopped.
Single-laned roundabouts
When you come up to a roundabout that has only one lane in each direction:
slow down as you come up to the roundabout give way to all vehicles that will cross your path from your right as you enter the roundabout.
Single-laned roundabout
Multi-laned roundabouts
Most roundabouts that have more than one lane in each direction are marked with lanes and arrows, which help you enter and leave the roundabout. The lane markings and arrows will tell you which lane to use. Not all roundabouts are marked the same way, so take extra care especially at the exits. If you need to cross from one lane to another near an exit, give way to any vehicles in the lane that you want to enter. When coming up to a multi-laned roundabout:
try to get into the correct lane give way to all vehicles that will cross your path from your right as you enter the roundabout.
Multi-laned roundabout
Single-laned roundabout
Multi-laned roundabout
Single-laned roundabout
Multi-laned roundabout
Single-laned roundabout
Multi-laned roundabout
Look out for cyclists who may find it difficult to maintain a turn signal on a roundabout and are exempt from this requirement.
Important At roundabouts, look out for vehicles that:
may have to change lanes to exit may not be able to stay in their lane because they are: o large (for example, buses) o travelling too fast.
Roundabout signs
Some of the signs you may see at a roundabout are shown below. The sign below tells you that you are coming up to a roundabout. You should be ready to give way.
Roundabout
The sign below tells you to keep to the left of the traffic island as you come up to the roundabout.
Keep left
The signs below tell you that you must apply the roundabout give way rules.
Give Way
The picture below shows you where you can expect to see these signs at a roundabout.
Roundabout signs
You must stop if the signals have started flashing, the bells have started ringing and/or the barrier arm has started to lower. Don't cross until the barrier arms have lifted, the lights have stopped flashing and the bells have stopped ringing.
The second warning sign reminds you that you must give way.
Signs that show that other drivers should give way to you on a one-lane bridge
If other drivers should give way to you on a one-lane bridge, you will see the sign shown below as you come up to the bridge. The big white arrow on the blue rectangle shows that you can go onto the bridge first. Slow down and check for vehicles that may already be on the bridge, before driving on.
a red circle shows you must give way a blue rectangle shows that other vehicles should give way to you.
When parking uphill on a steep road: o turn the front wheels away from the kerb o leave your car in first gear if it's manual or in park if it's automatic o apply your handbrake. When parking downhill on a steep road: o turn the front wheels towards the kerb o leave your car in reverse gear if it's manual or in park if it's automatic o apply your handbrake.
Safety tip When there is lots of traffic, it's a good idea to get out of your car on the side away from the traffic.
Parking signs
You must obey all parking signs.
You must not stop here between the times shown on the sign. If you do, your car will be towed away. You will have to pay the tow fee to get your car back
You must not stop for the distance shown on the sign
You can't stop between 8am and 6pm in the direction shown by the arrow
You may not stop here at any time. Only buses can stop here
All other parking signs apply between 8am and 6pm, other than public holidays covered by section 44(1) of the Holidays Act 2003 (Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Good Friday, etc), unless other times are shown.
The number shown under the 'P' shows how many minutes you can park for
A coupon must be displayed on the window of the vehicle if you park here
Any vehicle can stop here to unload goods or people, but the vehicle must not be left unattended for more than five minutes
Only goods service vehicles can stop here to unload goods or people, but the vehicle must not be left unattended for more than five minutes
Blocking rule
You must not go into or attempt to cross the intersection, railway le level crossing, pedestrian crossing or an area controlled by pedestrian traffic signals, unless there is space for your vehicle on the other side of the intersection or crossing.
In the illustration above, vehicle A must not go go into the intersection because there is no space ahead. Vehicles B and C can go into the intersection because there is enough space ahead.
You must not go into, or attempt to cross, a pedestrian crossing, unless there is space for your vehicle on the other side of the crossing.
The vehicle in the illustration above is blocking the area controlled by pedestrian traffic signals.
Brake carefully
Unless your vehicle has ABS brakes, don't brake too hard when it is wet. You may go into a dangerous skid. Instead, pump the brakes gently.
If your vehicle has ABS brakes, never pump the brakes in an emergency. Keep the pedal pressed down hard and steer out of trouble. Don't become overconfident in your driving just because your vehicle has ABS brakes.
Reduce speed
On a wet road, driving at the speed limit could be too fast for the conditions. You can lose control very easily in the wet, especially if you have to brake suddenly, so slow down.
Night driving
When to use headlights
You must turn on your vehicle's headlights:
from 30 minutes after sunset on one day, until 30 minutes before sunrise on the next day at any other time when you can't clearly see a person or vehicle 100 metres away.
Never drive with just the park lights on. (Note: park lights are now referred to as position lights.)
If there is plenty of street light, you should be able to drive with your headlights dipped the whole time.
Speed at night
At night, just as during the daytime, you must drive at a safe speed. This means that:
on a road with lanes, you must be able to stop in the length of clear road you can see in front of you on a road with no lanes, you must be able to stop in half the length of clear road you can see in front of you.
Driving at night
Centre line
No passing
Fire hydrant
Important Be aware that at night, because most road signs are highly reflective, your lights shining on them may make you think you can clearly see further than you really can. Make sure you drive more slowly and carefully at night, particularly on unfamiliar roads.
Roadworks
Road repair crews often have to work on roads to keep them in good condition. This means you will sometimes come across heavy vehicles, machinery and workers on the road, which you must be careful around. The road surface itself can also be dangerous when under repair, as it may be uneven or have new seal. When you see a roadworks sign, always slow down and be ready to stop.
Roadworks ahead
Because it can be dangerous to drive through roadworks or on new seal, temporary speed limit signs are often posted. You must drive at or below the speed shown on the temporary speed limit sign.
Follow all directions given to you, otherwise you could be involved in a serious crash.
Important Crashes can happen when drivers ignore roadworks warning signs and temporary speed limits. Don't take these warnings lightly. You don't know what's ahead, so slow down and take care.
Detour signs
When a road is being maintained or is closed you may see detour signs which offer you an alternative way around the road block. You should follow the direction signs and expect to see them when approaching and leaving intersections. Take note of the shape and colour of the symbol on detour signage as one detour may pass through another.
Detour signs
Attenuator
Sunstrike
Sunstrike can occur at any time during the day, but is most likely during sunrise or sunset, when the suns rays hit your windscreen at a low angle. To avoid a crash, follow the guidelines shown below.
Road surface
There are three main types of surface used on New Zealand's roads and highways:
asphalt chip-seal unsealed surfaces.
You may need to adjust your driving to suit the particular surface you are driving on and how each type of surface can affect your vehicle's handling. You should also be alert for changes in the road surface.
Asphalt
Asphalt has a smooth, black appearance and produces a low level of road noise when you drive over it. It's often used on busy roads and curves because it stands up well to wear caused by braking vehicles.
Asphalt provides good overall grip, but has reduced skid resistance when it is wet. This means you should slow down and take extra care when driving on asphalt in wet weather.
Asphalt
Chip-seal
Chip-seal consists of a thin layer of stones set in tar. It has a rough appearance when in good condition, but may wear smooth with age and frequent use. Worn chip-seal has reduced skid resistance, so be alert for smooth patches as you drive. Slow down on newly laid chip-seal. There may be patches of loose chips, which can increase your risk of skidding. Loose chips can also be thrown up when vehicles drive over them and could break your windscreen.
Chip-seal
Unsealed surfaces
Depending on the geographic area unsealed roads can be clay, pumice or gravel (sometimes called loose metal). These roads tend to be minor roads in rural areas.
Because the surface of the road is loose, it can move under your wheels and offers very low skid resistance. Loose stones may also be thrown up by vehicles. Because of this, you need to drive very carefully on gravel roads. Adjust your speed to suit the conditions. You will also need to take extra care in dry weather, as your visibility may be reduced by dust that will be thrown up by any vehicles in front of you. Always increase your following distance to stay back from the dust cloud.
Gravel
To deal with hazards safely, you should get into the habit of using the hazard action plan and system of car control described in this section.
For example, if there are children playing near the kerb. They may run out after a ball or after each other. Using the system of vehicle control, choose a
course as far away from the children as possible (while still keeping on your side of the road), check the mirror, use the brakes and slow down.
Multiple hazards
It is rare to come across only one hazard at a time when driving. Most of the time you will have to deal with several hazards at once. This means you will need to stay aware of all the hazards, but give most attention to the hazard that is most likely to develop into a dangerous situation and require you to take urgent action. For example, if there are children playing near the kerb. They may run out after a ball or after each other. Using the system of vehicle control, choose a course as far away from the children as possible (while still keeping on your side of the road), check the mirror, use the brakes and slow down.
Hazard A is the main hazard. The cyclist is about to pull out around the parked car and move into the path of the blue car.
Hazard B is the main hazard. This car is reversing out of a parking space and about to enter the path of the blue car.
Hazard D is the main hazard. This car is about to turn across the path of the blue car.
Hazard B is the main hazard. The child's attention is focused on the adult on the other side of the road. Remember, the child may try to cross the road without looking.
Important The cheapest insurance you can have is space around your vehicle. The more space you have the safer you will be.
'Is there a wide shoulder I could steer onto?' 'Can I steer off the road safely if I need to?'
If there are no safe escape routes, reduce your speed and increase your following distance so you can stop in plenty of time if a crash situation develops.
Furthering your driver education As a driver, you never stop learning. You should always be looking for ways to improve your safe driving skills. Practice, combined with the right attitude, will help you refine your skills, but there are also courses you can take to help you become a safer driver. For information on advanced driver education courses in your area, visit Advanced driving skills courses or call our contact centre on 0800 822 422.
Skids
Skids don't happen without reason. They are usually caused by:
heavy acceleration heavy braking changing direction suddenly driving too fast on wet or unsealed roads.
Different kinds of skids require you to take different corrective action. You should know what to do if your car goes into a skid. Note: the following guidelines relate only to vehicles with conventional brakes and not vehicles with ABS brakes If your vehicle has ABS brakes, never pump the brakes in an emergency. Keep the pedal pressed down hard and steer out of trouble.
Four-wheel skid
In a four-wheel skid, all four wheels lock under heavy braking. You should:
pump your brakes gently so the wheels turn and grip the road again.
Four-wheel skid
Front-wheel skid
Rear-wheel skid
Tyre blowouts
Tyre blowouts can be dangerous, especially if you are driving fast, because they can cause your vehicle to lose control. A front-tyre blowout will usually cause the vehicle to 'pull' towards the side with the blowout. A rear-tyre blowout will usually cause the vehicle to sway from side to side. You can try to avoid having a blowout by checking your tyres regularly. It's important to have correct tyre pressure. If a tyre has a large cut or bulge, or is very worn, it needs to be replaced. If you do have a blowout while driving, you should:
grip the steering wheel tightly ease off the accelerator try to keep the vehicle on its path signal and steer to the side of the road once you've reduced speed.
Engine failure
If your engine cuts out suddenly while driving, you must try to get the vehicle to the side of the road as quickly and safely as possible. You should:
signal and steer towards the side of the road put the gears into neutral this will help you roll further put your hazard lights on once you've stopped.
If your vehicle has power steering, it will be difficult to steer once the engine is dead. Try not to be alarmed by the reduced control. Grip the wheel tightly and steer as best as you can.
Jammed accelerator
An instinctive response of many drivers to a jammed accelerator is to turn the engine off. This isn't a good idea, particularly if your vehicle has power steering and braking, as this will make it much harder to steer and the brakes will be less effective. You should:
try to lift the accelerator up with your toes leave the vehicle in gear brake the brakes will be strong enough to stop the vehicle, even with the engine going keep steering and look for a spot where you can safely pull of the road.
Shattered windscreen
Shattered windscreens are becoming less common these days because modern vehicles are fitted with laminated windscreens, which crack but don't shatter. Stone chips can turn into cracks which weaken the screen. Always repair chips before they turn into cracks. If you are driving an older model vehicle and your windscreen shatters, you should:
steer by looking through the side window if you can't see through the shattered windscreen. If you have been concentrating on the road ahead by using the '12-second rule' you should have a good mental picture of the road, which will help you steer avoid pushing a hole in the shattered glass unless absolutely necessary. You will probably cut your hand and pieces of broken glass will be blown into your eyes pull over and stop as soon as possible once you have stopped, punch out the shattered glass using a jack or another tool. If no tools are available, wrap your hand in thick cloth (such as a jersey or towel) and carefully knock out the glass drive at a reduced speed to the nearest windscreen repairer.
Vehicle fire
If you think your vehicle is on fire, you will need to act immediately. You should:
signal and pull over to the side of the road get yourself and any passengers out of the vehicle as quickly as possible keep everyone clear of the vehicle and try to warn oncoming traffic phone the fire service.
Don't try to put out the fire yourself, as you could inhale toxic fumes and there is also a danger the vehicle could explode.
Earthquake
In a severe earthquake driving can be very difficult because the road may be shaking or moving up and down beneath you. If you think that an earthquake is happening while you're driving, you should:
pull over and stop stay inside your vehicle until the shaking stops. Your vehicle will provide you with some protection against falling objects.
Submerged vehicle
New Zealand has a high number of coastal and riverside roads and sometimes vehicles can end up underwater. Knowing what to do if you're ever in this situation can mean the difference between life and death.
If possible, get out of the vehicle while it's still afloat. It will normally sink within a matter of minutes. Escape by winding down the window. The weight of water against doors will usually make them too hard to open. Once submerged, water will gradually seep into the vehicle. Escape through the windows. If this isn't possible, wait until the vehicle is filled almost to head height with water. The doors will be easier to open then as the pressure inside the vehicle will be almost the same as it is outside. Before leaving the vehicle, turn the lights on so rescuers can find it more easily. Form a human chain with any other passengers as you leave the vehicle. This will make sure you all stay together.
Bonnet flying up
You can try to avoid having your bonnet fly up by:
remembering to re-fasten your vehicle's bonnet securely whenever you open it pulling over to the side of the road immediately if you notice the bonnet flexing or coming loose while you are driving.
Brake failure
If your vehicle's brakes fail, it will be an alarming experience. You can try to avoid this happening by checking your brakes regularly. Always replace worn brake pads immediately and top up the brake fluid levels whenever necessary. If your brakes do fail while driving:
change to a lower gear automatic vehicles included to help slow the vehicle down pump the brakes hard and quickly to make use of any capacity still left in the hydraulic brake system gradually pull up on the handbrake don't pull too hard or you may cause the rear wheels to lock warn other road users by switching on your headlights and hazard lights and sounding your horn look for an 'escape route', such as a wide shoulder of the road, a flat field or an uphill road if you are travelling downhill and the vehicle is starting to lose control, try to scrape against something on the side of the road, such as a safety rail, a bank or the kerb.
Headlight failure
It's uncommon for both headlights to fail while you are driving, but it can happen. If your headlights do fail while you're driving, you should:
slow down move off the road gradually and stop somewhere safe turn your hazard lights on.
About limits
This section introduces you limits that you need to know about when driving: speed limits, alcohol limits and your own limits how to avoid driver fatigue.
Speed limits Alcohol and drugs limits Driver fatigue
Speed limits
Excessive speed is one of the biggest killers on our roads. On average, 130 people die every year in New Zealand in speed-related crashes. Remember, the faster you go, the more likely you are to be killed or seriously injured if you crash.
Slow drivers
If you are travelling slower than the speed limit and there are vehicles following you, you must:
keep as close to the left side of the road as possible pull over as soon as it is safe to let following vehicles pass.
Dont speed up on straight stretches of road to prevent following vehicles from passing you.
Slow drivers
A temporary speed limit of 30km/h applies. Temporary speed-limit signs are usually put up when there is work being done on or near the road
Important Speed limit changes take effect at the sign post. Before reaching the speed-limit sign make sure you:
reduce your speed, if the sign indicates a lower speed do not increase your speed until you pass the sign, if the sign indicates a higher speed.
The vehicles listed in the table below have a lower maximum speed limit.
When following other vehicles, remember that some vehicles have lower speed limits and you may have to adjust your speed. Some vehicles have a lower maximum speed limit, such as light vehicles towing trailers.
Vehicle type Maximum open road speed limit
Heavy motor vehicles (vehicles with a gross vehicle mass* of over 3500kg) and heavy motor vehicles towing trailers
90km/h
Vehicles with a gross vehicle mass* of over 2000kg and are displaying school bus signs
80km/h
90km/h
Heavy vehicles constructed without springs or other forms of suspension, between its road wheels and its chassis
45 km/h
Important If a driver exceeds a permanent posted speed limit by more than 40km/h, there is an automatic 28-day licence suspension. If a driver exceeds a temporary speed limit by more than 50km/h, there is an automatic 28-day licence suspension.
Accident
Note: you may also see Kura, the Mori word for school, on a bus.
School zones
Some schools display signs that are turned on before and after school and other times such as lunch time. Examples are shown below.
This sign will be displayed at the start of the school zone. If the 40 is visible and the yellow lights are flashing, the maximum speed is 40km/h until the zone ends.
Because of this, and because even small amounts of alcohol can affect your driving, the best advice is: if you drink at all, don't drive. If you've been drinking, call a taxi, take a bus or get someone who hasn't been drinking, such as a friend or 'dial-a-driver', to drive you home.
Breath screening test The police officer will give you a small electronic device, and will ask you to blow into it. If your alcohol level is high, you will be asked to take an evidential breath test or have a blood test. Evidential breath test This is an electronic device you blow into, which gives a reading that can be used in court as evidence of your breathalcohol concentration. Blood test If you have a blood test, a medical doctor or other approved person will take a sample of your blood to be tested for alcohol or drugs.
You must wait with the officer for the result of the test. If the test shows you have been drinking, you must:
take a further test this will be either an evidential breath test or a blood test hand over the keys to your vehicle, if asked by a police officer go with a police officer, if required agree to a blood test, if asked by a police officer, medical doctor or other approved person.
If you don't, you may be arrested. A compulsory impairment test can be required if a police officer has good cause to suspect that you are impaired by a drug or drugs. This could be because of your erratic driving, or if you have been stopped for another reason and appear to be under the influence of drugs.
If your blood test shows you are over the legal limit, you will be given a copy of the blood test certificate. You may ask for your blood sample to be tested by an independent analyst. If you want this to happen, its important that you talk to a lawyer as soon as possible.
Blood
Breath
Prison
Fine
You kill or injure someone when driving after drinking too much or taking drugs
Up to 10 years
Up to First or second $20,000 offence - one year or more, third or subsequent offence - more than one year
You drive, or try to drive, after drinking too much or taking drugs
Up to three months
Up to $4500
Up to two years
Up to $6000
Second and subsequent offences The court may impose a zero alcohol licence in addition to the penalties listed above.
First and subsequent offences The court may impose an alcohol interlock disqualification with an accompanying three months disqualification period as an alternative to the penalties listed below.
You drive, or try to drive, after drinking too much or taking drugs and you are aged under 20 years
Up to three months
Up to $2250
You refuse to give blood when asked by a police officer, doctor or approved person
Up to three months
Up to $4500
Up to two years
Up to $6000
You refuse to go with a police officer for an evidential breath test or blood test
Up to $4500
You are in charge of a vehicle after drinking too much or taking drugs and you do not hand over the keys when asked by a police officer
Up to $10,000
Penalties for drug impaired driving or driving with class A drugs in the blood stream
Offence Penalty
Prison
Fine
You drive drug impaired but no one is injured, or fail or refuse to do the impairment test
Up to three months
Up to $4500
Up to two years
Up to $6000
Up to three years
Up to $10,000
You drive carelessly causing injury or death with Class A drugs in the blood
Up to three years
Up to $10,000
* A lower threshold of 80 milligrams or 400 micrograms will apply if, in the previous four years, you have been convicted of:
driving or attempting to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or driving or attempting to drive with excess breath or blood alcohol, or failing or refusing to allow a blood sample to be taken, or causing death or injury while in charge of a motor vehicle and under the influence of alcohol or drugs, or with excess breath or blood alcohol.
Your licence will be suspended for 28 days and you will still have to face courtimposed penalties.
Repeat offences
The penalties described above may be increased substantially for repeat offences.
In addition, if you commit two alcohol-related offences within a five-year period and one of those offences involves:
refusing to go with a police officer refusing to give a breath or blood sample driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs having a breathalcohol level above 1000 micrograms having a bloodalcohol level above 200 milligrams per 100 millilitres
The disqualification can only be ended by the NZTA. Once it has been ended, you will be unlicensed and must not drive again until you apply to have your licence reinstated and a new licence has been issued. Before a new licence can be issued you will also need to sit and pass the relevant tests or complete approved courses.
Driver fatigue
Many fatal crashes are caused by people driving when they are tired. If you feel tired, don't drive. Don't risk your life or those of other road users.
If you still feel sleepy don't drive, find a place to sleep for an extended period or for the night.
Registration
All vehicles driven on New Zealand roads must be registered. When you register a vehicle, it is added to the Motor Vehicles Register. Once a vehicle is registered, it is issued with registration plates and a current vehicle licence. A certificate of registration is also sent to the person registered as the owner. Before a vehicle can be registered, it must have been given a vehicle identification number (VIN) and been approved for registration by an approved vehicle inspector. Vehicle inspectors can be found at selected branches of the Automobile Association (AA), Vehicle Testing New Zealand (VTNZ), and Vehicle Inspection New Zealand (VINZ).
Relicensing
Relicensing is sometimes confused with registration. Relicensing is the payment of a fee to use a vehicle on the road. All vehicles used on the road must be relicensed regularly and must display a current licence label on the windscreen. To get a vehicle licence, you must:
make sure your vehicle has a current WoF or CoF fill out the relicensing notice (MR1) that you should receive in the post, or fill out an Application to licence a motor vehicle (MR1B), which is available from any NZTA agent
You can also relicense online at nzta.govt.nz/online. A vehicle licence is valid for up to 12 months. Most vehicles must be licensed continuously. This means that the licence fees must be paid from the expiry date of the previous licence (that is, if you renew your licence after the expiry date of the previous licence, the licence fees will be backdated and you must pay these). You can apply for an exemption from continuous licensing if you wont be using your vehicle for a period of three months or more. An exemption means that when your licence expires, the licence fees wont be backdated next time you relicense your vehicle. An exemption does not mean that you can use your vehicle on the road without a current licence. Talk to an NZTA agent for more information. If you don't:
relicense your vehicle, or apply for an exemption from continuous licensing
and the vehicle remains unlicensed for more than 12 months, its registration will lapse. You will still have to pay any backdated licence fees and, if the vehicle is to be used on a road again, it must be re-registered with new plates and registration papers. Your vehicle may also need to be certified by an approved vehicle inspector.
This is because diesel, unlike petrol, CNG and LPG, doesnt include fuel excise duty in its purchase price. This tax contributes towards the upkeep of New Zealand's roads. RUC licences can be purchased from an NZTA agent or online from nzta.govt.nz/online. You'll be given a RUC licence label, which must be displayed on the inside of the windscreen. When buying or selling a vehicle that requires a RUC licence, the licence should be sold with the vehicle. The new owner will become responsible for paying any outstanding charges if the vehicle is sold without a current RUC licence.
Once you've bought a motor vehicle, you need to notify the NZTA within seven days of the sale. The seller may want to confirm that you've done this before they hand over the vehicle. You need to do the following:
Obtain the vehicles Certificate of registration from the seller. The form for changing who the vehicle is registered to is printed on the back of the certificate. If the seller has lost the certificate, you will need a Notice by person acquiring motor vehicle form (MR13B), available from an NZTA agent. Complete the Notice by person acquiring motor vehicle form and give it to an NZTA agent with the appropriate fee. Show the agent your New Zealand driver licence as evidence of identification. If you don't have your driver licence, you'll need to show other identification that includes your full name, signature and date of birth. Ask the agent to give you a transfer receipt. Take this to the seller when you pick up the vehicle it shows you have changed the vehicle's registration into your name.
You can also complete this transaction online at nzta.govt.nz/online. A new Certificate of registration, showing the vehicle registered in your name, will be sent to you once you have completed the Notice by person acquiring motor vehicle form (MR13B). Although commonly referred to as ownership, the Certificate of registration isnt legal title for the vehicle it is simply a record of who is responsible for the vehicle.
Complete the bottom, tear-off portion of your Certificate of registration with the new owner's details and post it to the Transport Registry Centre, Private Bag, Palmerston North (no stamp required). If you've lost the Certificate of registration, you can still notify your part of the change of ownership process by completing a Notice by person selling/disposing of motor vehicle (form MR13A), available from NZTA agents. Give the remaining portion of the Certificate of registration to the buyer so they can notify their part of the change of ownership. Make sure you and the new owner complete change of ownership forms within seven days of the sale. If you don't, you could be liable for the new owner's speed camera tickets, licensing fees and any fines they may receive for not displaying a current WoF or a current licence. Ask them to show you one of the following documents as evidence they've changed the vehicle into their name: o a change of ownership transfer receipt o an email confirmation page (if they have completed their transaction online) o a receipted Notice of change of ownership of motor vehicle (form MR13B). If you sell your car through a registered motor vehicle trader they should notify the change of ownership for you, but it is wise to check that they have done this.
You can also complete this transaction online at nzta.govt.nz/online. Call the motor vehicle registration contact centre on 0800 108 809 if you have any questions about:
This service is available between 8am and 6pm, Monday to Friday (except public holidays).
Responsible driving
Responsible driving means driving with the safety and convenience of all road users in mind. Following the information in this section will help you to become a safe and responsible road user.
Dangerous riding
You must not ride in (or on) a vehicle in a way that might result in injury. If you are the driver you must not let your passengers ride in (or on) the vehicle in an unsafe way.
Children and pets can be noisy or need your help when you are driving. If you have to deal with the needs of children or pets, pull over to the side of the road and park your vehicle first.
Lighting
A driver or passenger must not use any vehicle lighting equipment in a way that will dazzle, confuse or distract other road users.
makes a lot of noise, inside or outside the vehicle, due to: o the way in which the vehicle is being driven o the condition of the vehicle o any other means (such as a car stereo) makes noise that is likely to cause annoyance to any person makes smoke for 10 seconds or more.
Make sure your vehicle's exhaust system and silencer are in good working order. This will prevent gases and excessive noise entering the car. Making the wheels of a motor vehicle lose traction and spin on the road surface may make unnecessary noise or smoke and could be a traffic offence.
Music
Don't play music in your car so loudly that you can't hear:
the sounds your car is making emergency sirens the sound of warning bells or trains when you're coming up to a railway level crossing.
Funeral processions
If you are driving in a funeral procession, you should drive with your vehicle's headlights on dip. That way, other drivers will know you are part of the procession.
If the substance or glass can be removed quickly and safely, you must immediately remove it or ensure it is removed. If the substance or glass cannot be removed quickly and safely, and there is likelihood of harm being caused to the public or any person, you must warn the public or report the occurrence immediately to the nearest police station or to a member of the police. If you are physically incapacitated and unable to remove the substance or glass or warn the public or report the occurrence, the person removing the vehicle from the scene must do those things as required.
Firearms (guns)
You must not carry a firearm in your vehicle unless you hold a firearm licence. You must never carry a loaded firearm in a vehicle. (This also means you must not carry ammunition in the chamber or attached magazine of the gun.)
Space-saver wheels
Some cars have a space-saver wheel as the spare wheel. Space-saver wheels are much smaller than the vehicle's other wheels so they take up less storage room. Space-saver wheels are for emergency use only and are not designed to be used over long distances. If you get a flat tyre and replace a wheel with a space-saver wheel, you should only use it to get directly home or to a place where the flat tyre can be repaired or replaced.
The vehicle is likely to handle differently with a space-saver wheel. Drive carefully and don't drive faster than 80km/h. If the space-saver wheel has a sticker showing a lower speed, then that speed applies. Space-saver wheels must have a safety label that states that the tyre is for temporary use only, what the maximum safe speed is for the tyre and what the correct pressure is. Make sure you read and follow the label. Note: make sure the space-saver tyre is inflated to the correct pressure. This is much higher than normal tyre pressure.
Cellphones
While you are driving, you cannot create, send, or read a text message on a cellphone or use a hand-held cellphone to make or receive a phone call. This includes accessing online services in any way. You can, however, use your cellphone to make, receive or terminate a telephone call while driving if the phone is secured in a mounting fixed to the vehicle and you manipulate the phone infrequently and briefly. You can also use a cellphone while driving to make a 111 or *555 call if it is unsafe or impractical to pull over and stop in a safe place at the side of the road to make the call.
Driver distractions
Anything that takes a driver's attention away from the road can be a potential hazard. You should avoid or minimise the following distractions when you are driving:
looking at things on the roadside looking at scenery talking on a hands-free cellphone talking to passengers noisy children pets eating food lighting a cigarette adjusting radio or climate controls daydreaming tiredness reading maps objects moving in the vehicle electronic gadgets reaching for items in the glovebox cleaning the inside of the windscreen.
drive and the amount of rest you must have. You may also need to keep a logbook of your work time. For more information phone the NZTA on 0800 822 422 or refer to The official New Zealand road code for heavy vehicle drivers.
Responsibility
As the driver you are responsible for making sure passengers under the age of 15 are using an approved child restraint or safety belt.
Children under five must be in an approved child restraint. Children aged between five and seven must use an approved child restraint or wear a safety belt. Children aged between eight and 14 must wear a safety belt.
The safety belt must be worn correctly and kept securely fastened while the vehicle is in motion on the road. Passengers 15 years and over are responsible for making sure that they wear their own safety belts correctly and that they keep them fastened while the vehicle is in motion. Bus drivers in vehicles with passenger safety belts are not responsible for ensuring passengers wear them except passengers under the age of 15 sitting in a front seat alongside the driver.
Special exemptions
You dont have to wear a safety belt if you:
hold a current doctors certificate that says you dont have to wear a safety belt for medical reasons are driving and youre unable to reach the controls (for example, brake, signals, dip switch) with a safety belt on are a taxi driver plying for hire (your passengers, however, must wear safety belts) are a driver or passenger who is getting in and out of the vehicle often to read meters, deliver goods, etc. In these situations you must not travel faster than 50km/h are reversing and it is difficult to see while wearing a safety belt.
Child restraints
Under fives
Children under five years old must be properly restrained in an approved child restraint. The only exception to this rule is when the children are travelling in a taxi that doesnt have an approved child restraint. In this case, the children must sit in the back seat.
Crashes
Unfortunately, crashes do happen on our roads. As a responsible driver, you need to know the signs that show you are coming up to the scene of a crash and what your responsibilities are if you're involved in a crash or if you come across a crash.
Accident
The sign shown above is placed by police near a crash site. It means you must drive at 20km/h or less until you pass the crash site. Watch out for emergency workers and injured people.
Warning triangle
The triangle shown above is a warning triangle. It means there is a breakdown or crash ahead. Anyone can put a warning triangle on the side of the road to warn other road users.
Reporting a crash
If you are involved in a crash while driving, and you are not badly injured, the first thing you must do is stop and check to see if anyone is hurt, and provide assistance. If someone is hurt, you must tell a police officer as soon as possible and no later than 24 hours after the crash. If no one is hurt, you must give your name, address and vehicle registration (and, if asked, the name and address of the owner of the vehicle you are driving, if it isn't your vehicle) as soon as possible but no later than 48 hours after the crash to:
the owner or driver of any other vehicle that has been damaged the owner of any property that has been damaged.
If you can't find these people, you must tell a police officer as soon as possible and no later than 60 hours after the crash. If your vehicle is insured, tell your insurance company as soon as possible after the crash.
If people have been injured in the crash, you should call an ambulance as soon as you can. Before the ambulance comes, there are some things you may be able to do to help them and some things you should be aware of, which are outlined in this section.
Important Dial 111 for emergency services. Dial *555 to report traffic incidents.
Dangerous goods
Toxic substances
Explosives
Flammable liquid
Oxidising agent
Corrosive substances
Remember, if you're at a crash site and you're in any doubt about the meaning of a placard, keep your distance especially if there's been a spillage. Poisonous fumes may be given off by a dangerous substance. Make a careful note of the colour and symbol on the placard and give this information to the emergency services when phoning to report a crash and when they arrive at the crash site. Keep bystanders well away from the crash scene and upwind of poisonous fumes.
Demerit points
Demerit points are given for some traffic offences and for speeding infringements (except those recorded by a speed camera). If you get a total of 100 or more demerit points within any two-year period, you will be suspended from driving for three months. If you incur 50 or more demerit points, you will be sent a letter to warn you that your licence is in danger of being suspended. If you are disqualified from driving for less than six months by the court, you may have demerit points added to any previous demerit points on your record. If you are suspended or disqualified by the court for six months or more, any previously recorded demerit points will be cleared from your record. Demerit points will also be cancelled if you have not offended for two years. If you are suspended for excess demerit points, you will be served with a suspension notice. Your suspension is effective from when you are personally served with the suspension notice and you must surrender your driver licence to the person giving you the notice. Your driver licence card will be permanently cancelled as a result of the suspension. When your suspension has ended you will remain unlicensed. You are not entitled to drive until you apply at a NZTA licensing agent to have your licence reinstated and a new licence has been issued.
Some of the offences that incur demerit points are listed below.
General description of offence Demerit points
10
Exceeding the speed limit by more than 10km/h but not more than 20km/h
20
Exceeding the speed limit by more than 20km/h but not more than 30km/h
35
Exceeding the speed limit by more than 30km/h but not more than 35km/h
40
50
Using equipment in a motor vehicle that interferes with the operation of a speed measuring device
25
Possessing equipment in a motor vehicle that is designed to interfere with the operation of a speed measuring device
25
20
Exceeding the speed for stopping distance on a road not marked in lanes
20
20
Driving a motor vehicle contrary to the GDLS conditions of your driver licence (excluding the requirement to display L plates)
35
25
Driving a motor vehicle contrary to the non-GDLS conditions of your driver licence
25
Operating an unregistered motor vehicle by driving or using it on a road in contravention of section 242(1) of the Land Transport Act 1998
20
Operating an unlicensed motor vehicle by driving or using it on a road in contravention of section 242(1) of the Land Transport Act 1998
15
20
20
Operating a motor vehicle displaying plates or licence not authorised for that motor vehicle
25
Operating a motor vehicle displaying an object or design likely to be mistaken for plates or licence authorised for that motor vehicle
25
Operating a motor vehicle with plates or licence that is wholly or partially obscured or not easily distinguishable
25
Operating a motor vehicle with plates or licence that is wholly or partially obscured or not easily distinguishable
20
Failing to operate a motor vehicle with an exhaust system that complies with relevant noise output standards
25
25
25
50
Person younger than 20 driving or attempting to drive with excessive breath alcohol or blood alcohol concentration
50
Failing or refusing to wait for the result of a breath screening test or an evidential breath test
50
Failing to stop on request or signal of an enforcement officer, or on being followed by motor vehicle displaying flashing blue, or blue and red, lights or sounding a siren
35
35
35
50
25
Holding an interlock licence or zero alcohol licence and contravening the zero breath or blood alcohol level
50
10
20
30
35
35
Vehicle recovery service vehicles failing to complete and retain tow authorities
35
A driver or contractor working within an alternative fatigue management scheme failing to keep records
35
Taxi driver accepting hire in specified area without an in-vehicle security camera system that is operating
20
Taxi driver accepting hire in specified area with an in-vehicle security camera system that has an unobscured view of the interior
20
Driving or riding all-terrain vehicle, motorcycle, or moped without a securely fastened approved helmet
25
Driving or riding all-terrain vehilce, motorcycle, or moped with a damaged safety helmet
25
Demerit points for pedestrian crossing and pedestrian zone related offences
35
35
35
20
20
20
Driving etc, a cycle, vehicle, or animal across level crossing when there is a risk of collision with rail vehicle
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
Unsafe passing
35
35
35
10
20
20
20
20
Failing to give way at Give Way sign controlling a one-way section of road
25
Changing lanes or turning and failing to give way to vehicle not changing lanes or turning
20
20
20
20
20
20
20
35
Your licence will be suspended for 28 days and you will also have to face courtimposed penalties for your offence. Note: there is no legal provision for the granting of a limited/work licence in these circumstances.
Impounding vehicles
A police officer will impound your vehicle on the spot if you are caught:
driving while disqualified driving while your licence has been suspended driving without a licence, or with an expired licence, or before your licence has been reinstated and you have previously been stopped by a police officer and forbidden to drive.
Powers of arrest
Some of the powers of arrest that a police officer has are listed below. As a driver or passenger, you could be arrested if you:
don't give your name or address to the officer, when requested tell an officer something that is not true about the identity of the owner of the vehicle don't stop when signalled by an officer assault an officer refuse or don't go with an officer for a blood or breath test don't wait for the result of a breath screening test or an evidential breath test don't give a blood sample when required by an officer or doctor don't give your car keys to an officer, when requested drive when told not to by an officer.
Car requirements
To drive your car (or other light vehicle) safely and legally on the road it must have the right equipment (in good working order) and have a current warrant of fitness (WoF). This section explains what your vehicle must have.
The WoF label must be attached to the inside of the windscreen, on the same side as the steering wheel, and must be clearly visible from outside the vehicle. The recommended position is in the top corner of the windscreen. The WoF inspector will give you a copy of the check sheet. This is a receipt of payment for the inspection and is not a warrant of fitness. If your vehicle failed its WoF inspection, the receipt gives you 28 days to have the vehicle fixed and brought back for re-inspection without any additional payment. During that time you are only allowed to drive the vehicle to get it repaired and reinspected.
Features your car must have A. B. C. D. E. F. G. H. I. J. K. L. M. N. O. P. Q. A number plate light at the back. Two red reflectors at the back. Two red position lights at the back. One or two red high-mounted stop lights at the back. A working horn. A current WoF. A rear-view mirror that gives a clear view behind. A good sun visor. A windscreen that meets safety standards and is clean. One or more working windscreen wipers. A working speedometer. Two good headlights that can be dipped when another vehicle comes towards you. Two or four stop lights at the back. Flashing direction indicator lights at the back. A good silencer and exhaust system. Mudguards. Safe tyres the tread depth must be at least 1.5 millimetres right around the tyre. If your car is fitted with winter tyres, these must be fitted to all four road wheels and have a tread depth of at least 4 millimetres right around the tyre. Working safety belts. Good footbrake and handbrake. Doors that open and close safely.
R. S. T.
U. Safe steering. V. Flashing direction indicator lights at the front. W. Two white or amber position lights at the front.
Note: this checklist is a guide only. When inspecting your vehicle, the inspector will use the criteria in the Vehicle inspection requirements manual. For further information regarding vehicle requirements, go to In-service certification (WoF and CoF).
Important Before making modifications, including the fitting of extra lights to your vehicle, check with an approved WoF inspector that the modifications are legal.
Illegal load
Your load must not extend more than 1.25 metres on either side from the centre of the vehicle.
Illegal load
Note: if a load extends more than 1 metre beyond the back of your vehicle, you must tie on a white flag, or a red, orange or yellow fluorescent flag. The flag must be at least 40 centimetres by 30 centimetres in size. The load must be tied on firmly and must not touch the ground.
Safety belts
Approved safety belts must be fitted in all light passenger vehicles: cars, vans, utes and four-wheel drives. The safety belts must be in good condition. You should have safety belts checked immediately if:
the buckles are not working properly the belt is damaged or faded the belt starts to fray.
Legal requirements for safety belts have changed over the years and are different depending on the age of the vehicle. The type of belt has also changed from static belts to retractor belts. Three-point (lap and diagonal) belts must be fitted in the outer seating positions (including the driver's seat) in most cars, vans, utes and four-wheel drives. Two-point (lap) belts are legally allowed in centre seating positions, but three-point belts provide better safety. You must wear your safety belt when driving. Children must also be belted-in, using approved child restraints. See About driver responsibility for more information.
Features your light trailer must have A. B. A safe and strong coupling and a safety chain or cable. If the trailer or its load is more than 2 metres wide, it must have two white lights at the front to show how wide it is. C. Safe tyres the tread depth must be at least 1.5 millimetres right around the tyre. D. Mudguards. E. Two red reflectors at the back (one on each side).
Features your light trailer must have A. B. C. D. E. Two red lights at the back to show how wide the trailer is. Direction indicators at the back. Two red stop lights at the back, if the driver's signals can't be seen. A number plate light at the back. A current trailer WoF issued by a WoF inspector. This must be renewed:
F.
every 12 months for the first six years, then every six months after. A licence label needs to be positioned close to the number plate.
o o
Illegal load
extend more than 1.25 metres on either side from the centre of the trailer.
Illegal load
If the load extends more than 1 metre behind the trailer, you must tie on a white flag, or a red, orange or yellow fluorescent flag. The flag must be at least 40 centimetres by 30 centimetres in size. The load must be tied on firmly and must not touch the ground. See Safe towing guidelines for more information.
Pedestrian crossings
A pedestrian crossing is an area of road that has white stripes marked across it. It is used by pedestrians and people using mobility devices (such as motorised wheelchairs and similar devices) and wheeled recreational vehicles (such as skateboards and foot-propelled scooters).
Some crossings have raised islands in the middle, creating a refuge' where pedestrians can stop. These are helpful for pedestrians crossing wide, two-way roads or multi-laned roads, because they allow them to walk across one direction of traffic at a time. As you drive towards a pedestrian crossing, you will see pedestrian crossing signs before the crossing and black and white poles at the crossing. The poles are mounted with fluorescent orange disks, or round yellow lights that flash at night. White diamonds are generally painted on the road before the crossing, and a white limit line shows you where to stop. When coming up to pedestrian crossings:
slow down and be ready to stop for any pedestrians stepping onto, or on, the crossing this also includes people obviously waiting to use the crossing if there is no raised traffic island in the middle of the crossing, stop and give way to pedestrians on any part of the crossing if there is a raised traffic island in the middle of the crossing, stop and give way to pedestrians on your half of the road wait until the pedestrian has crossed in front of you and is clear of your vehicle before you proceed - see give way rules.
Pedestrian crossing
If you find yourself in a queue of traffic near a pedestrian crossing, don't move onto the crossing if there isn't enough room for your vehicle on the other side of the crossing.
Important Never overtake a vehicle that is slowing down for a pedestrian crossing or has stopped to let someone cross.
Courtesy crossings
Courtesy crossings are usually made of bricks or paving and are often raised above the level of the road. Although not official pedestrian crossings, they do provide a place for pedestrians to cross. Drivers should be courteous to pedestrians using a courtesy crossing.
Courtesy crossing
Shared zone
This is a road that has been designed to slow traffic and give priority to pedestrians. Drivers give way to pedestrians who, in turn, should not impede traffic.
School crossings
School crossings, also known as kea crossings, provide a safe place for children to cross the road. They generally only operate before and after school. When school crossings are operating, a fluorescent orange Children sign will be displayed, along with a School Patrol Stop sign, which swings out into the road. When the School Patrol Stop sign is out, vehicles coming from both directions must stop and stay stopped until all signs have been pulled in.
Keep a lookout for children at all times. Take special care when driving during 89am and 34pm, when children are travelling to and from school.
Important If you can't see the truck or bus driver in their side mirror, they can't see you.
Be patient a few minutes of travelling at a slow speed is better than risking a crash. Be extremely careful when passing and only pass when it is safe and legal to do so (see Passing for more information). Remember that wide or long loads can make passing more difficult.
Important Be careful around horse traffic. If you aren't, you could be charged with careless or dangerous driving.
Pedestrian crossings
If you are within 20 metres of a pedestrian crossing, footbridge, underpass or traffic signals, you must use it to cross the road. Don't dawdle on a pedestrian crossing. Don't step out suddenly onto a pedestrian crossing if any vehicles are so close to the crossing that they cannot stop.
Courtesy crossings
Courtesy crossings are not official pedestrian crossings. They provide a place where drivers can stop safely to allow pedestrians to cross. However, drivers are not obliged to stop at courtesy crossings, so use them with care.
Courtesy crossing
Don't cross
When a green figure is displayed, pedestrians may cross the road. A buzzer may also sound to let you know that you can cross.
When a flashing red figure is displayed, you must not start crossing the road, but you can finish crossing if you have already started.
Joggers
It can be hard for drivers to see you when you are running. Wear bright clothes and reflective belts or bands. Obey the road rules for pedestrians. Be very careful at intersections.
Remember to watch for children when reversing into or out of driveways and garages.
The hand signal shown below means you want to turn left.
The hand signal shown below means you are stopping or slowing down.
Hook turns
A hook turn is a different way for cyclists to turn right at an intersection. Hook turns can be done at any intersection except at intersections with signs banning them. At some intersections there may be special marked areas to stop in at the halfway turning point. It should be noted though that hook turns can be done at intersections with or without the marked stopping area.
Hook turn
A. A red or yellow reflector at the back. B. Good brakes on the front and back wheels (or, if the bike was made on or before 1 January 1988, a good brake on the back wheel).
Important Any load you carry on your cycle must be tied on firmly and must not touch the ground.
Horse-drawn vehicles
At night, vehicles drawn by horses must have a white light on the front right of the vehicle or load and have a red light shining to the rear. They must not have a red light on the front at night.
Its maximum speed capability is no more than 50km/h. This definition also includes three-wheeled vehicles registered as mopeds before 10 May 2011. You are licensed to ride a moped if you have either a motorcycle (Class 6) licence or a car (Class 1) licence. When riding a moped on a Class 1 or Class 6 learner licence, you must display an L plate. If youre on a learner or restricted licence, you must not ride the moped between 10pm and 5am.
Important Any load you carry on your moped must be tied on firmly and must not touch the ground.
is designed and constructed (not merely adapted) for use by people who require mobility assistance due to a physical or neurological impairment, and is powered solely by a motor that has a maximum power output not exceeding 1500W, or is a vehicle that the NZTA has declared under section 168A(1) of the Land Transport Act 1998 to be a mobility device.
Safety rules for riders of mobility devices and wheeled recreational vehicles.
When riding on any path you must be careful and considerate of others using the path. Your speed must not constitute a hazard for others using the path. When using footpaths you have the same obligations as pedestrians at traffic signals. A mobility device should be used on the footpath where it is possible to do so. If you have to ride on the road you should keep as near as practicable to the edge. When you are riding a wheeled recreational vehicle on a footpath you must give way to pedestrians and drivers of mobility devices.