New Zealand Driving Rules

New Zealand Driving Rules

If you're planning on driving in New Zealand, you should be aware of our road rules and driving restrictions before you set out. Read on to learn the basics, or contact the Land Transport Safety Authority for more information.
 

New Zealand Driving Licences 

If you have a current overseas driving licence or an international driving permit you can drive for one year after you first arrive in New Zealand.

After a period of one year you must apply for a New Zealand driver's licence – you will have to pass a theory test, and depending on your country of origin, a practical test.
 

Speed Limits in New Zealand

	50 km/h (urban)		70km/h (urban)
	100 km/h (open road)		Open Road (100km/h)
	You can drive at the Open Road speed limit but must reduce speed when weather is bad, visibility poor or there are people/animals on the road
	Reduce speed to 20km/h
	Reduce speed to 20km/h when passing a stationary school bus

New Zealand Traffic Signals

	Red light means stop		Red Arrow means no turning if travelling in direction of arrow
	Amber light means the lights are about to turn red. Stop if you can do so safely		Amber Arrow means arrow is about to turn red. If travelling in direction of arrow, stop if you can safely
	Green light means go; if turning follow the Give Way rules and give way to pedestrians crossing on a CROSS light		Green Arrow means turn with care, if travelling in the direction of arrow
	Flashing amber light means the traffic signals are not working; apply the Give Way rules

New Zealand Road Signs

	Give way to all vehicles except those that have stopped at a Stop sign. Follow the Give Way rules.
	You must stop. Stay stopped and give way to all other vehicles. Follow the Give Way rules.

Keep Left	No Left Turn	No U-Turn
Look out for Children	Greasy Surfarce	Slips
Metal Surface	Road Narrows	Road Works

New Zealand's Give Way Rules

• If you are going straight ahead, give way to all vehicles coming straight through from your right.
• If you are turning, give way to all vehicles not turning.
• If you are turning left, give way to vehicles coming towards you that are turning right.
• If you are turning right, give way to vehicles on your right that are turning right. If you are leaving the path of the centre line, you are turning. You must give way to vehicles that are following the centre line.

Roundabouts

• Single lane roundabout: Give way to your right
• Multi lane roundabout:  Give way to all vehicles that will cross your path from
  the right as you enter the roundabout

One Lane Bridges in New Zealand

	Round sign with red border and red arrow means you  must give way to oncoming traffic.
	Big white arrow on blue rectangle means you can go onto the bridge first (provided there is no oncoming traffic on the bridge already).

New Zealand Driving Conditions

Seat  Belts

In New Zealand, all passengers in vehicles must wear seatbelts, and fines are regularly imposed on vehicle occupants caught without a seatbelt. So remember to buckle up!

Riding Motorcycles and Bikes in New Zealand

• Motorcyclists and cyclists must wear helmets at all times.
• Motorcyclists should drive with a headlight on at all times.
• When cycling at night, rear and front cycle lights should be used.
• Bicylces are not permitted on Motorways (Freeways).

Driving in New Zealand.

More Information on NZ Driving Rules

If you'd like more information, please call Land Transport NZ on 0800 699 000 (free within NZ).

You can also read The New Zealand Road code.

More New Zealand Transport

• Driving in New Zealand

• Domestic Air Travel

• Interisland Ferries

• Public Transport

• Rental Vehicles