Give way (yield)
Give way
You must give way to all traffic, except vehicles that have stopped at a stop sign.
What to do: Slow down and be ready to stop. Go only when you will not make anyone brake, swerve or slow down.
Priority and junctions
Stop
You must come to a complete stop, then give way to all traffic.
What to do: Stop at the line every time, even if the road looks clear, and wait until you have given way to everyone.
Give way to oncoming traffic
Give way to oncoming vehicles (one-lane bridge)
You are at a one-lane bridge and oncoming traffic has priority. The small red arrow shows the direction that must give way, which is yours.
What to do: Slow down, and stop before the bridge if any vehicle is coming the other way or already on it. Go only when it is clear.
You have priority over oncoming traffic
Priority over oncoming vehicles (one-lane bridge)
You may go onto the one-lane bridge first. The small red arrow shows that oncoming traffic must give way.
What to do: Slow down and check that no vehicle is already on the bridge before you drive on.
Speed and cameras
Speed limit
The maximum speed in km/h until another speed sign.
What to do: Keep at or below the number shown, and slower if conditions need it.
Speed camera area
Safety camera area
A fixed safety camera is ahead.
What to do: Check your speed and slow down if you need to.
Average speed camera area
Cameras measure your average speed between two points on the road ahead.
What to do: Keep to the limit for the whole section. Slowing down only at the cameras does not help.
Recommended speed for a bend
Curve advisory speed
A bend is ahead. The number is the recommended speed in good conditions.
What to do: Slow to that speed or below before the bend, and slower in poor conditions.
Motorways and overtaking
No overtaking
No-passing line
Overtaking is too dangerous here.
What to do: Do not cross the centre line to pass. Wait for the yellow line to end or for a passing lane.
Warnings
One-lane bridge ahead
One-lane bridge
A one-lane bridge is ahead.
What to do: Slow down and look for the priority signs at the bridge.
Variable school speed limit
Kura school
A lower speed limit applies outside a school around start and finish times.
What to do: Slow to the limit shown whenever it is lit or flashing.
Roadworks speed limit
Temporary speed limit
A temporary legal limit applies while work is done on or near the road.
What to do: Keep to it until a sign shows a different limit. Driving more than 50 km/h over a temporary limit means an automatic 28-day suspension.
Railway level crossing
Rail crossing
When the red lights flash, a train is coming.
What to do: Stop while the lights flash and go only once they stop. At a stop sign, stop and cross only if no train is coming either way. At a give way sign, slow down and be ready to stop.
Other signs
Electronic speed limit
Variable speed limit sign
The limit changes to manage traffic. The number shown applies now.
What to do: Adjust your speed to the number shown.
Flush median
A painted strip that separates the two directions of traffic.
What to do: Use it only briefly to turn into or out of a side road or driveway, or to wait for a gap. Never overtake or park on it.
60 km/h, or 30 km/h near pedestrians
Beach or riverbed speed limit
The limit is 60 km/h, but 30 km/h when pedestrians are present.
What to do: Drop to 30 km/h whenever people are nearby.
Words on the signs
| On the sign | Means |
|---|---|
| Give way | Yield Used on signs and in the rules for what US drivers call yield. |
| One-lane bridge | Single-lane bridge Traffic from one direction must give way to the other. |
| Passing lane | Overtaking lane An extra lane on a two-way road so slower vehicles can be passed. |
| No-passing line | No overtaking marking A solid yellow line on your side of the centre line. |
| Kura | School Māori word on school speed signs, as in KURA SCHOOL. |
| T2 lane, T3 lane | Carpool lane For vehicles with at least two or three people on board. |
| Rail crossing | Level crossing Stop when the red lights flash. |
| Advisory speed | Recommended speed The number on a curve warning sign, for good conditions. |
| Temporary speed limit | Roadworks speed limit A legal limit posted while work is done on or near the road. |
Drawings follow the official designs described by New Zealand's road authorities. Real signs vary a little in size and lettering. The full guide to driving in New Zealand