Traffic rules

Traffic Rules New Zealand

General:

In New Zealand, roads are the primary means of transportation, so they are generally in relatively good condition. About 54,000 kilometres of the total 92,000-kilometre road network are paved. There are even 150 kilometres of motorway between Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. However, most of the roads have a maximum of two lanes and some bridges have to be shared with a railway. There is left-hand traffic everywhere, although “right before left” still applies. Cars have priority in roundabouts.

Driving licence:

An international driver’s license is not essential, but quite useful.

Promise limit:

The 0.8 blood alcohol limit applies everywhere in New Zealand.

Fines:

Fine amounts vary widely. Speeding fines are particularly expensive. A violation of the seat belt obligation costs thereby NZ$ 150 (1 euro is about 1.9 New Zealand dollars).

Other:

Similar traffic rules apply as in Europe. Speed limits are 50 km/h in cities and 100 km/h is allowed on rural roads. The limit on motorways is 100 km/h. Telephone calls are only allowed with a suitable hands-free device. Parking is prohibited when there are yellow edge markings and a round white sign with a red edge and LSZ in the middle, indicates that 50 km/h is allowed.