Follow the Aotearoa New Zealand road rules
Every country has its own road rules and regulations, which might take a bit of getting used to if you’re visiting from overseas. Before you begin your journey, make sure you’re across what’s different about driving in Aotearoa New Zealand.
- We drive on the left side of the road.
- When overtaking other cars, do so on the right – and only when the road is clear of all oncoming traffic OR you’re in a passing lane.
- Due to our mountains and terrain, our roads can be narrow, winding and steep.
- We don’t have many highways or motorways.
- Speed limits can change quickly.
- It’s the law to wear a seatbelt or use properly fitted child seats.
- It's illegal to use a hand-held phone while you're driving.
Read more about driving safety while visiting Aotearoa New Zealand(external link).
Wear seat belts
No matter how far you’re travelling, wearing a seatbelt is one of the simplest safety measures you and your passengers can take. It could save your life, by stopping you from being thrown out of or around your vehicle in a crash. Wearing a 3-point seat belt reduces your risk of being killed or seriously injured in a crash by 40%. So make sure you buckle up for every drive – it’s the law.
Use age appropriate car seats
Until children are 7 years of age they must be secured in an approved child restraint, such as a baby capsule, car seat or booster seat. Even if your child is over 7, the New Zealand Transport Agency recommends you still use an appropriate child restraint (or booster seat) until your child is 148 cm tall (about 4' 10").
Watch your speed
Watch your speed and make sure you follow the speed limit. Across Aotearoa New Zealand there are different speed limits on urban streets, country roads, on highways and around schools.
There are also different speeds depending on the type of vehicle you’re driving such as campervans, motor homes, horse trucks or while towing a trailer. As the driver it’s your job to be aware of these different speed categories.
You’ll also need to ‘drive to the conditions’ – look out for changes in traffic speed and volume and keep on top of road and weather changes so you can reduce or adjust your speed.
Don’t get distracted
Many factors, such as mobile phones, kids yelling in the back seat or traffic jams can cause you to lose concentration when you’re driving. In Aotearoa New Zealand you can’t use a hand-held mobile phone to send or receive messages or calls, take photos, or check social media while driving – even when stopped at lights or in slow traffic.
If you’re using your phone for directions, make sure voice navigation is turned on and the phone is fixed in a mounting that doesn’t block your view. If you have passengers, ask them to keep the chatter and the music down so you can stay focused on the road.
Don't drink and drive
Don’t drive if you’ve been drinking alcohol as this seriously affects your judgement and slows your reaction times. Read more about how your behaviour changes the more you drink(external link).
There are strict blood alcohol limits for driving in Aotearoa New Zealand:
- If you're over 20 years of age, the legal blood alcohol limit for driving is no more than 50 milligrams of alcohol for every 100 millilitres of blood.
- A zero-alcohol limit applies if you’re under the age of 20 years.
- When it comes to drinking and driving, it’s much safer to adopt a zero-alcohol policy, no matter your age. The simple message is 'don’t'.
- If you know you're going out and will be drinking, consider walking, using public transport, getting a taxi or uber, or taking a sober friend to do the driving.
Make sure your medicines don't affect your driving
Some prescription and over-the-counter medicines can affect you in a way that makes it unsafe for you to drive. In Aotearoa New Zealand, it’s against the law to drive while impaired, including by your medicines. Find out more about driving and medicines.
It's also a criminal offense to drive under the influence of drugs. Illegal drugs like cannabis and methamphetamine are the ones most frequently found in road deaths and serious injuries. All drugs at any quantity and strength can affect your body and brain’s ability to function properly.
Don't drive when you're tired
If you’ve got a big day of driving ahead, try and get a good night’s sleep the night before. Take regular breaks when driving long distances. Get out of the car, stretch your legs or grab a coffee. If you can, share the driving with another person. Find out more about sleep and safe driving.
Regular shift work can easily lead to a lack of sleep which might put you at greater risk of driving accidents. If you think you’re too tired to drive after work, there are other ways to get home such as taxis, public transport or asking whānau or a friend to collect you. Read more about sleep and shift work.
Plan your journey
Allow plenty of time to get to your destination – factor in unexpected traffic or road works. Check the weather before you start out. If a storm or heavy rain is expected allow extra time or consider travelling at another time. Many traffic or navigation apps can guide you on alternate routes so you can get to where you want to be, safely avoiding accidents and other hazards. Sometimes it might take a little longer to get places, but relax and enjoy some different scenery, knowing you’ll arrive safe and sound.
Image credit: Healthify He Puna Waiora
Stay calm
No-one enjoys being stuck in traffic or being cut off by another driver. But if it happens, stay calm, take a few deep breaths and don’t let your irritation affect your driving.
