Below is a quick outline of the new road rules along with useful web links to relevant pages on the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) website.
The new rules have implications for all road users, including car drivers, motorcyclists, taxi drivers, cyclists and pedestrians.
We urge all road users to familiarise themselves with these new rules so that we can all do our part to help to keep our roads safe.
Hand-held mobile phones
Drivers must not use a hand-held mobile phone, unless the device is completely hands-free or mounted securely to the vehicle and only touched "infrequently and briefly".
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Daytime headlights on motorcycles and mopeds
Riders of motorcycles and mopeds must now have their headlights on at all times while riding now. This will help drivers to see them more easily, especially at intersections and when passing other vehicles.
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Pedestrians at crossings
Drivers must give way to pedestrians waiting to cross a pedestrian crossing. The diamond road marking approaching a crossing warns you to look for pedestrians who are crossing or waiting to cross.
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Users of wheeled recreational devices at traffic signals
This provision states that at traffic signals, riders of mobility devices and wheeled recreational devices using footpaths will have the same priorities and obligations as pedestrians.
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Child safety locks in taxis
This amendment allows small passenger service vehicles, such as taxis, to retain child safety locks provided that a sign, approved by the NZTA, is displayed at the outer door handle. These safety locks can only be used at the request of the passenger, or a person who has responsibility for the passenger.
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The correct wearing of seat belts
This amendment states, and clarifies, that seat belts must be worn 'correctly'. This means 'as the manufacturer intended', so the user is properly restrained.
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The use of blue beacons on vehicles
Certain officers, with statutory power to stop drivers, will be allowed to have blue beacons installed on the vehicles they use for official duties. This applies specifically to customs officers, fisheries officers and marine reserve officers.
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Speed for vehicles towing without a rigid towing system
This provision states that vehicles towing another vehicle without a rigid towing system will have to drive at a maximum of 50km/h. The position and distance between the two vehicles are largely controlled by the driver of the towed vehicle.
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The use of safety chains on light trailers
This rule amendment clarifies that when towing a trailer fitted with a safety chain - the chain must always be used. Existing penalties for towing a trailer without an adequate coupling will apply.
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'Share with Care' or Path users
New rules set out the duties of people using paths, whether footpaths or shared cycle paths. These cover pedestrians, cyclists, riders of mobility devices and wheeled recreational vehicles - such as skates and skateboards. You must use a path in a careful and considerate manner that is not a hazard to other people.
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Cyclists permitted to do a hook turn
When turning right at a busy intersection, cyclists may find it safer to make a 'hook turn'. Meaning they may stop in front of side road traffic on the left, out of the line of through traffic, until there is a suitable gap. If there are signals, they must wait until that side road gets a green light. They can then move ahead, completing the right turn. This saves them from crossing busy lanes of traffic to turn right.
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Signalling requirements for cyclists at roundabouts
When cyclists are turning at a roundabout, it may not be practical for them to continue to make arm signals all the way through the roundabout.
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Cycle lights
This rule amendment states that cycle lights must now be visible for 100 metres rather than be required, to light the road up to 100m ahead. Cycle lights rarely provide sufficient light in a downward direction to illuminate the road ahead.
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