DKTMost road rules are the same across Australia, but these are specific to New Zealand.
- Keep as near to the left as practicable; if slowing traffic, move left to let it pass. (source)
- Passing needs a clear view of at least 100 m ahead; passing on the left only in set cases; no passing on a yellow no-passing line unless wholly to its left. (source)
- Minimum 1.5 m lateral gap when passing a cyclist or other road user in the same lane (new from 1 Oct 2026). (source)
- Give way to the right at uncontrolled intersections; turning vehicles give way to non-turning; right-turner gives way to oncoming left-turner; terminating road at a T gives way to the continuing road. (source)
- Stop sign: stop, see clear, give way. Give Way sign: give way to vehicles not facing stop/give-way signs. (source)
- Entering a roundabout: give way to traffic on it and from the right; signal left for first exit, right for more than halfway; going straight, signal left only after the exit before yours; multi-lane lane rules. (source)
- On roads of 60 km/h or less give way to a bus signalling to pull out. (source)
- Entering/leaving a driveway: give way to footpath, cycle and shared-path users and to vehicles on the road. (source)
- Pedestrian crossings: give way to people on or obviously waiting; do not pass a vehicle stopped for the crossing; raised island splits the crossing; do not enter if exit blocked. (source)
- Level crossings: give way to trains within 800 m; stop at a Stop sign; red lights or barrier = do not enter; no passing within 60 m. (source)
- School bus stopped to load/unload: max 20 km/h passing; warning sign for crash/emergency: max 20 km/h until clear. (source)
- Be able to stop within the visible clear road (half of it if no centre line). (source)
- No stopping or parking within 6 m of an intersection, pedestrian crossing approach or bus stop sign; within 1 m of driveway sides; 500 mm of hydrant; broken yellow line = no stopping; P signs apply 8 am-6 pm excluding public holidays. (source)
- Mobile phone: no holding/texting/browsing; hands-free calls allowed if no handling; 111/*555 allowed if unsafe to stop. (source)
- Seat belts/restraints: under 7 approved child restraint; 7 uses restraint if available; 8-14 belt (driver responsible); 15+ responsible themselves. (source)
- Headlights from half an hour after sunset to half an hour before sunrise and when you cannot see 100 m; fog lamps only in severely reduced visibility; hazard lights only for a temporary hazard. (source)
- Alcohol: under 20 zero; 20+ not over 250 mcg per litre breath / 50 mg per 100 mL blood; any illicit drug use before driving is illegal. (source)
- After a crash: stop, check for injuries, help; report injury crashes to Police as soon as practicable and within 24 hours. (source)
- Following distance 2 s (4 s in poor conditions, at least 3 s behind trucks/buses); scan 12 s ahead; signal at least 3 s. (source)
- Cyclists: approved helmet; max two abreast; children 12 and under may ride on footpaths; lights/reflectors at night. (source)
- Motorway: no stopping, U-turns or reversing; emergency lane only in emergencies. (source)
- Emergency vehicles with beacons/sirens: make way, stopping if necessary; on multi-lane roads move left. (source)
- Traffic signals: red = do not enter; yellow = stop unless too close; flashing yellow = clause 4.2 give-way rules; red arrow; officer overrides lights. (source)
- Tyre tread minimum 1.5 mm; a WoF reflects condition on inspection day only. (source)
- Car licensing changes on 25 January 2027 (class 1): longer learner/restricted periods, full licence test removed, course credits changed. Keep site wording generic or "check NZTA" for durations. (source)