 You'll be pleased to hear that New Zealanders drive on the left, but there are other things to consider before you hit the roads here.
New Zealanders are not known for being the world's best drivers, and in some cities you will see driving that will amaze you. Not in the high speed and crazy way, but a lack of consideration and courtesy combined with people who dither and take forever to make a decision. Having said that, apart from in Auckland, and to a lesser extent Wellington, the traffic is light in New Zealand. Country roads are well maintained, wide and relatively empty. It's not unusual to find that you are the only car in sight on a major highway in the middle of the day. In addition, that UK species known as "White Van Man" does not seem to exist; the scourge of New Zealand roads is the "Boy Racer", young men driving around in illegally modified, overpowered cars. They are fortunately largely a hazard to themselves. So what do you need to know? - Give Way to the Right - One of the first things you will notice on the roads in New Zealand is that left-turning traffic has to give way to right-turning traffic at intersections. This feels very strange for a while, but works just fine.
- Seatbelts - All drivers and passengers are required to wear seatbelts where available in the front and back seats of cars and vans. Drivers are obliged to take responsibility for children under 15 - failure to buckle up will attract an instant $150 fine.
- Car Seats - All children under 5 years of age must be properly restrained in an appropriate child restraint, which should always be in the back seat of cars with passenger air bags. Children aged from 5 - 7 years should use a child restraint if there is one available, otherwise they must use a safety belt.
- Traffic Lights - Traffic lights are phased slightly differently in New Zealand - still green for go and red for stop, but orange comes between green and red. It means stop, unless you are so close to the intersection that you can't stop safely. A flashing orange light indicates that the traffic lights aren't working.
- Cycle Helmets - It is mandatory for cyclists to wear helmets in New Zealand.
- Parking - You need to park in the direction of traffic of the side of the road you are parking on, even on residential streets.
The LTSA has information designed for new arrivals about this and other peculiarities on their website. We strongly recommend you familiarise yourself with these before you hit the roads. http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/overseasdrivers/driving-in-nz.html http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/overseasdrivers/overview-nz-road-rules.html The complete Road Code is also available online, at http://www.ltsa.govt.nz/roadcode/index.html. |
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