The standard speed limit in urban areas is 50 kilometers per hour (kph) or 31 mph. The universal open road limit is 100 kph (62 mph). Speed limits are posted on large circular signs, 18 inches diameter with a 2-inch red border. The reverse of the sign, for vehicles traveling in the opposite direction, is white with a diagonal black forward-slash indicating open road. Urban areas often have intermediary signs of 70 kph (43 mph) as you approach them.
The New Zealand Transport Agency says if your speed is more than 30 mph above the limit you could be charged with careless, dangerous or reckless driving and receive a 28-day license suspension.
Drivers must yield, or give way, to straight-through traffic on their right at uncontrolled intersections. This is known as the right hand rule. New Zealand does not have four-way stops, common in the United States. The right hand rule stipulates you yield to turning vehicles on your right if you are turning left into the same street. U.S. motorists have to adjust to this part of the rule, which is opposite to what they know, even allowing the switch to driving on the other side of the road than they are used to.
Control at intersections is via traffic lights, stop signs and give way (yield) signs. Drivers stop for the first two and must slow down and be prepared to yield to all traffic for the last one.
All occupants must wear seat belts where they are fitted. All children under 5 years old must be in an approved child restraint. An adult safety belt is not enough, says the Department of Transport. Children between 5 and 7 years old must use a restraint if available, otherwise a seat belt. Children to age 14 must be in the back seat and in seat belts if available.
The penalty for not wearing a seat belt or allowing children to ride without a restraint is NZ$150 for each belt undone, as of 2010. New Zealand law requires all motorcylists to wear helmets.
New Zealand passed strict cell phone use laws in 2009. No driver may talk or text on a handheld cell phone but the law allows hands-free devices, two-way radios and emergency calls. The penalty is a NZ$80 fine, as of 2010, and 20 demerit points. New Zealand motorists can accumulate 100 points in two years before losing their license.
New Zealand drunk driving limits are in step with most U.S. states. The law bans driving under the influence of drugs that might affect ability. Drivers more than 20 years old must have no more than 80 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood while drivers under age 20 can have only 30 mg of alcohol in their system. A first offense brings a fine and a mandatory six months loss of license and a third offense brings a hefty fine or mandatory imprisonment for up to two years.
New Zealand has many one-lane bridges, even on main highways. Some even share the bridge with rail traffic. A vehicle already on the bridge has the right-of-way but signs on the approach will tell you which vehicle has the right-of-way in a tight decision. Drivers who see a white arrow in their direction have precedence over drivers coming the other way, who will see a small black arrow in their direction and a large red arrow opposing them.
