Here are the road signs you’ll come across in New Zealand that are regulatory, i.e. they prohibit you from doing something, or restrict you to doing something. To test your knowledge after you have viewed these signs, head over to our signs questions and see how you do.
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Maximum speed limit signs in 10kph increments from 10kph up to 100kph. |
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National speed limit applies – basically this is a speed limit derestriction, and the maximum limit of 100kph must be obeyed. |
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This sign is sometimes added to a speed limit sign, for example at road works. The usually speed limit might be 100kph but because of roadworks you could see a 30kph sign with this ‘temporary’ sign underneath. |
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This stop sign is compulsory and is found at junctions. You will also see a yellow line on the road indicating that stopping is mandatory here, as opposed to a white line with a give way sign |
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Give way signs are found at intersections accompanied by a white line on the road. |
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At a roundabout, this give way sign may be present. |
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If you see this sign below another sign it only applies to traffic turning right. There is an equivalent sign the says ‘Straight Ahead Traffic’, too. |
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These signs show that you must not turn left or right. |
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This sign indicates you must not do a u-turn. It is often found where it might be possible to perform a u-turn but oncoming traffic may be going too fast or not have enough visibility for it to be safe for you to be performing a low-speed manoeuvre in the middle of the road |
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Blue signs with a white arrow show you where you must go, in this case straight ahead. |
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These two signs indicate you can turn right or turn left, depending on which one is shown. |
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This sign indicates you can turn either way. |
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A blue arrow pointing to the left shows you which side to pass the sign. They are often seen on traffic islands. Sometimes you might see two smaller arrows stacked one on top of the other if there is not room to have one larger sign. |
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A one-way sign with the direction shows you which way you must turn. |
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The road is closed ahead and you must not pass. |
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Wrong way signs are seen most commonly if you look back up a motorway off-ramp. If you see one, turn around immediately as you put yourself at risk of a head-on collision |
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This sign shows that oncoming vehicles have priority, for example on a single-lane bridge |
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This sign shows that you have priority, e.g. on a single-lane bridge, unless there’s another vehicle already on it. |
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This sign shows a maximum height restriction, for example for a bridge or overhanging power lines |
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At the beginning of a passing lane you will see this sign indicating that you should stay left unless you are overtaking |
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Pedestrians are not allowed, for example, on motorways |
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Cyclists are not allowed, for example on motorways |
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Heavy vehicles are not allowed. |
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Only pedestrians are allowed. |
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Only cyclists are allowed |
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Cycle lane |
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Shared path for cyclists and pedestrians |
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Pedestrians must stay on the left and cyclists on the right |
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This sign is usually seen where there is a red filter light to prevent cars turning when pedestrians have a green light. The sign indicates that if pedestrians are still crossing vehicles must give way to them. |
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Stop for a school patrol |
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You must proceed straight ahead if you are in this lane |
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This lane must either turn left or proceed straight ahead. There is a similar one for turning right or going straight ahead. |
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These signs show you must either turn left or right. |
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Vehicles must pass to the right of this sign. |
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Only buses can use this lane or road |
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Bus lane – cars may not use it unless it’s indicated only for specific times of the day, in which case there will be a sign underneath explaining those days and times. |
Now try out our signs questions and see how well you know the Road Code.
Darren has written over 3000 articles about driving and vehicles, plus almost 500 vehicle reviews and numerous driving courses. Connect with him on LinkedIn by clicking the name above
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