Here are all the temporary warning signs you are likely to see on New Zealand’s roads. They are primarily deep orange and/or white with black writing. Remember to check out our other sign guides starting here.
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Road workers will be present performing maintenance or other services, as indicated |
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These distance signs are often added underneath roadworks signs to indicate how far the roadworks extend. They might not be completely continuous |
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Advance warning of a temporary speed limit ahead |
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General warning signs showing that tradesmen, maintenance workers or other people may be on the road or close to the side of the road |
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General warning signs showing a changed road condition, or another hazard that might not be marked |
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General warning signs for pedestrians or cyclists |
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General warning signs for accidents and emergencies |
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Slow traffic may be crossing or on your route |
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General warning sign |
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Rocks may fall or may have fallen from either the left or right, as indicated |
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Livestock may be on the road |
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Notification of slippery conditions |
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Loose road surface |
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The road is being repaired or there is new seal on the road. There may be loose stones or uneven surfaces |
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Lane management signs indicating lane closures, altered lane flow or unusual merging |
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Distance markings placed under another sign to show how far ahead it becomes effective |
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Lane narrows from left or right, as indicated |
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Temporary exit |
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Temporary traffic lights ahead, e.g. for controlled roadworks site |
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Detour ahead using circle indicator |
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State highway detour |
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Detour ahead using square indicator |
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Detour ahead using diamond indicator |
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Indicates if authorised vehicles, cycles or buses are not required to follow the signage. May be permanent |
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Uneven road surface |
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A sign added to another sign to indicate it’s ahead. May be permanent |
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Road diverges |
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Indicates road or exit is closed |
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Brakes may be wet, therefore dry them by applying your brakes |
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Indication you have reached the end of the roadworks or detour |
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Pedestrian directions around roadworks or a temporary obstruction, e.g. where a temporary footpath is located |
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Directions for cyclists around roadworks or a temporary obstruction |
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Site access with directions and distances. Watch for vehicles slowing down or exiting the site |
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Vehicle-mounted – indication of the purpose of the vehicle |
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Vehicle-mounted instruction |
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Road surface may have dirt which needs to be removed promptly from your vehicle |
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Pass this vehicle or obstruction with care |
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Miscellaneous warning triangle, often carried by motorists for a general warning of a breakdown or accident until emergency services arrive |