What does this sign mean? What does this sign mean?

  • A. You can drive more than 100km/h if the road is clear

  • B. A rest area is 100m ahead

  • C. Don't drive slower than 100km/h

  • D. Don't drive faster than 100km/h - the speed limit is now the open road speed limit

  •  
    The correct answer is D
     
    This indicates the open road speed limit now applies for the vehicle you are driving. The limit for cars and motorbikes is 100km/h, but other vehicles (e.g. heavy vehicles, vehicles towing a trailer, school buses, agricultural vehicles and others) have lower speed limits.
     
 
 
 

Speed limits in New Zealand

New_Zealand_RG-2_(100_kmh).svgThis is a convenient list of speed limits in New Zealand for all types of vehicles. For cars and motorbikes the open road speed limit is 100kph if the conditions are good. Other vehicles have restricted limits, though. The default urban limit is 50kph. Speeds are measured in increments of 10kph from 10-100kph.

A speed limit is different to an advisory or suggested speed. Find out the difference here.

In some areas the speed is derestricted and you will see this white sign with a black stripe through it. This means that the open road speed limit of 100kph applies on this stretch of road. It doesn't mean it's safe to do 100kph, though. These signs tend to be used in rural areas which have a mixture of straights and curves, a mix of surfaces, and where there could be hazards around the corner such as cattle on the road. When you see this sign, drive to the conditions, but no more than 100kph.

Speed limits can be temporary if there is a sign affixed to the bottom of them.

Breaking the speed limit: Demerit points

If you break the speed limit and you are caught then you will get a fine. If you are caught by a police officer then you will also receive demerit points.

For speed-related offences, the current demerit points are:

General description of offenceDemerit points
Exceeding the speed limit fixed by not more than 10 km/h. 10
Exceeding the speed limit by more than 10 km/h but not more than 20 km/h 20
Exceeding the speed limit by more than 20 km/h but not more than 30 km/h 35
Exceeding the speed limit by more than 30 km/h but not more than 35 km/h 40
Exceeding the speed limit by more than 35 km/h 50
Using in a motor vehicle equipment that interferes with operation of speed measuring device 25
Possessing in a motor vehicle equipment that is designed to interfere with operation of speed measuring device 25
Exceed speed for stopping distance 20
Exceed speed for stopping distance on road not marked in lanes 20
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