Give way rules

To make our roads safer, two of the give way rules changed at 5.00 am on Sunday 25 March 2012.

As of 5.00 am Sunday 25 March 2012, all traffic turning right now has to give way to all vehicles coming from the opposite direction and turning left. Note this applies to uncontrolled intersections.

This change brings New Zealand into line with overseas convention and returns the country to pre-1977 rules.

Council has investigated all intersections and whilst most will not be affected by the rule change, signs and road markings have been installed at intersections requiring further safety measures.

These changes will affect all drivers, riders, pedestrians and cyclists so make sure you know the new rules so you’ll know what to do. A brief run down of the rule changes is below. 
 

Brief Overview 

 
Change 1: The left-turn versus right-turn rule

This new rule requires all traffic turning right to give way to a vehicle coming from the opposite direction and turning left. This applies at cross roads, T-intersections and driveways where both vehicles are facing each other with no signs or signals, or the same signs or signals.

Think: If you're turning right, give way.

Examples of common situations where the new rule applies are shown below. In each of the diagrams below the RED car with the dotted arrow has to give way to the GREEN car with the solid arrow:

a) Both vehicles facing each other with no signs or signals (neither vehicle is controlled)

b) Both vehicles facing Give Way signs

c) Both vehicles facing Stop signs

d) Both vehicles facing green traffic signals

Change 2: At uncontrolled T-intersections (‘uncontrolled’ means when there are no signs or signals to tell you what to do)

At an uncontrolled T-intersection, all traffic from a terminating road (bottom of the T) have to give way to all traffic on a continuing road (top of the T). This brings it into line with T-intersections where there are Stop or Give Way signs on the terminating road.

Think: Top of the T goes before me.

In the diagram below the RED car with the dotted arrow has to give way to the GREEN car with the solid arrow:

This rule change will also apply to uncontrolled driveways, such as at a supermarket or hospital. From 5.00 am on Sunday 25 March 2012 the traffic exiting the driveway will need to give way to all traffic on the road.

All vehicles entering or exiting a driveway must continue to give way to pedestrians on a footpath, or cyclists and pedestrians on a cycle path or shared path. Drivers should not pull out to block the footpath in front of pedestrians and cyclists.

Have all the give-way rules at intersections changed?

No. Traffic signs and signals are placed at intersections to show road users what they need to do and this will not change.

Here is a snapshot of the give way rules that now apply:

1. Road users should continue to obey all road signs and signals.
2. If you are turning, give way to all vehicles not turning. Note: If the road is marked with a centre line, you are deemed to be turning if you leave the path of the centre line. If you follow the path of the centre line, you are deemed to be not turning.
3. If you are turning right, give way to all vehicles coming towards you including those turning left. Note: This applies if both vehicles are facing no signs or signals or the same signs or signals. NEW RULE
4. At a T-intersection or driveway, traffic on a terminating road (bottom of the T) must give way to all traffic on a continuing road (top of the T). NEW RULE
5. If all other give way rules (or signs or signals) do not determine who gives way, give way to vehicles coming from your right. (An example of this is at cross roads controlled by traffic signals when the signals have failed and all approaches have a flashing yellow light.)

Have the rules changed at roundabouts?

No. You should continue to give way to all vehicles that will cross your path from your right as you enter the roundabout. 

What about other situations such as two vehicles turning right, or when you turn into a road with two lanes?

The above is not a comprehensive list of road rules. Additional rules and traffic scenarios can be found in the Give Way Question & Answer document>> or in the Road Code>>.
 

Other Resources

 
Website: giveway.co.nz>>

Try this cool SIMULATOR by clicking here>>

Take the QUIZ to test your knowledge of the new rules by clicking here>>

Watch the YOU TUBE video by clicking here>>