Driving the West Coast
real West Coast Self Drive Travel Guides, New Zealand.

"Welcome to the world of Driving the Left." Buller Gorge Road, West Coast New Zealand.

You can legally drive in New Zealand for up to 12 months if you have either a current driver's licence from your home country or an International Driving Permit (IDP).

Under New Zealand law all drivers, including visitors from other countries, must carry their licence or permit at all times when driving. You will only be able to drive the same types of vehicles you are licensed to drive in your home country.

1. Ensure that your driver's licence is current.
2. If your licence is not in English, you should bring an English translation with you,
3. Or obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP.)

Contact your local automobile club for further details about obtaining a translation or an IDP.

 

In New Zealand vehicles are driven on the Left hand side of the road. Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts at all times and drivers must have their licence or permit to drive with them when operating any motor vehicle on New Zealand roads.

General Road Rules

The following are some of the more important rules to remember when driving in New Zealand:

• Keep Left:
  In New Zealand, all motorists drive on the left-hand side of the road.
• If the traffic light is red you must stop.
  There is no left turn rule as in North America.
• Do not drink alcohol before or while driving.
  Drink driving laws are strictly enforced.
• Drivers and passengers must wear seat belts
  Whether in a front or rear seat, belts must be worn.
• Do not exceed the Speed Limit.
  Speed limits are enforced by traffic camera and patrol. Speed Kills! Slow Down!
• Drivers must have their licence with them.
  Under New Zealand law all drivers must carry their licence to drive with them when operating any vehicle on New Zealand roads.

MotorCycles and Cyclists

The rules for riding a bicycle, (push bike) or motorbike on New Zealand roads include:

• Helmets must be worn
  By all riders of cycles and motorbikes at all times.
• Rear and front lights on cycles are required at night.
• Motorbikes should drive with a headlight on at all times.
• While Motorbikes are allowed, Cycling is not permitted on motorways.

Speed Limits

Speed limit signs are round with a red border and always in kilometres per hour. Unless a sign over rides the basics,

• The maximum Speed limit in urban areas is 50 kph.
• In rural areas (open road), the maximum limit is 100 kph for cars, vans and motorcycles.
• Heavy vehicles and vehicles towing a trailer or caravan must not exceed 90kph on the open road.
• When passing or approaching a School Bus on either side of the road, slow down to 20kph.

Remember.

1. Speed limits are only an indication of the maximum allowed speed not the safest speed.
2. Always adjust your speed in accordance with the weather and road conditions.
3. All Speed Limits are enforced from the sign, not after them.

Traffic Lights

At traffic lights on New Zealand roads the following rules apply.

• Red Means Stop USA and Canadian visitors please note: You cannot turn left if the stop light is red.
• Yellow Means Stop if you can do so safely. If you are so close to the line you cannot do so, then you may keep going.
• Green Means you can go If it is safe to do so.

At some traffic lights you will also see Arrow lights, the rules governing these are generally the same as above.

Motorways

Keep to the left hand lane unless overtaking and always indicate at least three seconds before you change lanes.

On New Zealand motorways, you must not:

• walk or cycle
• make a U turn
• Stop your vehicle