Crossing animalsNew Zealand
21. Crossing animals
An animals-crossing warning indicates a place or road section where wild animals, livestock or ridden animals may enter or cross the road. Animals may appear suddenly, move unpredictably or be difficult to see in darkness, vegetation or poor weather.
Drivers should reduce speed, scan both sides of the road and remain prepared to stop. The warning sign does not itself give animals priority or impose a numerical speed limit, but drivers must avoid frightening, endangering or colliding with them.
Wikimedia.org • AlasdairW • CC BY-SA
Which animals might drivers encounter on roads in New Zealand?
Depending on the locality, drivers may meet sheep, cattle, deer and other animals on rural roads. Roadside animal-warning signs and local hazard information indicate where extra care may be needed; do not assume the hazard ends immediately after a sign.
🔗 nzta.govt.nz • New Zealand, NZTA official Road Code — crossing-animals
Warning for cattle on the road.
English • W18-3.1 • Cattle. Cattle may be on or crossing the road. Slow down and pass animals cautiously.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • W18-3.1
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2021-04-28. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Does an animal-crossing warning sign in New Zealand set a new speed limit?
A warning of animals is not, by itself, a numerical speed-limit sign. Continue to obey the applicable speed limit, but slow down whenever animals could enter the road or visibility is poor. A separate regulatory speed sign must also be obeyed.
🔗 nzta.govt.nz • New Zealand, NZTA official Road Code — crossing-animals
What should you do if an animal enters the road in New Zealand?
Ease off the accelerator, assess the traffic behind and brake smoothly if necessary. Avoid abrupt swerving into opposing traffic or off the road. Give farm animals and ridden animals room, avoid frightening them with unnecessary horn use, and be alert for more animals following.
🔗 nzta.govt.nz • New Zealand, NZTA official Road Code — crossing-animals

Traffic rules
New Zealand