Priority signsNew Zealand

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of New Zealand. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Priority signs

A priority sign is a traffic sign that indicates the order in which vehicles shall pass intersection points. Vehicles often come into conflict with other vehicles and pedestrians because their intended courses of travel intersect, and thus interfere with each other's routes. The general principle that establishes who has the right to go first is called 'right of way' or 'priority'. It establishes who has the right to use the conflicting part of the road and who has to wait until the other does so. The vehicle that does not need to wait is said to 'have the right of way' or to 'have priority.'

Road narrowing, give way to oncoming drivers.

Road narrowing, oncoming drivers have to give way.

What should I know about priority signs in New Zealand?

STOP and Give Way are compulsory controls. They impose different stopping and yielding requirements.

🔗 nzta.govt.nz • New Zealand, NZTA official Road Code — priority-signs

Must you always stop when giving way in New Zealand?

No. A give-way control requires stopping when necessary to yield or obtain a safe view. A stop sign requires a complete stop even if the road appears empty.

🔗 nzta.govt.nz • New Zealand, NZTA official Road Code — priority-signs

1. Stop and give way

This traffic sign means stop and give way. You must come to a complete stop before entering the intersection and give way to traffic that has priority. Proceed only when it is safe.

English • R2-1 • Stop. Stop completely, then give way to traffic with priority before proceeding.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R2-1

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2025-01-13. Wikimedia original unmodified.

2. Give way

This traffic sign means give way. Slow down and give way to traffic that has priority. Stop if necessary and proceed only when it is safe.

English • R2-2 • Give way. Slow down and give way to traffic with priority; stop if necessary.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R2-2

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2020-05-07. Wikimedia original unmodified.

3. Give way ahead

This traffic sign indicates give way ahead. A give-way requirement applies at the location ahead. Reduce speed in good time and be prepared to stop if necessary.

English • W10-2 • Give way ahead. A Give Way control is ahead. Prepare to slow down and yield.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • W10-2

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2024-08-10. Wikimedia original unmodified.

4. Stop and give way ahead

This traffic sign indicates stop and give way ahead. A stop sign applies at the location ahead. Reduce speed in good time and be prepared to come to a complete stop.

English • W10-1 • Stop ahead. A Stop control is ahead. Prepare to stop completely at the intersection.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • W10-1

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2024-08-08. Wikimedia original unmodified.

5. Warning for a roundabout

This traffic sign indicates a warning for a roundabout. A roundabout lies ahead. Reduce speed and follow the applicable priority signs, traffic signals and local roundabout rules when approaching and entering it.

English • W11-1 • Roundabout ahead. A roundabout is ahead. Reduce speed and prepare for its give-way control.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • W11-1

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2021-02-03. Wikimedia original unmodified.

6. Priority at the junction

This traffic sign indicates that you have priority at the next intersection. A side road joins from the left, and traffic entering from that side road must give way.

English • W11-4 • Side road on the left. A minor road joins from the left; the diagram shows the main route continuing straight ahead. Watch for joining traffic.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • W11-4

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2024-11-03. Wikimedia original unmodified.

7. Priority at the junction

This traffic sign indicates that you have priority at the next intersection. Side roads join from the left and right, and traffic entering from those side roads must give way.

English • W11-2 • Crossroads ahead. Minor roads join on both sides; the diagram shows the main route continuing straight ahead. Watch for crossing and turning traffic.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • W11-2

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2024-08-25. Wikimedia original unmodified.

8. Road narrowing, give way to oncoming drivers

This traffic sign indicates a road narrowing where you must give way to oncoming traffic. Allow approaching traffic to pass before entering or continuing through the narrow section when required.

English • R2-7 • Give way to oncoming vehicles. Give way to opposing traffic through the narrow section or one-lane bridge. Wait until you can proceed safely.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R2-7
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA Traffic Control Devices Manual • Part 5, June 2026

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2024-12-07. Wikimedia original unmodified.

9. Road narrowing, oncoming drivers have to give way

This traffic sign indicates a road narrowing where oncoming drivers have to give way.

English • R2-8 • Priority over oncoming vehicles. Your direction has priority through the narrow section or one-lane bridge. Proceed only when the passage is clear and safe.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R2-8
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA Traffic Control Devices Manual • Part 5, June 2026

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2024-12-11. Wikimedia original unmodified.