Prohibitory 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

Prohibitory signs

A prohibitory sign is a traffic sign that tells drivers what is not allowed on that specific road or in that situation. These signs impose restrictions such as no entry, no overtaking, no parking, speed limits, or bans on certain types of vehicles. Their purpose is to clearly indicate actions that are forbidden to ensure safety, maintain traffic flow, and protect vulnerable road users.

Vehicles higher than indicated prohibited.

Road narrowing, give way to oncoming drivers.

How are prohibitory signs classified in New Zealand?

Compulsory signs include restrictions such as entry bans, maximum speeds and prohibited manoeuvres.

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

What does a no-turn sign prohibit in New Zealand?

It prohibits the left, right or other turn shown at the junction or position controlled by the sign in New Zealand. Follow any supplementary panel or authorised direction and choose another legal route.

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

Can a no-turn restriction apply only to certain vehicles or hours in New Zealand?

Yes, where the local sign system provides a supplementary condition or exemption, such as a vehicle class, time or authorised access. Without a valid exception, comply with the prohibited movement shown.

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

1. No entry

This traffic sign means no entry. Drivers may not enter from the direction in which the sign is placed.

English • R3-4 • No entry. Do not enter the road from this direction.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R3-4

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2024-12-14. Wikimedia original unmodified.

2. Pedestrians prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that pedestrians are prohibited. Pedestrians may not enter or continue beyond the sign. Other road users may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • R5-2 • No pedestrians. Pedestrians must not enter beyond this sign.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R5-2

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2024-12-22. Wikimedia original unmodified.

3. Cyclists prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that cyclists are prohibited. Cyclists may not enter or continue beyond the sign. Other road users may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • R5-1 • No cycling. Cycling beyond this sign is prohibited. Observe any additional access restrictions.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R5-1

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2024-12-21. Wikimedia original unmodified.

4. Motorcycles prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that motorcycles are prohibited. Motorcyclists may not enter or continue beyond the sign. Other road users may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0)

SVG source: Amateria1121 • CC BY-SA 3.0 • Original revision 2014-04-29. Wikimedia original unmodified.

5. Trucks prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that trucks are prohibited. Trucks covered by the sign may not enter or continue beyond it. Any applicable weight threshold or vehicle-category limitation is determined by the sign, supplementary information and local rules.

English • R5-3 • No heavy vehicles. Heavy vehicles must not enter beyond this sign. Observe any signed exceptions.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R5-3

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2024-12-22. Wikimedia original unmodified.

6. Buses prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that buses are prohibited. Buses covered by the sign may not enter or continue beyond it. Other road users may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org

7. Vehicles higher than indicated prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that vehicles higher than indicated are prohibited. A vehicle or vehicle combination whose overall height, including its load, exceeds the displayed limit may not continue beyond the sign.

English • R5-4 • Maximum height: 4.6 m. Vehicles and loads higher than 4.6 m must not pass beyond this sign.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R5-4

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2020-04-28. 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. Turning left prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that turning left is prohibited. A left turn may not be made where the sign applies. Other movements may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • R3-1 • No left turn. Do not turn left at the signed location.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R3-1

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2024-12-13. Wikimedia original unmodified.

10. Turning right prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that turning right is prohibited. A right turn may not be made where the sign applies. Other movements may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • R3-2 • No right turn. Do not turn right at the signed location.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R3-2

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2024-12-13. Wikimedia original unmodified.

11. Turning around prohibited (U-turn)

This traffic sign indicates that turning around (making a U-turn) is prohibited. A U-turn may not be made where the prohibition applies. Other movements may still be permitted unless another restriction applies.

English • R3-3 • No U-turn. Do not make a U-turn at the signed location.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R3-3

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2024-12-13. Wikimedia original unmodified.

12. Start of a speed limit

This traffic sign indicates the start of a speed limit. The displayed value is the maximum permitted speed from this point. The limit remains in force until it ends or is replaced according to the applicable traffic signs and local rules.

English • R1-1 • Maximum speed: 50 km/h. Do not exceed 50 km/h. Drive more slowly when conditions require it.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R1-1

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2024-10-30. Wikimedia original unmodified.

13. Start of a zone with speed limit

This traffic sign indicates the start of a zone with a speed limit. The displayed speed limit applies throughout the zone according to the applicable zonal rules, until the zone is ended or another rule replaces it.

English • R1-1 • Maximum speed: 50 km/h. Do not exceed 50 km/h. The square backing board does not itself identify an area-wide speed zone.

Sources

🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R1-1

14. Parking prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that parking is prohibited. Vehicles may not be parked in the area covered by the sign unless an exception applies. Brief stopping to pick up or drop off passengers or to load or unload goods may still be permitted where local rules allow it.

English • R6-70 / R6-1B component • No parking. Parking is prohibited where the restriction applies. Read any accompanying times, arrows or conditions.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R6-70 / R6-1B component

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2024-12-30. Wikimedia original unmodified.

15. Parking and stopping prohibited

This traffic sign indicates that parking and stopping are prohibited. Vehicles may not stop or park voluntarily where the restriction applies, except where an applicable rule provides an exemption or stopping is required by traffic conditions.

English • R6-10 / R6-1A component • No stopping. Stopping is prohibited where the restriction applies. Read any accompanying times, arrows or conditions.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R6-10 / R6-1A component

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2024-12-04. Wikimedia original unmodified.