Traffic signsNew Zealand
Traffic rules
New Zealand
Priority signs
Warning signs
Prohibitory signs
Mandatory signs
Information signsTraffic signs
A traffic sign is a standardised visual symbol placed along roads to guide, warn, or regulate drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. These signs provide essential information about road conditions, rules, directions, and potential hazards, helping to ensure safety and smooth traffic flow. They come in various shapes and colours—such as triangular warning signs, circular prohibitory or mandatory signs, and rectangular information signs—each designed for quick recognition and clear understanding.
How are traffic signs grouped in New Zealand?
The Road Code identifies compulsory, warning and information signs. Compulsory includes both positive instructions and restrictions.
🔗 nzta.govt.nz • New Zealand, NZTA official Road Code — traffic-signs
Is a temporary speed limit at roadworks binding in New Zealand?
Where an authorised temporary regulatory speed limit is in force, you must obey it. A roadworks warning alone should not be mistaken for a new numerical limit, but conditions may require driving more slowly.
🔗 nzta.govt.nz • New Zealand, NZTA official Road Code — traffic-signs
51. 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
52. 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.
53. 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.
54. 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.
55. 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.
56. 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.
57. 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.
58. 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.
59. 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.
60. 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.
61. Turning left mandatory
This traffic sign indicates that turning left is mandatory at the junction ahead. Traffic must turn left and may not continue straight ahead or turn right.
English • R3-8 • Turn left. Traffic must turn left at the signed location.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R3-8
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2020-04-22. Wikimedia original unmodified.
62. Turning left or right mandatory
This traffic sign indicates that turning left or right is mandatory at the junction ahead. Traffic may turn either left or right but may not continue straight ahead.
English • R3-11 • Turn left or right. Traffic must turn left or right; do not continue straight ahead.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R3-11
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2020-04-22. Wikimedia original unmodified.
63. Turning right mandatory
This traffic sign indicates that turning right is mandatory at the junction ahead. Traffic must turn right and may not continue straight ahead or turn left.
English • R3-10 • Turn right. Traffic must turn right at the signed location.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R3-10
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2020-04-22. Wikimedia original unmodified.
64. Pass obstacle on the left
This traffic sign indicates that traffic must pass an obstacle on the left. Keep to the left of the obstacle and follow any accompanying signs or road markings.
English • R3-13 • Keep left. Pass to the left of the sign or obstruction.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R3-13
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2020-04-21. Wikimedia original unmodified.
65. Pass obstacle on the right
This traffic sign indicates that traffic must pass an obstacle on the right. Keep to the right of the obstacle and follow any accompanying signs or road markings.
English • R3-13.2 • Keep right. Pass to the right of the sign or obstruction.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R3-13.2
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2020-04-21. Wikimedia original unmodified.
66. Driving straight ahead mandatory
This traffic sign indicates that driving straight ahead is mandatory. Traffic must continue straight ahead and may not turn left or right at the location to which the sign applies.
English • R3-9 • No turns. Continue straight ahead at the signed location; do not turn.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R3-9
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2020-04-21. Wikimedia original unmodified.
67. Mandatory path for pedestrians
This traffic sign indicates the start of a mandatory path for pedestrians. Pedestrians must use the designated path, while other road users may use it only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.
English • R5-5 • Pedestrians only. The signed path or area is reserved for pedestrians.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R5-5
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2020-04-21. Wikimedia original unmodified.
68. Mandatory path for cyclists
This traffic sign indicates a mandatory path for cyclists. Cyclists must use the designated path where the sign applies. Other road users may use the path only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.
English • R4-9.1 • Cycles only. The signed path or route is reserved for cycles. Observe any accompanying conditions.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R4-9.1
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2020-04-22. Wikimedia original unmodified.
69. Start of a motorway
This traffic sign indicates the start of a motorway. From this point, special motorway rules apply, including restrictions on which road users may enter and on stopping, reversing and other manoeuvres. Follow the applicable speed limits, lane rules and local motorway regulations.
English • A41-1.1 • Motorway begins. The motorway starts here. Motorway rules apply; obey the posted speed and access restrictions.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Mliu92 • CC BY-SA 4.0)
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • A41-1.1
SVG source: Mliu92 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Original revision 2015-06-14. Wikimedia original unmodified.
70. Start of an expressway
This traffic sign indicates the start of an expressway. From this point, the traffic rules and access conditions that apply to expressways take effect according to the applicable local regulations.
English • General advisory • Expressway begins. The expressway starts here. Follow its posted speed, access and lane controls; this sign alone does not specify a speed limit. Illustration identified by its sign family or meaning; the exact current prescribed design has not been confirmed.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Mliu92 • CC BY-SA 4.0)
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • General advisory
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • expressway advisory
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Mliu92 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Source revision 2015-06-14. Wikimedia original unmodified.
71. Lane for cyclists
This traffic sign indicates a lane for cyclists. The lane is designated for bicycle traffic, subject to the applicable road markings, traffic signs and local rules.
English • R4-9 • Cycle lane. This marks a lane reserved for cycles. Observe its markings and any accompanying restrictions.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R4-9
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2020-04-28. Wikimedia original unmodified.
72. 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.
73. Road with one-way traffic
This traffic sign indicates a road with one-way traffic. Drivers may travel only in the permitted direction.
English • R3-12 • One-way traffic to the left. Traffic on this road travels only in the direction shown by the arrow.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R3-12
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2020-04-27. Wikimedia original unmodified.
74. Ramp destination
This traffic sign gives information about the destination reached via the ramp. The displayed destination indicates where the ramp leads.
English • Direction guide • Advance direction map. The map shows the directions and state-highway numbers for the destinations ahead. Select the appropriate route before the junction. Illustration identified by its sign family or meaning; the exact current prescribed design has not been confirmed.
75. Lane for buses
This traffic sign indicates a lane for buses. The lane is intended for buses and any other road users permitted by the applicable signs or local rules.
English • R4-7 • Bus lane. This marks a bus lane. Cycles, mopeds and motorcycles may also use it unless signs or markings exclude them; observe any operating times.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R4-7
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA design guidance • bus lanes
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2020-04-29. Wikimedia original unmodified.
76. General information about the directions
This traffic sign gives general information about road directions. The arrows, destinations and route information show which direction to follow.
English • Direction guide • Destination direction signs. The arrows show the directions to the named destinations and facilities. Follow the appropriate arrow for your route. Illustration identified by its sign family or meaning; the exact current prescribed design has not been confirmed.
77. Information about the directions of the roundabout
This traffic sign gives information about directions at a roundabout. The diagram shows the available exits and the destinations reached from them.
English • Direction guide • Roundabout advance direction map. The map shows the roundabout exits and their destinations. Choose your exit and follow any lane markings before entering. Illustration identified by its sign family or meaning; the exact current prescribed design has not been confirmed.
78. Parking allowed
This traffic sign indicates that parking is allowed. Vehicles may be parked in the area covered by the sign subject to any indicated conditions, restrictions or local parking rules.
English • P120 • Parking for up to 120 minutes. Parking is permitted for up to 120 minutes along the length indicated by the arrows, during the restriction's operating times. Read any additional conditions.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA Road Code • parking signs
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA Traffic Control Devices Manual • parking control
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2020-05-23. Wikimedia original unmodified.
