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QuizTraffic rulesNew Zealand

This interesting quiz helps you test your knowledge in a clear and visual way. With easy multiple-choice questions, you can quickly build confidence and learn new facts while keeping it simple, interactive, and fun.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
New Zealand
True/false 17 New Zealand 28 Car controls 109 Dashboard lights 40 Priority rules 9 Pedestrians 19 Cyclists 20 Show all 595
What should you do after stopping because of a breakdown?

101. What should you do after stopping because of a breakdown?

✓ Apply the parking brake, switch off the engine, and use hazard lights.
Leave the parking brake off if the road is level.
Stand behind the vehicle to warn approaching traffic.
Leave the engine running and keep the vehicle in neutral.

Secure the vehicle so that it cannot move and use the hazard warning lights to alert approaching traffic. Where required and safe, place a warning triangle to give additional warning.

Broken-down vehicle with hazard warning lights
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
When should you fasten your seat belt?

102. When should you fasten your seat belt?

Only on long journeys.
✓ Before the vehicle starts moving.
After joining traffic.
Only when traffic is heavy.

Fasten your seat belt before the vehicle starts moving and keep it fastened throughout the journey. Make sure your passengers are also safely seated and properly restrained.

Fastening a seat belt before setting off
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should hard braking be avoided while a motorcycle is leaning in a bend?

103. Why should hard braking be avoided while a motorcycle is leaning in a bend?

It can make the engine overheat.
✓ It can reduce stability and available tyre grip.
It prevents the suspension from working.
It increases tyre pressure immediately.

When a motorcycle is leaning, the tyres are already using grip to turn. Hard braking can demand additional grip and may reduce stability. Whenever possible, adjust speed before the bend and use smooth, controlled inputs while cornering.

Motorcycle leaning while travelling through a bend
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

104. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Seat-belt reminder.
✓ Passenger airbag deactivation.
Central door locking.
Airbag-system fault.

This control allows the front passenger airbag to be deactivated on vehicles equipped with this function. The airbag must be deactivated when a rear-facing child restraint is used on the front passenger seat.

Front passenger airbag deactivation control
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if the power steering suddenly stops assisting you?

105. What should you do if the power steering suddenly stops assisting you?

Keep driving normally if the vehicle still turns.
✓ Hold the wheel firmly, use greater steering effort, and stop safely.
Switch off the engine while moving to reset the system.
Accelerate to make the steering easier.

The vehicle can normally still be steered, but much more effort may be required. Reduce speed and arrange an inspection.

Driver coping with a loss of power-steering assistance
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you reduce speed in residential areas?

106. Why should you reduce speed in residential areas?

✓ Pedestrians, cyclists, and children may be nearby.
Because residential roads are usually more slippery.
Traffic from side roads must always give way.
Parked vehicles have priority over moving traffic.

Residential areas often have pedestrians, cyclists, parked vehicles, driveways, and children, and hazards may appear suddenly. Lower speed gives you more time to react and stop safely.

Vehicle travelling through a residential street
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the general motorway speed limit for cars in New Zealand?

107. What is the general motorway speed limit for cars in New Zealand?

120 km/h.
✓ 100 km/h.
110 km/h.
130 km/h.

The general motorway speed limit for cars in New Zealand is 100 km/h, unless signs indicate otherwise.

Motorway speed limits for cars
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you expect after one wild animal crosses the road?

108. What should you expect after one wild animal crosses the road?

The animal will usually return the same way.
Wild animals normally cross roads one at a time.
✓ More animals may follow.
The road is likely to remain clear.

Many animals travel in groups. Slow down and continue watching both sides of the road.

Wild animals crossing a road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What makes up the total stopping distance of a vehicle?

109. What makes up the total stopping distance of a vehicle?

Visibility distance and reaction distance.
Reaction distance and following distance.
Tyre distance and braking distance.
✓ Reaction distance and braking distance.

The total stopping distance consists of the distance travelled while the driver reacts to a hazard plus the distance travelled while the vehicle is braking to a stop.

Reaction and braking distances before a vehicle stops
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if a tyre has a deep cut, bulge, or exposed cords?

110. What should you do if a tyre has a deep cut, bulge, or exposed cords?

Increase the tyre pressure and continue driving.
Move the damaged tyre to another wheel position.
✓ Stop using the tyre and arrange professional inspection or replacement.
Cover the damaged area and keep using the tyre.

Cuts, bulges, and exposed cords can indicate serious structural damage. The tyre may fail suddenly and should not be used normally.

Damaged vehicle tyre requiring inspection
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should you pass a large vehicle in strong winds?

111. How should you pass a large vehicle in strong winds?

✓ Be prepared for sudden wind changes when passing.
Stay close beside it to remain sheltered from the wind.
Accelerate sharply as soon as you start passing.
Keep the steering fixed while you move past it.

Large vehicles can block wind and then expose you to strong gusts when you pass them.

Vehicle passing a large vehicle in windy conditions
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What can uneven tyre wear indicate?

112. What can uneven tyre wear indicate?

The wheels are correctly aligned.
✓ Incorrect pressure, poor alignment, or a suspension or braking problem.
The vehicle has been driven mainly at low speeds.
The tyres are correctly inflated.

Uneven wear may result from incorrect tyre pressure, wheel misalignment, worn suspension parts, or a brake that is not releasing properly.

Uneven wear across a vehicle tyre
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should a front passenger keep their feet off the dashboard?

113. Why should a front passenger keep their feet off the dashboard?

It can prevent the passenger airbag from deploying.
It can make the front seat slide forwards during braking.
It can interfere with the rear-view mirror.
✓ It can greatly increase the risk of injury if the airbag deploys.

A front airbag deploys very quickly and with considerable force. If a passenger has their feet or legs on the dashboard, airbag deployment can force their legs backwards and greatly increase the risk of serious injury. Passengers should sit normally with their feet in the footwell and wear their seat belts correctly. The driver should make sure everyone is seated and restrained safely before setting off.

Passenger resting their feet on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Does opening a window make an alcohol-impaired driver safe?

114. Does opening a window make an alcohol-impaired driver safe?

Yes, if you feel more awake afterwards.
Yes, if you also drink some water.
Yes, but only when driving slowly.
✓ No, fresh air does not remove alcohol from the body.

Fresh air may make someone feel more awake, but it does not reduce their alcohol concentration or restore safe driving ability.

Open car window and an alcohol-impaired driver
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should tyre pressure normally be checked?

115. How should tyre pressure normally be checked?

✓ When the tyres are cold, using the manufacturer's recommended pressure.
Using the maximum pressure shown on the tyre.
Only by a certified maintenance service.
Immediately after a long or high-speed journey.

Tyre pressure rises as tyres become warm. Check them when cold and use the pressure specified on the vehicle label or in the owner's manual.

Checking a vehicle's tyre pressure
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

116. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Seat adjustment.
Exterior mirror adjustment.
✓ Exterior mirror folding.
Central door locking.

This control folds or unfolds the vehicle's exterior mirrors. It is useful when parking in narrow spaces or when leaving the vehicle parked.

Control for folding the exterior mirrors
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

117. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Front windscreen demister.
Windscreen wiper.
✓ Rear window wiper.
Rear window demister.

This symbol controls the rear window wiper. Depending on the vehicle, the same control may also operate the rear-window washer.

Rear-window wiper control and symbol
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

118. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Engine-temperature warning.
Brake-system warning.
Engine-management warning.
✓ Charging-system warning.

This symbol indicates a problem with the vehicle's charging system. If it remains illuminated while the engine is running, the battery may not be charging correctly because of a fault with the alternator, battery, wiring, or related components.

Charging-system warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

119. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Lane-departure warning.
✓ Parking assistance.
Automatic emergency braking.
Adaptive cruise control.

This symbol relates to the vehicle's parking assistance system. Depending on the vehicle, the system may use sensors or cameras to detect obstacles and assist the driver while parking.

Parking-assistance symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before driving down a long, steep hill?

120. What should you do before driving down a long, steep hill?

Select a higher gear to reduce engine resistance.
✓ Reduce speed and select a suitable lower gear.
Rely mainly on continuous braking to control speed.
Coast in neutral to save fuel.

A lower gear helps control your speed and reduces the amount of continuous braking needed on a long descent.

Vehicle approaching a long, steep descent
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should cyclists do near a large vehicle that may be turning?

121. What should cyclists do near a large vehicle that may be turning?

Pass quickly before the vehicle starts turning.
Assume the driver will wait for you before turning.
Move alongside it if there appears to be enough space.
✓ Stay back and do not pass on the turning side.

Large vehicles need extra space to turn and may move across a cyclist's path. Remaining behind is usually safer.

Cyclist near a turning large vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if traffic suddenly slows on a motorway?

122. What should you do if traffic suddenly slows on a motorway?

Change lanes immediately to avoid slowing down.
Move onto the shoulder and continue driving.
Maintain speed until the vehicle ahead brakes.
✓ Slow down smoothly and warn traffic behind if needed.

When traffic slows suddenly, reduce speed smoothly, keep a safe distance, and use hazard lights if needed to warn following traffic.

Motorway traffic slowing ahead
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you adjust your speed in bad weather?

123. Why should you adjust your speed in bad weather?

✓ Because visibility and grip may be reduced.
To keep the engine from overheating.
To reduce fuel consumption.
To prevent the tyres from losing air pressure.

Rain, snow, fog, and ice can reduce visibility and tyre grip. Lower speed gives you more time and distance to react and stop safely.

Vehicle travelling in poor weather
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before driving through a puddle?

124. What should you do before driving through a puddle?

✓ Slow down and check that it is safe.
Accelerate so you spend less time in the water.
Follow another vehicle closely to judge the depth.
Brake firmly while driving through the water.

Large puddles can hide holes, reduce grip, or cause water to splash onto pedestrians or other vehicles. Slow down and proceed carefully.

Vehicle approaching a puddle on the road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you check before towing a trailer?

125. What should you check before towing a trailer?

Secure the load only if it is heavy.
Check the tyres only if the trailer has been unused.
Check the lights after you have started driving.
✓ The coupling, safety connections, lights, tyres, and load.

The trailer must be correctly connected and roadworthy. Its lights, tyres, safety connections, and load should all be checked.

Checking a trailer before towing
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you be prepared for changing conditions on mountain roads?

126. Why should you be prepared for changing conditions on mountain roads?

Road conditions usually improve as altitude increases.
Mountain roads always have the same weather.
✓ Weather, visibility, and road conditions can change quickly.
Vehicles automatically lose engine power in the mountains.

Fog, rain, snow, ice, falling rocks, and strong winds can develop rapidly in mountainous areas.

Changing visibility and weather on a mountain road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when branches or debris are blowing onto the road?

127. What should you do when branches or debris are blowing onto the road?

✓ Slow down and avoid hazards safely.
Follow the vehicle ahead closely for protection.
Change lanes immediately without reducing speed.
Maintain speed and steer around them when necessary.

Wind can blow unexpected obstacles onto the road. Reduce speed and avoid them safely.

Wind-blown branches and debris on a road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when following a cyclist on a narrow road?

128. What should you do when following a cyclist on a narrow road?

✓ Keep a safe distance and overtake only when there is enough space.
Drive close behind until there is room to pass.
Pass even if you cannot leave much space.
Overtake as soon as your vehicle can fit past.

Cyclists may need to avoid potholes, drains, or wind gusts. Keep distance and only pass when you can leave plenty of space.

Vehicle following a cyclist on a narrow road
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before driving after taking medicine?

129. What should you do before driving after taking medicine?

Take an extra dose before a long journey.
Drive slowly until you know how it affects you.
✓ Check whether it may affect your ability to drive.
Drive normally if the medicine was prescribed.

Some medicines can affect driving ability by causing drowsiness, dizziness, blurred vision, slower reactions, or reduced concentration. Check the label or patient information and follow advice from your doctor or pharmacist before driving.

Checking medicine warnings before driving
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

130. What does this vehicle-control symbol indicate?

Cruise control.
Driving mode selection.
✓ Speed limiter.
Electronic stability control.

The speed limiter allows the driver to set a maximum speed that the vehicle should not normally exceed while the accelerator is being used.

Vehicle speed-limiter control and symbol
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should pedestrians avoid sudden movements near traffic?

131. Why should pedestrians avoid sudden movements near traffic?

✓ Drivers may not have enough time to react.
You lose priority if you change direction suddenly.
Drivers always expect pedestrians to walk straight.
Sudden movements are prohibited near traffic.

Sudden movements can surprise drivers and reduce the time they have to slow down or stop safely.

Pedestrian movements close to road traffic
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How should the interior rear-view mirror be adjusted?

132. How should the interior rear-view mirror be adjusted?

✓ To give a clear view through the rear window.
To point towards the left door mirror.
To show mainly the rear seats.
To show the driver's face.

Adjust the interior rear-view mirror before driving so that you have a clear view through the rear window without needing to move your head significantly.

Adjusting the interior rear-view mirror
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when passing a horse rider?

133. What should you do when passing a horse rider?

✓ Slow down and give plenty of space.
Sound your horn so the rider knows you are passing.
Flash your headlights before moving alongside.
Pass closely to reduce the time beside the horse.

Horses can be startled by noise or sudden movement. Slow down, pass carefully, and leave enough space.

Vehicle passing a horse and rider
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why is high-visibility clothing useful during a roadside breakdown?

134. Why is high-visibility clothing useful during a roadside breakdown?

It makes hazard warning lights unnecessary.
It protects you from injury if a vehicle hits you.
✓ It makes you easier for approaching drivers and recovery workers to see.
It allows you to remain close to moving traffic.

High-visibility clothing improves your visibility, especially at night or in poor weather, but you must still remain away from traffic.

High-visibility clothing worn during a roadside breakdown
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you not use water on a fire involving live electrical equipment?

135. Why should you not use water on a fire involving live electrical equipment?

Water can cause the battery to charge more quickly.
Water prevents the power supply from switching off.
Water makes electrical cables harder to disconnect.
✓ Water can conduct electricity and create an electric-shock hazard.

Do not use water on a fire involving energised electrical equipment, because water can conduct electricity and create a serious electric-shock hazard. Keep clear, disconnect the power only if it is safe to do so, and call the emergency services. Use only a suitable fire extinguisher if it is safe and you know how to use it.

Fire involving live electrical equipment
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you check after fitting a child restraint?

136. What should you check after fitting a child restraint?

That the restraint can move freely on the seat.
✓ That it is securely installed and correctly fitted.
That the child can easily loosen the harness.
That the seat belt is routed in any convenient way.

A child restraint should be installed securely and used according to the manufacturer's instructions. Check that the seat is firmly attached, the belt or ISOFIX connection is correct, and the child is restrained properly before driving.

Checking the installation of a child car seat
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do after fitting a temporary spare wheel?

137. What should you do after fitting a temporary spare wheel?

✓ Follow its speed and distance restrictions and replace it as soon as possible.
Ignore its speed restriction on short journeys.
Drive normally if the vehicle feels stable.
Use it as a permanent replacement if it looks undamaged.

Temporary spare wheels may have limited speed, distance, and handling capabilities. Arrange a proper repair or replacement promptly.

Temporary spare wheel fitted to a vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you normally do with the accelerator when changing to a higher gear?

138. What should you normally do with the accelerator when changing to a higher gear?

Press it fully while pressing the clutch.
Press the brake pedal instead.
Keep it pressed at the same position.
✓ Ease off it while pressing the clutch.

When changing to a higher gear, ease off the accelerator as you press the clutch and select the next gear. Release the clutch smoothly and then apply the accelerator progressively.

Changing to a higher gear in a manual vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when approaching a curve with poor visibility?

139. What should you do when approaching a curve with poor visibility?

Follow the vehicle ahead closely through the curve.
✓ Slow down and stay in your lane.
Move slightly toward the centre for a better view.
Brake only after entering the curve if necessary.

A curve can hide oncoming traffic, obstacles, cyclists, or pedestrians. Reduce speed and keep a safe position.

Road bend with a restricted view ahead
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Why should you take extra care if oil or diesel is spilled on the road?

140. Why should you take extra care if oil or diesel is spilled on the road?

It can make the brakes overheat.
It can damage road markings immediately.
It can increase tyre pressure.
✓ It can make the road extremely slippery.

Oil, diesel and other fluids can create a very slippery road surface, particularly for motorcycles and bicycles. Reduce speed, avoid sudden braking or steering and keep the vehicle as stable as possible when crossing a contaminated area.

Oil or diesel spilled on a road surface
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

141. What does this dashboard symbol indicate?

Engine-management warning.
Brake-system warning.
✓ Low tyre pressure.
Electronic stability control.

This symbol indicates that one or more tyres may have low pressure. Check the tyre pressures and inspect the tyres for damage or a puncture.

Tyre-pressure warning symbol on the dashboard
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do before reversing your vehicle?

142. What should you do before reversing your vehicle?

Rely on the reversing camera if one is fitted.
Sound the horn before reversing and proceed.
Check behind only after you start moving.
✓ Check all around and make sure it is safe.

Before reversing, check all around the vehicle, including blind spots, for pedestrians, cyclists, vehicles, and other hazards. Reverse slowly and keep checking as you move.

Vehicle preparing to reverse from a driveway
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
Which vehicles are especially vulnerable to strong crosswinds?

143. Which vehicles are especially vulnerable to strong crosswinds?

✓ High-sided vehicles such as trucks, buses, and vans.
Low, heavily loaded vehicles.
Vehicles without winter tyres.
Electric vehicles.

High-sided vehicles can be pushed sideways because of their large side area. Cyclists and motorcyclists can also be strongly affected by sudden gusts.

High-sided vehicle exposed to crosswinds
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when crossing a road with no marked crossing nearby?

144. What should you do when crossing a road with no marked crossing nearby?

Cross between parked vehicles if traffic seems quiet.
Cross near a bend if approaching traffic seems slow.
Cross diagonally to spend less time in each lane.
✓ Choose a place with a clear view in both directions.

If there is no marked crossing nearby, choose a safe place where you can clearly see approaching traffic.

Pedestrian preparing to cross a road without a marked crossing
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if your vehicle begins to drift onto the shoulder?

145. What should you do if your vehicle begins to drift onto the shoulder?

Brake firmly before returning to the road.
Accelerate slightly before steering back onto the road.
✓ Ease off the accelerator and steer back smoothly when safe.
Steer back onto the road as quickly as possible.

If you drift onto the shoulder, avoid sudden steering or braking. Slow gently and return to the road smoothly when it is safe.

Vehicle drifting towards the road shoulder
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do if an EV charging connector will not release from the vehicle?

146. What should you do if an EV charging connector will not release from the vehicle?

Twist the connector from side to side until it comes loose.
✓ Stop the charging session, unlock the vehicle, and follow the instructions.
Pull the connector out as hard as possible.
Use a tool to prise the connector from the charging port.

Charging connectors may remain locked while charging or until the vehicle is unlocked. Stop the charging session and follow the vehicle or charger's release procedure. Never force the connector; if it remains stuck, seek appropriate assistance.

Charging connector attached to an electric vehicle
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
How can strong crosswinds affect a vehicle towing a trailer?

147. How can strong crosswinds affect a vehicle towing a trailer?

They affect only the towing vehicle, not the trailer.
They improve tyre grip on exposed roads.
They matter only when the trailer is empty.
✓ They can push the trailer sideways and reduce stability.

Trailers have large side surfaces and may be affected strongly by wind, especially on bridges and exposed roads.

Vehicle and trailer exposed to crosswinds
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What is the purpose of the anti-dazzle control on the rear-view mirror?

148. What is the purpose of the anti-dazzle control on the rear-view mirror?

✓ To reduce glare from headlights behind.
To adjust the exterior mirrors.
To enlarge the view behind.
To heat the rear window.

The anti-dazzle setting reduces glare from the headlights of vehicles behind, helping the driver maintain a clear view without being dazzled.

Anti-dazzle control on an interior rear-view mirror
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What should you do when people are waiting at a pedestrian crossing?

149. What should you do when people are waiting at a pedestrian crossing?

Drive through if the pedestrians are still waiting.
Sound your horn so pedestrians wait.
Maintain your speed until someone starts crossing.
✓ Slow down and stop if they want to cross.

When people are waiting near a pedestrian crossing, reduce your speed and be ready to stop. Pedestrians may begin crossing at any moment.

People waiting at a pedestrian crossing
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA
What does the AUTO setting on the lighting control do?

150. What does the AUTO setting on the lighting control do?

✓ It switches the headlights on or off automatically when needed.
It flashes the headlights automatically.
It switches on the hazard warning lights.
It keeps the main beam switched on.

The AUTO lighting setting allows the vehicle to switch its exterior lights on or off automatically according to ambient light conditions. The driver remains responsible for ensuring that the correct lights are being used.

AUTO setting on the vehicle's lighting control
AI-generated by Traffic-rules.com • WCIT • CC BY-SA