At 5am on Sunday 25 March, two of the give way rules are changing to make New Zealand’s roads safer.

Whether you drive, walk, cycle or ride, you’ll need to know about the changes to stay safe on our roads. 

Change 1: The left-turn versus right-turn rule

This new rule will require all traffic turning right to give way to all vehicles coming from the opposite direction and turning left. 

Facing no signs or signals

Facing the same signs or signals

This new rule will apply at cross roads, T-intersections and driveways where:

1. both vehicles are facing each other with no signs or signals (as shown above)
2. both vehicles are facing give way signs 
3. both vehicles are facing stop signs (as shown above)
4. both vehicles are facing green traffic signals.

Think: If you’re turning right, give way.

Change 2: Uncontrolled T-intersections

The new rule will require all traffic turning right from a terminating road (bottom of the T) with no signs or signals, to give way to all vehicles on the continuing road (top of the T).

Think: Top of the T goes before me.

This change will bring it into line with T-intersections where there are Stop or Give Way signs on the terminating road.

This change will also apply at driveways including public driveways such as at a supermarket or hospital. Vehicles should continue to give way to pedestrians on a footpath, or cyclists and pedestrians on a cycle path or shared path.

Other give way rules remain the same

Not all of the give way rules are changing – only the two we’ve mentioned. 

Traffic signs and signals are placed at intersections to show road users what they need to do so you should continue to obey these signs and signals.

If you’re turning, you’ll still need to give way to all vehicles not turning. If all other give way rules (and signs and signals) don’t determine who gives way, give way to vehicles coming from your right.

You must also continue to give way to your right at roundabouts.

Why are the rules changing?

Overall, the give way rule changes will reduce the level of judgement needed in complex and dynamic traffic environments, and are expected to promote smoother traffic flow and improve safety.

Public awareness campaign

A dedicated web page is available at www.giveway.govt.nz and will be updated on 29 February with resources such as leaflets in various languages, a video and interactive quiz about the changes. National advertising starts on 15 March.

Five things to remember: Only two give way rules are changing They change at 5am on Sunday 25 March 2012 Change 1: Left turn v right turn. Remember: if you’re turning right give way Change 2: Uncontrolled T-intersections. Remember: Top of the T goes before me Driveways are like T-intersections – so ‘Top of the T goes before me’ still applies