Monday to Saturday - 8:00 -17:30
At Blue Dot Rentals, your safety is our top priority.
If you’re new to driving in New Zealand, or just need a refresher, here are the key rules and tips to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
Key Driving Rules in New Zealand
- Drive on the Left:
Always drive on the left-hand side of the road.
➔ NZTA - Keeping Left - Seatbelts Are Mandatory:
All passengers must wear seatbelts at all times, whether seated in the front or back.
➔ NZTA - Seatbelt Rules - Speed Limits:
- Urban areas: 50 km/h unless otherwise indicated.
- Open roads and highways: 100 km/h unless signposted otherwise.
➔ NZTA - Speed Limits
- No Mobile Phones While Driving:
Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is illegal.
➔ NZTA - Mobile Phone Use - Zero Alcohol Tolerance (Under 20 Years):
Drivers under 20 must have a blood alcohol level of zero.
➔ NZTA - Alcohol Limits for Under 20 - Low Alcohol Limit (20 Years and Over):
Legal limit is 0.05% blood alcohol concentration.
➔ NZTA - Alcohol Limits for 20+ - Give Way Rules:
Always give way to your right at intersections unless signs indicate otherwise.
➔ NZTA - Give Way Rules - Use Indicators:
Always signal for at least 3 seconds before turning or changing lanes.
➔ NZTA - Using Indicators - School Zones:
Slow down to 40 km/h (or the posted limit) when passing schools during active times.
➔ NZTA - School Zones - Roundabouts:
Always give way to traffic coming from your right.
➔ NZTA - Roundabouts
Important Things to Be Careful About
- Changing Weather Conditions:
NZ weather can change quickly. Always check forecasts and drive to the conditions.
➔ NZTA - Driving to the Conditions - Narrow and Winding Roads:
Many rural roads are narrow, steep, or winding. Drive cautiously. - One-Lane Bridges:
Look for the signs showing who has right of way. Take turns carefully.
➔ NZTA - One-Lane Bridges - Animals on the Road:
Watch for livestock and wildlife in rural areas. - Rest Often:
Plan to stop and rest every 2 hours on long trips to stay alert.
➔ NZTA - Fatigue and Driving - Slow Vehicles:
Use passing bays if you are driving slower than the traffic behind you. - Parking Rules:
Only park in legal and designated areas. Check for signs carefully. - Toll Roads:
Some motorways require toll payments. You can pay online.
➔ NZTA - Toll Roads - Emergency Number:
Dial 111 for Police, Fire, or Ambulance emergencies.
➔ NZ Police - Emergency Help
Plan Ahead, Drive Safe, and Enjoy New Zealand!
For full official information, visit New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA).