Changes to the Give Way Rules

The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) has uploaded a range of new resources on the official website for information on upcoming changes to New Zealand’s give way rules - www.giveway.govt.nz, including an interactive quiz and a new computer ‘drive through’ animation illustrating how the two new rules will work.

The dedicated give way website section now has three different pages. The Overview page features a new video showing the rule changes from a birds-eye view as well as from the driver’s perspective, along with still images, updated Q&As and a background document. The dedicated Resources page hosts a range of leaflets available in 13 languages, posters, a presentation and resources for deaf people or pedestrians with a vision impairment. The Quiz page has an interactive quiz for the public to test themselves on their knowledge of the new rules and some of the current rules.

NZTA Chief Executive Geoff Dangerfield said a $1.2 million nationwide advertising campaign promoting awareness of the rule changes would kick off on March 15, ten days prior to the ‘go-live’ date, and would continue through until April 1. The campaign will include TV, radio, online and print advertising, and leaflets explaining the changes would be delivered to 1.73 million homes. The advertising will focus on highlighting the date of the change, and will provide a simple overview of the new rules.

Changing the give way rules is one of the first actions being implemented as part of the Government’s Safer Journeys road safety strategy, aimed at significantly reducing death and injury on New Zealand’s roads by 2020.

1. When do the give-way rules change?

They will change at 5am on Sunday 25 March 2012. It’s important that road users continue to use the existing rules until then.

2. Are all the give-way rules at intersections changing?

No. Traffic signs and signals are placed at intersections to show road users what they need to do and this will not change. Road users should continue to obey all road signs and signals.

Here is a snapshot of the current give way rules:

a) If you are at an intersection controlled by a Stop sign, you must stop and give way to all other vehicles.

b) If you are at an intersection controlled by a Give Way sign, you must give way to all other vehicles except those controlled by a Stop sign.

c) If you are turning, give way to all vehicles not turning. Note: If the road is marked with a centre line, you are deemed to be turning if you leave the path of the centre line. If you follow the path of the centre line, you are deemed to be not turning.

d) If you are turning left, give way to vehicles coming towards you that are turning right. (NOTE: THIS IS ONE OF THE RULES THAT WILL CHANGE)

e) If the rules above do not determine who gives way, give way to vehicles coming from your right.

3. What give-way rules will be changing at 5am on 25 March 2012?

There are two give-way rules that will be changing:

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

From 5am on 25 March 2012, this new rule will require all traffic turning right to give way to a vehicle coming from the opposite direction and turning left. This only applies at cross roads, T-intersections and driveways where:

a) both vehicles are facing each other with no signs or signals (neither vehicle is controlled)

b) both vehicles are facing give way signs

c) both vehicles are facing stop signs

 
 d) both vehicles are facing green traffic signals

 

An example of each situation where the new rule will apply is shown below. In each of the diagrams below the RED car has to give way to the GREEN car:

a) Both vehicles facing each other with no signs or signals (neither vehicle is controlled)

b) Both vehicles facing Give Way signs

c) Both vehicles facing Stop signs

d) Both vehicles facing green traffic signals

Change 2: At uncontrolled T-intersections (‘uncontrolled’ means when there are no signs or signals to tell you what to do)

At an uncontrolled T-intersection, all traffic from a terminating road (bottom of the T) will have to give way to all traffic on a continuing road (top of the T). This will bring it into line with T-intersections where there are Stop or Give Way signs on the terminating road. In the diagram below the RED car has to give way to the GREEN car:


This rule change will also apply to uncontrolled driveways, such as at a supermarket or hospital. From 5am on 25 March 2012 the traffic exiting the driveway will need to give way to all traffic on the road.

All vehicles entering or exiting a driveway must continue to give way to pedestrians on a footpath, or cyclists and pedestrians on a cycle path or shared path. Drivers should not pull out to block the footpath in front of pedestrians and cyclists.

4. Will there be any changes to the give-way rules at roundabouts?

No. You should continue to give way to vehicles on the roundabout coming from your right.


5. How will the new rules be easier on drivers’ decision making?

Drivers of left-turning vehicles will only need to check whether there are pedestrians crossing the road into which they are turning, and whether there are any cyclists or motorcyclists on the left of their vehicle.

The driver of a right-turning vehicle will need to assess whether there is a sufficient gap in the oncoming traffic for them to safely turn (and check for pedestrians or cyclists who may be crossing the road).

6. Is there an increased risk for cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians?

No. In fact, these changes can help improve safety for these road users. By simplifying decision making, these changes can help motorists become more aware of cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians crossing intersections.

To ensure we see these benefits, everyone needs to share the road safely, follow the road rules and comply with their legal responsibilities.

Cyclists and motorcyclists should continue to comply with their legal responsibilities (to make any authorised movements from an appropriate lane and not to overtake moving traffic on the left if in the same lane).

Pedestrians need to follow the road rules and guidelines as outlined in the New Zealand Road Code, and cross at a pedestrian crossing, footbridge, underpass or traffic signal where possible. If a pedestrian is within 20 metres of a pedestrian crossing, footbridge, underpass or traffic signal, they are required to use it. At an intersection, pedestrians should check all nearby roads for vehicles and remember to check behind and in front for turning traffic.


7. How will I know what to do when the rules change?

It’s important that you stick to the current rules until 5am on Sunday 25 March 2012. An intensive public information campaign is being developed. The campaign will be run in the month leading up to the date of the change on 25 March 2012, with national advertising starting 10 days before the change. This late February start date is necessary to avoid public confusion and minimise the risk of people starting to use the new rules too early.

Resources such as leaflets, a video and an interactive quiz will be available at www.giveway.govt.nz from the end of February 2012. There will be information available in multiple languages and in formats accessible for blind or partially sighted people and deaf people.

The national advertising campaign will include TV, radio, print and online. The NZTA will also be mailing a leaflet to over 1.7million households.

Other organisations with an interest in road safety are also working with us to communicate the rule changes.

Whether you drive, walk, cycle or ride, please take the time to familiarise yourself with the new rules so you know what to do when the time comes.

8. What’s being provided for visibility-impaired or deaf people?

The NZTA is working with the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind and Deaf Aotearoa to provide suitable resources for visibility-impaired and deaf people. These resources will include a large print leaflet, and a video with sign language.

9. What is the website address for more information?

You should visit www.giveway.govt.nz for up-to-date information and resources. You can call the NZTA’s Contact Centre on 0800 656 055.