Two of the give way rules are changing
Source : NZ Transport agencyThe rules are changing so we will give way exactly the same as we used to in South Africa
It gonna take some getting used to again though
Here is the article from the NZ Transport Agency website
To make our roads safer, two of the give way rules are changing. These changes come into effect at 5am on Sunday 25 March 2012. Until then the current give-way rules apply.
These changes will affect all drivers, riders, pedestrians and cyclists. Make sure you know the new rules so you’ll know what to do.
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 both vehicles are facing each other with no signs or signals, or the same signs or signals.
An example of each situation where the new rule will apply is shown below. In each of the diagrams below the RED car with the dotted arrow has to give way to the GREEN car:
a) Both vehicles facing each other with no signs or signals (neither vehicle is controlled)
New rules from 25 Marc 2012: Vehicle turning right has to give way (when neither vehicle is controlled).New rules from 25 Marc 2012: Vehicle turning right has to give way (when neither vehicle is controlled).
b) Both vehicles facing Give Way signs
New rules from 25 March 2012: Vehicle turning right has to give way (both vehicles controlled by a Give Way sign).
c) Both vehicles facing Stop signs
New rules from 25 March 2012: Vehicle turning right has to give way (when both vehicles are facing Stop signs).
d) Both vehicles facing green traffic signals
New rules from 25 March 2012: Vehicle turning right has to give way (when both vehicles are 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 with the dotted arrow has to give way to the GREEN car:
New rules from 25 March 2012: uncontrolled T-intersections.
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.
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:
If you are at an intersection controlled by a Stop sign, you must stop and give way to all other vehicles.
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.
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.
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)
If the rules above do not determine who gives way, give way to vehicles coming from your right.
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.
Public awareness campaign
It’s important that you stick to the current rules until 5am on Sunday 25 March 2012.
A public information 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.
Further information
This website page will continue to be updated for 1 March 2012 with more give way resources..
The give way rules are part of the Road User Rule amendment 2011. Other changes to the Road User Rule came into effect on 1 October 2011.
