Changes to two of the give way rules

Adapted in accordance with Section 69 of the Copyright Act 1994 by the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind, for the sole use of persons who have a print disability.

Produced 2012 by Accessible Format Production, RNZFB, Auckland

This edition is a transcription of the following print edition:

Published by the NZ Transport Agency and the New Zealand Government 2012.

The give way rules change at 5am on Sunday 25 March 2012

All traffic signals and signs at intersections that show road users what they need to do will not change. These still need to be obeyed.

There are two give way rules that will be changing.

Change 1: The left turn versus right turn rule

The new rule will require all traffic turning right to give way to a vehicle coming from the opposite direction and turning left. This will apply at crossroads, T-intersections and driveways where:

• both vehicles are facing each other with no signs or signals (uncontrolled)

• both vehicles are facing give way signs

• both vehicles are facing stop signs

• both vehicles are facing green traffic signals.

Image:

Image caption: Example shown with vehicles facing no signs or signals

Transcriber’s Note: The image shows two vehicles turning into a side street from a T intersection. The vehicle turning right across the road is shown to have to give way to the vehicle turning left into the same street. End of Note.

End of Image.

Vehicle turning right will have to give way

Image:

Image caption: Example shown with vehicles facing the same signs or signals

Transcriber’s Note: The image shows two vehicles opposite each other, both wanting to turn onto the same road, and both at give way signs. The vehicle making the right hand turn across the centre line is shown having to give way to the vehicle making the left hand turn onto the same road. End of Note.

End of Image

Vehicle turning right will have to give way

As a pedestrian at traffic signal controlled intersections, you need to be alert to the left turning traffic that will not be required to give way to right turning traffic. If the left turning vehicle is coming from behind you, remember to check as the light changes and you get the tactile audible crossing signal that the turning driver is giving way to pedestrians.

At stop and give way signs, you still need to check for all traffic to identify an appropriate time to cross. Remember that the left turner will turn before right turning traffic.

At T-intersections you will still need to check for traffic from all directions and identify a safe time to cross. The left turning vehicle will not have to give way to the right turning vehicle.

The new rules come into effect at 5am on Sunday 25 March 2012

Change 2: At uncontrolled T-intersections (no signs or signals)

Image:

Transcriber’s Note: The image shows a T intersection with two cars wanting to make turns. The car at the top of the T making a right turn is shown to have right of way. The car coming out into the T wanting to make a right turn is shown having to give way. End of Note.

End of Image

Vehicle turning right will have to give way

At an uncontrolled T-intersection, all traffic from a terminating road (bottom of the T shape) will have to give way to all traffic on a continuing road (across the top of the T).

This means a vehicle turning right from the bottom of the T into the continuing road (top of the T) will have to give way to cars turning into the bottom of the T. Drivers are being reminded with the statement "top of the T goes before me".

This rule change will also apply to uncontrolled driveways, such as at a supermarket or hospital. 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 cyclepath or shared path. Drivers should not pull out to block the footpath in front of pedestrians and cyclists.

There is no change at roundabouts.

The new rules come into effect at 5 am on Sunday 25 March 2012