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Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004

This rule establishes the rules under which traffic operates on roads. It applies to all road users, whether they are drivers, riders, passengers, pedestrians, or leading or droving animals.

Rule versions

The ‘Current rule’ will give you the most up-to-date version of the Rule and any amendments made to it. We recommend this as your reference point if you want to read the most current information.
The ‘Original rule and amendments’ will give you the very first version of the rule (as it was when it was first created) as well as links to all amendments made to it over time. We recommend this page as your reference page if you want to research the history of the rule.

Note: Both of these pages will also provide links to the consultation material – such as summary of submissions and FAQs (questions and answers) – for each version and amendment.

Questions and answers

Questions and answers are provided to accompany a new rule or amendment when they are signed. These and other consultation documents on this page have not been updated to take into account any later rule amendments and are retained for historic interest only.

Land Transport Rules - Questions & answers

Land Transport (Road User) Amendment Rule (No 2) [2009]

Print version: Land Transport (Road User) Amendment Rule (No 2) [2009] (PDF, 12 KB)

What Rule is being amended?

This amendment Rule will make changes to the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004(external link) (the Road User Rule).

When will the amendment Rule come into force?

The amendment Rule will come into force on 11 December 2009. Until that date the existing Road User Rule requirements will continue to apply.

What does the Road User Rule do?

The Road User Rule sets out requirements for the safe and efficient use of roads by road users (ie, drivers, riders, passengers, pedestrians and those leading or riding animals).

What changes will be made in the Road User Amendment Rule (No 2)?

In addressing the dangers of hand-held mobile phone distraction in the Road User Amendment Rule 2009, there was no intention to make it illegal for motorists to use the music and satellite navigation functions of their mobile phones.

Land Transport (Road User) Amendment Rule (No 2) 2009 (PDF, 817 KB) allows drivers to use the satellite navigation and music features of their mobile phone while driving, provided the phone is mounted in the vehicle and is only manipulated and looked at infrequently and briefly.

What is the safest way to use these devices?

Phones and satellite navigation systems should always be programmed while the vehicle is stationary, as doing so in a moving vehicle is a potential distraction.

How can I obtain a copy of this amendment Rule?

A copy of the amendment Rule will be available for purchase from selected bookshops that sell legislation or direct from Legislation Direct, telephone (04) 568 0005.

Final rules are available on our website(external link)

How can I obtain further information about the amendment Rule?

Further information about the amendment Rule may be obtained by calling the NZ Transport Agency Contact Centre on Freephone 0800 699 000.

Last updated: 16 November 2009

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