Land Transport Rule

Traffic Control Devices 2004

Rule 54002

Note: This Rule should be read in conjunction with Land Transport Rule: Traffic Control Devices Amendment 2005, Land Transport Rule: Traffic Control Devices Amendment 2006 and Transport Rule: Traffic Control Devices Amendment 2007.

Contents

Objective of the rule

Extent of consultation

Part 1     Rule requirements

Section 1     Application

Section 2     Role of road controlling authorities

Section 3     General requirements for traffic control devices

Section 4     Traffic signs

Section 5     Markings

Section 6     Traffic signals

Section 7     Channelling traffic

Section 8     Pedestrian crossings, school crossing points, school patrols and other pedestrian facilities

Section 9     Level crossings

Section 10     Intersections

Section 11     Traffic control devices for special classes of vehicle and road user

Section 12     Stopping, standing and parking

Section 13     Responsibilities, functions and powers

Part 2     Definitions

Part 3     Schedules

 

Objective of the rule

Land Transport Rule: Traffic Control Devices 2004 specifies the requirements for the design, construction, installation, operation and maintenance of traffic control devices, and sets out the functions and responsibilities of road controlling authorities in providing traffic control devices to give effect to their decisions on the control of traffic.

This rule clarifies, consolidates and rationalises the existing requirements for traffic control devices. It addresses the risks to land transport safety arising from the use of traffic control devices.

The objective of the rule is to contribute to a safe and efficient road network by ensuring that traffic is controlled by means of traffic control devices that are safe, appropriate, effective and uniform and are applied in a consistent manner.

The purpose of this rule is to contribute to the safe and efficient operation of our road network by:

The rule states who is responsible for ensuring compliance with its requirements: road controlling authorities, rail operators, operators of hand-held ‘Stop’ signs, school patrols and all other road users.

 

Extent of consultation

Consultation on Land Transport Rule: Traffic Control Devices 2004 began formally, in February 2002, with the release of the red draft for comment by industry and other interested organisations and individuals. Fifty-five submissions were received.

The Land Transport Safety Authority (LTSA) released the public consultation (yellow) draft of the rule in February 2003 and sent copies to more than 560 organisations and individuals who had expressed an interest, or who were considered likely to be interested, in the rule. The availability of the yellow draft was publicised in metropolitan newspapers, selected regional newspapers, the New Zealand Gazette, Te Maori News, and various industry publications. Copies of the draft rules were sent to overseas libraries and transport authorities. The draft rule and associated material were also accessible on the LTSA’s website. The LTSA received 65 submissions on the yellow draft rule.

To assist with the production of the rule, the LTSA appointed a Technical Advisory Group of experts drawn from Transit New Zealand, Association of Consulting Engineers of New Zealand, New Zealand Road Safety Manufacturers Association, New Zealand Automobile Association, New Zealand Roadmarkers Federation, New Zealand Police, and Christchurch, Manukau and Hamilton City Councils. The members of the Technical Advisory Group provided advice as technical experts rather than as representatives of their respective organisations. They provided the LTSA with useful comments that were taken into account in drafting the rule.

Issues identified in submissions were taken into account in redrafting this rule, and when required, were resolved through discussion with the affected industry group, before the rule was submitted to Cabinet, and to the Minister for Transport Safety for signature.

 

Material incorporated by reference

Documents that are ‘incorporated by reference’ in this rule are available, on request, for inspection (free of charge) at the head office of the LTSA. Contact details for the LTSA are listed at the front of the rule.

 

Part 1     Rule requirements

Section 1     Application

1.1     Title

This rule is Land Transport Rule: Traffic Control Devices 2004.

 

1.2     Scope of the rule

This rule:

 

1.3     Objective of the rule

The objective of this rule is to contribute to a safe and efficient roading environment for all road users by ensuring that traffic is controlled by means of traffic control devices that are safe, appropriate, effective, uniform and consistently applied.

 

1.4     Date when rule comes into force

This rule comes into force on 27 February 2005.

 

1.5     Application of rule provisions

If there is a conflict between a provision of this rule and the corresponding provision of a document incorporated by reference in the rule, the provision of this rule applies.

 

Section 2     Role of road controlling authorities

2.1(1)     A road controlling authority must:

2.1(2)     A road controlling authority may authorise and, as appropriate, install, operate or remove traffic control devices:

 

Section 3     General requirements for traffic control devices

3.1     General safety requirements for traffic control devices

Traffic control devices, whether used singly or in combination, must contribute to the safe and effective control of traffic, and must:

 

3.2     Use of traffic control devices

3.2(1)     Except as otherwise provided in this rule, a traffic control device that was authorised by or under any enactment and installed before the commencement of this rule may continue to be used for the purpose for which it was intended, only if it:

3.2(2)     Except as provided in 4.2(6), 4.2(9), 4.4(14), 4.4(17) and 11.7(1)(b), a person must not provide or operate a traffic control device on a road without first obtaining approval from the road controlling authority in control of that road.

3.2(3)     The Director may, at any time, by notice in writing to a road controlling authority, prohibit the installation, or require the modification or removal, of a traffic control device that does not comply with this rule, or that presents, or may present, a hazard to road safety.

3.2(4)     The Director may direct a road controlling authority to install any traffic control device that the Director considers necessary in the interests of the safe or efficient use of a road.

3.2(5)     A person must not install on a road, or in or on a place visible from a road, a sign, device or object that is not a traffic control device; but that:

3.2(6)     A person must not:

 

3.3     Matters to be taken into account when providing, modifying and removing traffic control devices

A road controlling authority, in deciding whether to provide, modify or remove a traffic control device, must:

 

3.4     Trials of traffic control devices

3.4(1)     The Director may, from time to time, by notice in the Gazette, authorise a road controlling authority to install and maintain a traffic control device for trial purposes.

3.4(2)     If the Director declines to authorise a trial under 3.4(1), the Director must advise the road controlling authority of the grounds for doing so.

3.4(3)     Although it may not otherwise comply with this rule, a traffic control device in 3.4(1) must comply with:

3.4(4)     The Director must state the following in the Gazette notice:

3.4(5)     The Director may impose any other terms and conditions on the trial of a traffic control device that the Director considers necessary.

3.4(6)     Not less than two weeks before a trial traffic control device is installed, a road controlling authority must advertise separately in at least two editions of a local newspaper circulating in the district in which the trial is to be held, the placement of the traffic control device to be trialled and the purpose of the trial.

3.4(7)     The Director may terminate the trial of a traffic control device by notice in writing to the road controlling authority, stating the grounds for the decision to terminate the trial, if the Director considers it is unsafe to continue the trial or the circumstances relating to the trial have changed or the conditions of the trial are not being complied with.

3.4(8)     If a trial is terminated in accordance with 3.4(7), the Director must notify the termination of the trial by notice in the Gazette.

3.4(9)     A road controlling authority must remove a traffic control device installed under 3.4(1) immediately following the receipt of notice under 3.4(7).

3.4(10)     If the Director is satisfied that the results of a trial justify a recommendation that this rule be amended to allow all road controlling authorities to use the traffic control device, the traffic control device may continue in use, subject to any conditions that the Director may impose, until either:

3.4(11)     If 3.4(10)(a) applies, the Director must notify the continued use of the traffic control device by notice in the Gazette.

 

Section 4     Traffic signs

4.1     Purposes of traffic signs

A traffic sign may be:

 

4.2     Provision of traffic signs

Regulatory signs

4.2(1)     A road controlling authority must provide a regulatory sign to instruct road users of the speed at which they may travel where a speed limit changes, and at intervals within the speed limit area, as specified in section 8 of Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2003.

4.2(2)     A road controlling authority must install regulatory signs in accordance with 4.2(3) to draw attention to a requirement, restriction or prohibition on road users when:

4.2(3)     Regulatory signs must be installed to instruct road users of a requirement, restriction or prohibition on traffic:

Permanent warning signs

4.2(4)     A road controlling authority must install a permanent warning sign at any place where it considers special care or reduced speed is appropriate, and, in particular, must consider its appropriateness near the entrance to a school, kindergarten, pre-school centre or hospital.

 

Temporary warning signs

4.2(5)     A road controlling authority must install temporary warning signs if it considers there is, or is likely to arise, at any place on a road, a temporary risk of:

4.2(6)     For a temporary hazard, such as a disabled vehicle on the road, an accident, a slip, a washout or a broken transmission line, an appropriate temporary warning sign may be erected by:

4.2(7)     A temporary sign under 4.2(5) and 4.2(6) must be removed as soon as the need for it has ended.

4.2(8)     Despite 4.2(7), the Director or a member of the New Zealand Police may, at any time, direct that a temporary warning sign be removed or additional signs be installed.

4.2(9)     Any person may erect a ‘warning’ triangle sign on a roadway to inform approaching road users of an accident or a broken-down vehicle.

 

Advisory signs

4.2(10)     A road controlling authority must install and maintain signs, as it considers necessary or desirable, to inform road users of destinations, routes, street names, distances, the names of localities or other information of value to road users.

 

4.3     Types of traffic sign

4.3(1)     A traffic sign that displays appropriate regulatory, warning or advisory messages for road users may be either:

4.3(2)     A ‘variable’ traffic sign, which is capable of displaying a different message to meet traffic management needs at different times, may be either a permanent or a temporary sign.

 

4.4     General requirements for traffic signs

Description of traffic signs

4.4(1)     Subject to 4.4(2), a traffic sign, and the details on the sign, must comply with the minimum dimensions specified in Schedule 1.

4.4(2)     The dimensions of a traffic sign may be increased provided that the dimensions of each letter, numeral, symbol or other detail on the sign are kept in approximate proportion to the dimensions of the other details on the sign.

4.4(3)     Except as provided in 4.4(4) and 4.4(5), a traffic sign may display only words or symbols that are allowed by this rule.

4.4(4)     Despite 4.4(3), the Director may, by notice in the Gazette, authorise the installation and maintenance of a traffic sign that does not comply with this rule.

4.4(5)     A traffic sign, other than a regulatory sign, may display one monogram or one logo:

4.4(6)     A traffic sign may not display on the reverse side written material or a monogram, except:

4.4(7)     If this rule requires a traffic sign or part of a traffic sign to be reflectorised, it must be:

4.4(8)     A traffic sign, or a letter, numeral, border or symbol displayed on a traffic sign, must be of a type and of the appropriate colour specified in Schedule 1.

 

Installation of traffic signs

4.4(9)     A road controlling authority must install a traffic sign on the left-hand side of the road from the point of view of a person approaching the sign, except if a different position:

4.4(10)     If a traffic sign has been installed on the left-hand side of the road, a sign conveying the same message may also be installed on the right-hand side of the road, on a traffic island or on a median.

 

Support for traffic signs

4.4(11)     Written material (other than a supplementary notice relating to a passenger service) or a monogram must not be displayed on a pole on which a road controlling authority has installed a traffic sign.

4.4(12)     The colour and form of a pole that is used to support a traffic sign specified in 6.3(4), 6.3(5), 8.2(9) and 9.4(3) may be used only for the purpose specified in those provisions.

 

Vehicle-mounted signs

4.4(13)     A traffic sign must not be displayed on a vehicle unless:

4.4(14)     A motor vehicle that is being used as a school bus must display on the outside of the vehicle a ‘School Bus’ sign, as specified in Schedule 1, at both the front and the rear.

4.4(15)     A sign in 4.4(14) must be mounted:

4.4(16)     When a vehicle in 4.4(14) is not being used for transporting school children, the ‘School Bus’ sign must not be displayed.

4.4(17)     A motor vehicle that is required under Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002 to display a vehicle-mounted sign must comply with the relevant provisions in that rule relating to vehicle-mounted signs.

4.4(18)     An appropriate warning sign may be installed on a motor vehicle:

4.4(19)     A variable traffic sign that provides a range of information to motorists and that complies with 4.6, may be mounted on a motor vehicle provided that the vehicle remains stationary in a safe position on the road side.

4.4(20)     The information that may be provided by a variable traffic sign in 4.4(19) includes:

4.4(21)     When a motor vehicle is not being used for any of the purposes described in 4.4(18) or 4.4(19) the sign must not be displayed.

 

4.5     Specific requirements for traffic signs

Combining signs

4.5(1)     A traffic sign must not be installed with another sign on the same pole or in the same location on the same building, wall or fence, except:

Signs on traffic signals or pedestrian poles

4.5(2)     A traffic sign must not be installed on:

 

4.6     Variable traffic signs

A variable traffic sign must:

 

4.7     Advertising signs

A sign, hoarding or similar structure used or intended to be used for the purposes of advertising must not contain:

 

Section 5     Markings

5.1     Purposes of markings

A marking has one of the following functions:

 

5.2     Provision of markings

5.2(1) A road controlling authority must, except if the road surface makes this impracticable, provide markings if required to do so by this rule or any other enactment.

5.2(2) When providing markings for any of the purposes in 5.1, a road controlling authority must comply with this rule.

5.2(3) A road controlling authority may provide regulatory markings on a road under its control if necessary or desirable for the guidance of traffic or to draw attention to a requirement that controls traffic.

 

5.3     Method of marking

A marking may consist of:

 

5.4     General requirements for markings

Description of markings

5.4(1)     A marking, whether or not required under this rule, must comply with the relevant specifications in Schedule 2.

5.4(2)     Subject to 5.4(3), a marking must comply with the minimum dimensions specified in Schedule 2.

5.4(3)     The dimensions of a marking may be increased provided that the dimensions of each letter, numeral, symbol, border or other detail displayed on the marking are kept in approximate proportion to the dimensions of the other details on the marking.

5.4(4)     If this rule requires a marking to be reflectorised, it must be:

5.4(5)     A letter or numeral displayed by a marking must be of a type specified in Schedule 2.

5.4(6)     A raised pavement marker that is applied or attached permanently to the roadway must be white or yellow, except if it is a marker that is:

5.4(7)     A raised pavement marker that was installed before the commencement of this rule that does not comply with 5.4(6) must be removed by 30 June 2009.

 

5.5     Markings intended for advertising purposes

A person must not install, on a roadway, a marking that is intended to be used for the purpose of advertising or other purpose not connected with the use of the road.

 

Section 6     Traffic signals

6.1     Types and purposes of traffic signals

Traffic signals must be one of the following types:

 

6.2     Provision of traffic signals

6.2(1)     In an area controlled by traffic signals, a road controlling authority must install, for each approach to the area controlled by traffic signals:

6.2(2)     The road controlling authority may install additional signals to allow the controlled area to be used safely and efficiently.

 

6.3     General requirements for traffic signals

Description of traffic signals

6.3(1)     Traffic signal displays must comply with:

Signs at traffic signals

6.3(2)     Except as provided in 9.4(8) or 10.5(2), a road controlling authority must not install a traffic sign on a pole that supports a traffic signal.

 

Markings at traffic signals

6.3(3)     Where an area of road is controlled by traffic signals, unless the road surface makes it impracticable, a road controlling authority must mark, in accordance with section 5, the following on a roadway under its control:

Mounting of signals

6.3(4)     A steady traffic signal display, other than a temporary traffic signal or a pedestrian display, must be mounted on:

6.3(5)     A temporary traffic signal must be mounted on a yellow painted pole or stand and the top of the signal display must be not less than 2.5 m nor more than 4 m from the surface of the road.

6.3(6)     If a traffic signal is a flashing red vehicle display:

 

6.4     Steady vehicle displays in the form of a continuous display

6.4(1)     Except as provided in 6.4(14), the configuration and combination of a steady vehicle display must comply with one of the displays in Schedule 3.

6.4(2)     A steady vehicle display of a green, yellow or red disc signal applies to all traffic facing those signals, but may be overridden:

Sequence of steady vehicle displays

6.4(3)     A steady vehicle display must operate in the following sequence, as appropriate:

 

Operation of steady vehicle displays

6.4(4)     In a single or multi-column steady vehicle display, other than for a roundabout signal or ramp signal display, at least one of the signals must be lit.

6.4(5)     Two signals must not be displayed simultaneously in the same column, unless:

6.4(6)     Traffic signals must operate so that vehicular traffic entering a controlled area in compliance with the signals from different approaches does not conflict, except for:

6.4(7)     Paragraph 6.4(6)(c) does not apply if a green arrow signal is displayed and if vehicular traffic can proceed in the direction indicated by the arrow without having to give way to vehicular traffic and pedestrians that are allowed to proceed at the same time.

6.4(8)     When vehicular traffic in different lanes approaching an area controlled by traffic signals is allowed to move in different directions at different times, multi-column traffic signals mounted side-by-side must be used to control the movement of vehicular traffic in the different lanes.

6.4(9)     A steady yellow disc signal must be displayed for at least three seconds.

 

Displays for special classes of vehicle

6.4(10)     If a bus lane traverses an area controlled by traffic signals, the road controlling authority:

6.4(11)     If a light-rail vehicle track traverses an area controlled by traffic signals, the road controlling authority:

6.4(12)     If a cycle lane traverses an area controlled by traffic signals, the road controlling authority:

 

Roundabout signals

6.4(13)     Roundabout signals in the form described in 6.4(14) and sequence described in 6.4(15) may be used to control the traffic from one or more of the approaches to a roundabout for the periods that this is required, if:

6.4(14)     A roundabout signal must comprise:

6.4(15)     A roundabout signal must operate in the following sequence:

 

Ramp signals

6.4(16)     When traffic entering a motorway is to be controlled to prevent the breakdown of traffic flow on the motorway, ramp signals and signs, in the form and the display in 6.4(17) or the display and signal sequence in 6.4(19) and (20), must be used for the periods for which they are required.

6.4(17)     A ramp signal must comprise at least:

6.4(18)     A ramp signal may also include, for each approach lane on the ramp in advance of display A, a display (display C) with a traffic signal warning sign erected above a variable traffic sign that displays either the words ‘Prepare to Stop’ or ‘Ramp Signal Off’.

6.4(19) When the ramp signal is in the ‘off’ state:

6.4(20)     When the ramp signal is operational:

 

Temporary traffic signals

6.4(21)     A road controlling authority may install and operate temporary traffic signals, for a continuous period not exceeding six months, to control traffic only when:

6.4(22)     Temporary traffic signals may operate only when:

6.4(23)     Temporary traffic signals may operate for non-continuous periods at the same site provided that the signals and all temporary warning signs associated with their operation are removed, securely covered or are otherwise not visible to approaching drivers when the signals are not operating.

 

6.5     Flashing vehicle displays

Flashing yellow displays for warning of signal malfunction

6.5(1)     If traffic signals are out of order because of a signal display outage or for maintenance, yellow signals flashing at approximately one Hertz with approximately equal on- and off-times must be displayed and be visible to all traffic approaching the area controlled by the traffic signals.

 

Flashing yellow displays for signal commissioning or restart

6.5(2)     When traffic signals are commissioned, or are being restarted after a signal outage in 6.5(4)(a) has ended, yellow disc signals flashing at approximately one Hertz must be displayed, and must be:

6.5(3)     For the avoidance of doubt, 6.5(2) does not apply to a signal controller installed before the commencement of this rule, provided it complies when upgraded or replaced.

6.5(4)     A signal display outage occurs when:

 

Flashing yellow displays for advance warning traffic signals

6.5(5)     A road controlling authority may install advance-warning traffic signals when queues of traffic regularly occur or there are traffic signals in close proximity, and:

6.5(6)     Advance-warning traffic signals must comprise two yellow disc signals that comply with the specifications in Schedule 3 and that flash alternately at approximately one Hertz with approximately equal on- and off-times.

6.5(7)     Advance-warning traffic signals must flash only when:

6.5(8)     A road controlling authority must install a warning sign and one of the accompanying supplementary warning signs in Schedule 1 in conjunction with advance-warning traffic signals.

6.5(9)     When providing advance-warning traffic signals, a road controlling authority must install the signals:

6.5(10)     A road controlling authority may install additional advance-warning traffic signals to increase the effectiveness of the advance-warning traffic signals.

 

Flashing red displays for level crossings

6.5(11)     Traffic signals at a level crossing must comprise two red disc signals mounted horizontally that flash alternately.

6.5(12)     While the signals in 6.5(11) are flashing, they may be supplemented with an audible warning device as an additional warning to road users not to enter the controlled area.

 

Flashing red displays for special situations and emergency vehicle access

6.5(13)     Signals for controlling traffic in special situations or at emergency vehicle access points must comprise:

6.5(14)     The signals in 6.5(13)(b) must operate in the following sequence:

 

6.6     Pedestrian displays

6.6(1)     A road controlling authority may install pedestrian traffic signals only in conjunction with steady vehicle displays.

6.6(2)     If providing pedestrian traffic signals, a road controlling authority must install the signals in a position on a roadway under its control so that the signals clearly indicate to pedestrians when they may enter the roadway.

6.6(3)     Pedestrian traffic signals must comprise the following:

6.6(4)     Pedestrian signals must operate in the following sequence:

 

Section 7     Channelling traffic

7.1     Provision of traffic control devices for channelling traffic

7.1(1)     A road controlling authority may provide traffic control devices to channel traffic for the purposes of improving traffic safety and the efficiency of traffic movement.

7.1(2)     Channelling traffic is achieved by using traffic control devices, separately or in combination, to define parts of a roadway that are generally available to road users.

7.1(3)     Traffic control devices that are used to channel traffic include:

 

7.2     Centre-lines

7.2(1)     A road controlling authority may mark a centre-line on a roadway that is 5.1 m or more in width.

7.2(2)     A centre-line must be marked with:

7.2(3)     On a two-way roadway that is marked in three or more lanes (not including cycle lanes), the two directions of traffic must, as appropriate to the number of lanes, the speed limit and the anticipated volume of traffic, be separated or indicated by the following:

 

7.3     No-passing lines

7.3(1)     A road controlling authority may mark a no-passing line on a section of roadway if the road controlling authority considers that there is a risk to safety from vehicles that, when passing other vehicles (other than stationary vehicles or cycles) that are moving in the same direction, intrude into a lane that is being used by traffic travelling in the opposite direction.

7.3(2)     A no-passing line applies to traffic that normally travels to the left of the line and must consist of a continuous yellow line not less than 100 mm wide that is marked approximately 100 mm to the left of either:

7.3(3)     If practicable, a no-passing line must be preceded by a line not less than 100 mm wide and consisting of a series of yellow dashes, each of which is not longer than 15 m, to inform drivers of the existence of the no-passing line ahead.

 

7.4     Flush medians

7.4(1)     A road controlling authority may mark a flush median on a roadway if the road controlling authority considers there would be safety and efficiency benefits in:

7.4(2)     A flush median must comprise an area marked by white diagonal lines that are painted along the middle of the roadway and are bounded by approximately parallel, longitudinal white lines.

 

7.5     Edgelines

7.5(1)     If a road controlling authority considers it is desirable, it may mark an edgeline at or near the far left or far right side of the roadway to define an area of roadway for use by vehicles.

7.5(2)     An edgeline must be marked or defined by one or more of the following:

 

7.6     Shoulder markings

7.6(1)     A road controlling authority may mark white diagonal shoulder markings on a road if the road controlling authority considers it is desirable to differentiate the shoulder from the roadway.

7.6(2)     A road controlling authority must mark a sealed shoulder in the form described in 7.6(1) if it is:

 

7.7     Traffic islands

7.7(1)     A road controlling authority may provide a traffic island to:

 

Raised traffic islands

7.7(2)     When providing a raised traffic island, a road controlling authority must:

7.7(3)     A raised traffic island must not have permanent growth, a traffic control device or other object placed on it (unless the device or object is protected) that presents a hazard to road users.

 

Flush traffic islands

7.7(4)     A flush traffic island must have:

 

7.8     Turn bays

7.8(1)     A road controlling authority may mark a turn bay on a roadway if the road controlling authority considers that there would be safety or efficiency benefits in separating turning traffic from through traffic.

7.8(2)     A right-turn bay, which may incorporate white diagonal markings, must be bounded by:

7.8(3)     A left-turn bay may be bounded by:

 

7.9     Kerbs, slow points, chicanes and other structures

7.9(1)     A road controlling authority may provide a traffic control device, including a kerb, road hump, chicane, or slow point, on or adjacent to a road, as appropriate, to:

7.9(2)     A road controlling authority may use signs, markings or delineators in conjunction with a structure in 7.9(1).

7.9(3)     A road hump, chicane, slow point or other channelling device, on or adjacent to a road, that is intended to reduce the travelling speed of vehicles must be illuminated or have reflective delineators or reflective signs installed so that the structure is visible.

7.9(4)     Permanent growth, or a traffic control device or other object placed on a structure in 7.9(1), must not impair visibility.

 

7.10     Delineators

7.10(1)     A road controlling authority may use delineators to regulate, warn or advise traffic.

7.10(2)     Delineators have the following functions:

7.10(3)     Delineators, if used to provide road users with an indication of the travel path to follow, must be installed:

 

7.11     Lane lines

A lane line may be:

7.12     Lanes

7.12(1)     A lane, including a cycle lane, may be indicated to road users by one or more traffic control devices used singly or in combination, including:

7.12(2)     If the use of a lane is restricted to a specific class or classes of vehicle, the traffic control devices that indicate the restriction must comply with section 11.

7.12(3)     A lane that may be used only by road users who are travelling straight ahead or turning in a specific direction must be clearly indicated by:

 

7.13     Variable lane control signs

7.13(1)     The use of a lane may be controlled by means of variable lane control signs that are installed above the lane and that display:

7.13(2)     The symbols in 7.13(1) must comply with the relevant requirements in Schedule 1.

7.13(3)     If a lane has road users travelling in opposite directions at different times, only the following combinations of symbols may be displayed:

7.13(4)     If the use of a lane is changed so as to reverse the direction in which road users must travel, the symbols displayed must have the following sequence:

7.13(5)     A red diagonal cross specified in 7.13(4)(a)(i) or (ii) that is displayed concurrently for both directions must operate for a period that allows safe clearance of traffic from the lane.

7.13(6)     If the use of a lane is changed to exclude road users travelling in one direction for a period, after which the lane reopens for road users travelling in the same direction, the symbols displayed must comply with the sequence in 7.13(4)(a)(i) or (ii), followed by a green downward-facing arrow displayed for the one direction with a red diagonal cross displayed for the opposite direction.

7.13(7)     If lanes used for road users that are travelling in opposite directions are separated by physical barriers:

7.13(8)     If 7.13(7) applies, the symbols displayed must comply with either of the following sequences:

 

Section 8     Pedestrian crossings, school crossing points, school patrols and other pedestrian facilities

8.1     Provision of traffic control devices for pedestrians

8.1(1)     A road controlling authority must use one or more of the following means of controlling traffic when requiring drivers to stop their vehicle while pedestrians cross a roadway:

8.1(2)     A road controlling authority may use one or more of the following means of assisting pedestrians to cross a roadway but which, unless installed in conjunction with one of the devices described in 8.1(1), does not require a driver to stop their vehicle while a pedestrian crosses the roadway:

8.2     Pedestrian crossings

8.2(1)     A road controlling authority may, except for areas controlled by traffic signals, mark a pedestrian crossing on a road for which a speed limit of 50 km/h or less is set.

8.2(2)     A road controlling authority may mark a pedestrian crossing on a road for which a speed limit of more than 50 km/h is set if it has obtained the approval of the Director and complies with any conditions specified in the approval.

8.2(3)     A pedestrian crossing must be marked in reflectorised white and as specified in Schedule 2.

8.2(4)     A pedestrian crossing that was installed before the commencement of this rule that does not comply with 8.2(3) must be marked in reflectorised white as specified in Schedule 2 by 30 June 2007.

8.2(5)     A pedestrian crossing must not, by 30 June 2006, exceed 15 m from one side of the roadway to the other side unless it is:

8.2(6)     Markings for a pedestrian crossing must be placed, as far as practicable, either at right angles to the middle line of the roadway or so as to provide the most convenient route for pedestrians.

8.2(7)     A pedestrian crossing must be placed so that:

Lighting pedestrian crossings

8.2(8)     A pedestrian crossing, other than a pedestrian crossing that in the opinion of the road controlling authority will not generally be used at night, must be kept illuminated when street lights are operating so that the crossing markings and a pedestrian on the crossing are visible.

Poles, markings and other indicators of pedestrian crossings

8.2(9)     A road controlling authority must install, within 2 m from each end of a pedestrian crossing and on a traffic island that separates two pedestrian crossings, a pole that is:

8.2(10)     A road controlling authority must place on every pole in 8.2(9) either:

8.2(11)     To inform approaching traffic of the presence of a pedestrian crossing, a road controlling authority, on each approach to the pedestrian crossing:

8.3     School patrols

8.3(1)     A road controlling authority may, in writing, authorise the Board of Trustees of a school to appoint persons as members of school patrols at specified school crossing points or pedestrian crossings to assist, direct and supervise children on their way to or from school.

8.3(2)     When appointing members of school patrols the Board of Trustees:

8.3(3)     A road controlling authority may, at any time, by notice in writing, withdraw an authorisation it has given under 8.3(1).

8.3(4)     The Director may require that a road controlling authority withdraw an authorisation given under 8.3(1).

8.3(5)     The withdrawal of an authorisation under 8.3(3) or 8.3(4) takes effect when the road controlling authority or the Director notifies the Board of Trustees, in writing, of the withdrawal.

8.3(6)     A member of a school patrol must wear, as appropriate, a raincoat or vest that identifies them clearly and enables them to be visible to approaching drivers.

8.3(7)     A member of a school patrol must use a ‘School Patrol’ sign that complies with Schedule 1 mounted on a white or black and white striped pole at least 35 mm in diameter and not less than 1.5 m in length.

 

Functions and duties of school patrols

8.3(8)     A school patrol must control the approach of the driver of a vehicle to a pedestrian crossing or school crossing point by extending into the roadway, and keeping extended, the ‘School Patrol’ sign, so as to display its wording clearly to the driver and, at the same time, may direct pedestrians to enter the crossing.

8.3(9)     A school patrol must not extend the ‘School Patrol’ sign into the roadway to stop a vehicle except during a pause in the flow of traffic, having regard to the number of vehicles approaching the crossing.

 

8.4     School crossing points

8.4(1)     A road controlling authority may provide a school crossing point on a road for which a speed limit of 50 km/h or less is set.

8.4(2)     A road controlling authority may provide a school crossing point on a road for which a speed limit of more than 50 km/h is set if it has obtained the approval of the Director and complies with the conditions of the approval.

8.4(3)     Before establishing a school crossing point, a road controlling authority must obtain the agreement of the Board of Trustees of each school that is served by the school crossing point.

8.4(4)     A school crossing point must be placed so that:

8.4(5)     A road controlling authority must indicate the presence and position of a school crossing point by marking or installing in accordance with the relevant requirements of Schedule 2:

8.4(6)     Markings for a school crossing point must be placed, as far as practicable, either at right angles to the middle line of the roadway or so as to provide the most convenient route for pedestrians.

8.4(7)     All ‘School Patrol’ signs and ‘Children’ flag signs must be removed from a school crossing point when a school patrol is not operating.

 

8.5     Pedestrian traffic signals

8.5(1)     A road controlling authority may install pedestrian traffic signals, at an intersection controlled by traffic signals, to indicate to pedestrians when they may enter a roadway.

8.5(2)     If 8.5(1) applies, markings must be installed to guide the movement of pedestrians.

8.5(3)     A road controlling authority may install pedestrian traffic signals complying with section 6 to control the movement of pedestrians at locations other than intersections.

 

8.6     Provision and maintenance of pedestrian crossings and school crossing points

A pedestrian crossing or school crossing point on a roadway may be provided and maintained only by the road controlling authority that controls that roadway.

 

8.7     Removal of pedestrian crossings and indications of pedestrian crossings

8.7(1)     The Director may, at any time by notice in writing to a road controlling authority, require the road controlling authority to:

8.7(2)     On receiving a notice under 8.7(1), the road controlling authority must:

 

8.8     Other pedestrian facilities

School wardens

8.8(1)     A Board of Trustees of a school may appoint a person as a school warden to assist, direct and supervise children at a point at which they may cross the road on their way to and from school.

8.8(2)     A Board of Trustees must advise the road controlling authority before establishing a school warden system.

8.8(3)     A school warden must wear, as appropriate, a raincoat or vest that identifies them clearly and enables them to be visible to approaching drivers.

Crossing places

8.8(4)     A road controlling authority may provide signs, markings, surface texture or raised platforms or kerb extensions and traffic islands or other techniques to guide a pedestrian to a place at which to cross a roadway.

8.8(5)     If a road controlling authority installs a device in 8.8(4) that does not require a driver to stop their vehicle to allow a pedestrian to cross the roadway, the road controlling authority must ensure that the device conveys a clear and consistent message to road users.

 

Section 9     Level crossings

9.1     Interpretation

In this section, ‘public road’ has the same meaning as the definition of ‘road’ in section 315 of the Local Government Act 1974.

 

9.2     Traffic control devices at level crossings

9.2(1)     To inform road users of a level crossing and to promote safe responses from road users approaching and crossing the level crossing, a road controlling authority:

9.2(2)     A rail access provider, after consultation with the road controlling authority, may install warning signs and other appropriate traffic control devices at a level crossing to promote safe responses from road users at the level crossing.

 

9.3     Marking level crossings

9.3(1)     Except if the road surface makes this impracticable, a road controlling authority must mark on a public road, and may mark on any other road, on each lane approaching a level crossing, the word ‘RAIL’ and the capital letter ‘X’ when:

9.3(2)     The road markings in 9.3(1) must be reflectorised white.

9.3(3)     On the approaches to a level crossing to which neither 9.3(1)(a) nor 9.3(1)(b) applies, the road controlling authority may, if it considers that additional indication to road users is desirable, place on the road surface the markings in 9.3(1) in accordance with 9.3(2).

9.3(4)     A rail access provider may mark the road surface of a level crossing with cross-hatching to indicate the area that a road user must not enter when the road user’s intended passage through that area is blocked by traffic.

9.3(5)     An area in 9.3(4) must be marked using yellow reflectorised material and comply with Schedule 2.

 

9.4     Traffic signs, traffic signals and limit lines at level crossings

9.4(1)     A rail access provider may provide, at a level crossing:

9.4(2)     If one of the traffic control devices in 9.4(1)(a) is installed, a rail access provider must, except if the road surface makes this impracticable, mark a limit line at least 300 mm wide at a level crossing, which:

9.4(3)     A rail access provider may install, at a level crossing, poles that have reflectorised red and white alternate bands that are at least 300 mm wide.

9.4(4)     If a level crossing is controlled by a stop sign, the road controlling authority must mark, not more than 10 m before the limit line, the word ‘stop’ in capital letters at least 2 m high, unless the road surface makes this impracticable.

9.4(5)     If a level crossing is controlled by a give-way sign, the road controlling authority must, unless the road surface makes this impracticable, mark, not more than 20 m before the limit line, a triangular give-way symbol that complies with Schedule 2.

9.4(6)     Instead of a triangular symbol in 9.4(5), a roadway that, before the commencement of this rule, was marked by the word ‘way’ preceded by the word ‘give’, in capital letters at least 2 m high, may continue to be marked in that way until the words are either permanently removed or overlaid, after which the triangular give-way symbol must be marked.

9.4(7)     If a level crossing is controlled by a stop sign or give-way sign, a rail access provider may install the following combination of signs on the same pole:

9.4(8)     If a level crossing is controlled by traffic signals, a rail access provider may install the following signs on the poles supporting the traffic signals:

9.4(9)     If a level crossing is controlled by traffic signals, a rail access provider may install barrier arms on the poles supporting the traffic signals, which must:

 

9.5     Exception in relation to requirements for vehicles to stop at specified level crossings

9.5(1)     A road controlling authority may, in compliance with 9.5 of the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004, install an ‘Exempt’ sign as a supplementary sign to each ‘Level Crossing’ (symbolic train) warning sign installed in advance of the level crossing, if satisfied that:

9.5(2)     If any of the conditions in 9.5(1)(a) to (d) does not apply, but the road controlling authority considers that an ‘Exempt’ sign is justified, the road controlling authority must obtain the approval of the Director for its installation.

 

Section 10     Intersections

10.1     Intersections to be controlled

An intersection that has four or more approaching roadways must be controlled by:

 

10.2     Intersections controlled by stop signs

If an intersection is controlled by a stop sign, the sign must be installed in accordance with section 4 and, unless the road surface makes this impracticable, the following must be marked on the roadway:

 

10.3     Intersections controlled by give-way signs

10.3(1)     If an intersection is controlled by a give-way sign, the sign must be installed in accordance with section 4 and, unless the road surface makes this impracticable, the following must be marked on the roadway:

10.3(2)     Instead of a triangular give-way symbol in 10.3(1)(b), a roadway that, before the commencement of this rule, was marked by the word ‘way’ preceded by the word ‘give’, in white capital letters at least 2 m high, may continue to be marked in that way until the words are either permanently removed or overlaid, after which the triangular give-way symbol must be marked.

 

10.4     Intersections controlled by roundabouts

10.4(1)     If an intersection is controlled by a roundabout, each entry to the roundabout must:

10.4(2)     Instead of a ‘Roundabout-Give-Way’ sign in 10.4(1)(a), each entry to a roundabout may be controlled by a give-way sign preceded by a ‘Roundabout Ahead’ sign until 31 December 2007.

10.4(3)     Instead of a triangular give-way symbol in 10.4(1)(c), a roadway that, before the commencement of this rule, was marked by the word ‘way’ preceded by the word ‘give’, in white capital letters at least 2 m high, may continue to be marked in that way until the words are either permanently removed or overlaid, after which the triangular give-way symbol must be marked.

10.4(4)     If more than one lane for motor vehicles enters a roundabout from any approach, a road controlling authority must mark arrows on each approach lane to direct drivers into the correct lane.

10.4(5)     If a section of the roadway around a roundabout, or an exit from that section of roadway, has more than one lane for motor vehicles, a road controlling authority must, by 30 June 2006, mark lane lines to direct the flow of traffic.

 

10.5     Intersections controlled by traffic signals

10.5(1)     A road controlling authority must ensure that the form, dimensions, symbols displayed, operation and performance of traffic signals installed at an intersection comply with section 6.

10.5(2)     A road controlling authority may install one or more of the following traffic signs on a pole supporting a traffic signal at an intersection:

 

10.6     ‘Keep Clear’ zone at intersections

10.6(1)     A road controlling authority may mark the road surface of an intersection, or a place used as a vehicle entrance or exit, to indicate the area that a road user must not enter when the road user’s intended passage through that area is blocked by traffic.

10.6(2)     An area in 10.6(1) must be marked, in compliance with Schedule 2, by means of either:

 

Section 11     Traffic control devices for special classes of vehicle and road user

11.1     Provision of signs and markings

A road controlling authority that is providing a special route or setting aside a specific area of roadway for a class or classes of road user that is intended to impose restrictions on other road users must provide signs and markings as specified in 11.2, 11.3 or 11.4.

 

11.2     Special vehicle lanes

11.2(1)     If defining a part of a road as a special vehicle lane, a road controlling authority must, at the start of the special vehicle lane and at the point at which the lane starts again after each intersection:

11.2(2)     A road controlling authority may provide the following traffic control devices to discourage use of a special vehicle lane by other vehicles, or to draw attention to the likely presence of vehicles entitled to the use of the lane:

11.3     Light-rail vehicle facilities

Lanes

11.3(1)     If a light-rail vehicle track is within, and runs parallel to, a roadway, a road controlling authority may:

 

Safety zone

11.3(2)     At a designated light-rail vehicle stop, a road controlling authority may provide a safety zone to warn drivers of, and provide some protection for, passengers entering or leaving the light-rail vehicle.

 

11.4     Cycle facilities

Paths shared by pedestrians and cycles

11.4(1)     For a path shared by pedestrians and cyclists, a road controlling authority:

11.4(2)     If separate sides of a path are reserved for cyclists and pedestrians, or for path users travelling in different directions, a road controlling authority:

 

Cycle and pedestrian signs

11.4(3)     A road controlling authority may install on the same pole a combination of signs that relate to cyclists and to pedestrians.

 

Cycle parking on footpaths or cycle paths

11.4(4)     A road controlling authority may install facilities for the parking, standing or storage of cycles on a footpath, footway or cycle path.

 

Control where a cycle path route crosses a roadway

11.4(5)     When a cycle path crosses a roadway, a road controlling authority may, as appropriate, control either the movement of cycles along the cycle path or traffic along the roadway by means of stop or give-way signs or by the installation of traffic signals, in the same manner as described in section 10.5 for an intersection.

 

11.5     Special motor vehicle facilities

Motorways

11.5(1)     A road controlling authority that designates a road as a motorway under section 73 of the Transit New Zealand Act 1989 must erect appropriate motorway signs, described in Schedule 1, that clearly advises road users of the extent of the motorway designation.

 

Weight and dimension restrictions

11.5(2)     If a road controlling authority restricts the use of a road, it must install, in advance of the restricted area, signs complying with Schedule 1 that detail the extent of the restriction, so that drivers have reasonable notice of the restriction.

 

Special routes or zone restriction for motor vehicles

11.5(3)     A road controlling authority that is defining a special route or zone restriction under any enactment must provide signs that comply with Schedule 1:

 

Road construction zones

11.5(4)     If a road controlling authority designates a road, or any specified part of a road as a road construction zone, it must mark the boundaries of that zone by signs that comply with Schedule 1.

 

11.6     Stock traffic

The owner, or the person in charge, of stock on a road must take steps to ensure that approaching drivers are given reasonable warning of the presence of the stock, and, if a road controlling authority has required and approved a traffic control device for this purpose, must ensure that the device is installed.

 

11.7     Hand-held stop signs

11.7(1)     A hand-held stop sign, other than a school patrol sign in 8.3(7), may be used only:

11.7(2)     The operator of a hand-held stop sign must control the approach of the driver of a vehicle by displaying the sign to the driver and keeping the sign displayed so that its wording is clearly visible to the driver and may, at the same time, direct vehicles that are travelling in the opposite direction to proceed.

11.7(3)     The reverse side of a hand-held stop sign may be blank or display either the word ‘go’ or the word ‘slow’.

 

11.8     Barrier arms

If a road controlling authority considers it necessary to control the movement of vehicles beyond a point on a roadway and considers that, to achieve this, it is desirable to use a physical barrier, the road controlling authority may install a barrier arm that:

 

Section 12     Stopping, standing and parking

12.1     Requirement to indicate prohibition on stopping

12.1(1)     If a road controlling authority prohibits, at all times, the stopping of vehicles on a section of road it must advise road users of this by the means specified in 12.2(1) or 12.2(2).

12.1(2)     If a road controlling authority prohibits the stopping of vehicles on a section of road for a specified period or periods, it must advise road users of this by the means specified in 12.2(2).

12.1(3)     If a road controlling authority considers it necessary to draw the attention of road users to a prohibition, under any enactment, on the stopping of vehicles on a section of roadway or road, it must do so by the means specified in 12.2(1) or 12.2(2).

12.1(4)     If a road controlling authority prohibits the stopping of vehicles on a section of road to provide an additional traffic lane or ensure the free-flowing movement of traffic in the adjacent lane, it must do so by the means specified in 12.2(3).

12.1(5)     If a road controlling authority prohibits the stopping of vehicles on a section of road by setting aside a specific area of roadway for a special vehicle lane, it must do so by the means specified in 11.2.

12.1(6)     If a road controlling authority conditionally prohibits the stopping of vehicles on a section of road to ensure access to a fire hydrant, it must do so by the means specified in 12.2(5).

 

12.2     Means of indicating prohibition on stopping

12.2(1)     A prohibition on stopping may be indicated by marking a broken yellow line that:

12.2(2)     A prohibition on stopping may be indicated by installing ‘No Stopping’ signs (with arrows or supplementary notices, as appropriate, to define the area and time of application):

12.2(3)     A prohibition on stopping may be indicated by installing‘Clearway’ signs (with supplementary notices, as appropriate, to define the area and time of application):

12.2(4)     A prohibition on stopping may be indicated by installing a special vehicle lane in accordance with 11.2.

12.2(5)     A road controlling authority may ensure access to a fire hydrant by marking a roadway in accordance with NZS4509:2003 Code of Practice for New Zealand Firefighting Water Supplies.

 

12.3     Requirement to indicate restriction on parking

If a road controlling authority imposes a restriction on the parking of vehicles it must instruct road users by the means specified in 12.4.

 

12.4     Types and means of indicating parking restrictions

Parking at an angle to the roadway

12.4(1)     If a road controlling authority restricts vehicles to parking only at an angle to the direction of the roadway, the road controlling authority must:

 

Loading zone

12.4(2)     A road controlling authority may restrict the parking of vehicles by designating an area of road as a loading zone to which a time restriction may also apply.

12.4(3)     A road controlling authority must provide, in accordance with 12.5, signs that comply with Schedule 1, and that specify the class of vehicle, class of road user or designated activity to which the loading zone is restricted.

12.4(4)     Except as provided in 12.4(5), a road controlling authority must, unless this is impracticable, indicate a loading zone by marking:

12.4(5)     A marking is not required for a bus stop unless the space reserved for a bus extends more than 6 m on either side of a single ‘Bus Stop’ sign.

 

Reserved parking

12.4(6)     A road controlling authority may restrict the parking of vehicles by designating an area of road for reserved parking, which may be time restricted.

12.4(7)     A road controlling authority must indicate a reserved parking area by providing, in accordance with 12.5, appropriate signs that comply with Schedule 1, and which must specify the class of vehicle, class of road user or designated activity to which the reserved parking area is restricted.

12.4(8)     A road controlling authority must, unless this is impracticable, mark a reserved parking area:

12.4(9)     A road controlling authority may mark, on an area of roadway that is reserved for parking by a specified class of vehicle or road user, or for a specified purpose, letters or symbols that describe the area reserved for parking and that comply with Schedule 2.

 

Time-restricted parking

12.4(10)     A road controlling authority may restrict the parking of vehicles by designating an area of road to be time-restricted.

12.4(11)     A road controlling authority must indicate a time-restricted parking area by providing, in accordance with 12.5, appropriate signs that comply with Schedule 1, and which must specify the time limit to which parking in the area is restricted.

12.4(12)     A road controlling authority may mark a time-restricted parking area that complies with Schedule 2.

 

Zone parking

12.4(13)     A road controlling authority may restrict the parking of vehicles by designating a zone parking area, which is a defined area of roadway where parking is permitted or prohibited for a specified class or classes of vehicle or class or classes of road user (with or without a time restriction).

12.4(14)     A road controlling authority must indicate a zone parking area by providing zone parking control notification signs and supplementary zone parking signs that comply with Schedule 1, and that must be:

 

12.5     General requirements for signing parking restrictions

12.5(1)     Except as provided in 12.5(3), a road controlling authority must indicate a parking restriction, other than a zone parking restriction in 12.4(14), by providing parking signs, as specified in Schedule 1 and, if appropriate, with arrows or supplementary notices, defining their area or time of application:

12.5(2)     Arrows, or signs incorporating arrows, to indicate the direction of application of a sign must be installed parallel to, or at an angle of not more than 45 degrees from, the side of the roadway to which they relate.

12.5(3)     A road controlling authority does not have to provide signs to indicate a restriction on parking, or the extent of the restriction, if parking is controlled by parking meters that are located at, or adjacent to, each parking space.

 

12.6     Application of parking signs

12.6(1)     A parking restriction that is indicated by a sign incorporating the letter ‘P’ on the top of the sign, or that relates to a loading zone, applies between the hours of 8 am and 6 pm on days other than public holidays, unless otherwise specified on the sign or on a supplementary sign.

12.6(2)     The expression ‘other times’, or an expression that has a similar effect, on a parking sign means that the restriction applies only during the time specified, but does not apply during the times specified by an immediately adjacent sign that notifies a different time restriction.

12.6(3)     Parking signs, other than those in 12.6(1) and 12.6(2), apply at all hours of the day and night, unless a time period is specified on the sign.

12.6(4)     Not more than two parking signs, or three parking signs provided one of them is a ‘Clearway’ or special vehicle lane sign, or one parking sign and one pedestrian sign, may be erected on the same pole or in the same location on the same building, wall or fence.

 

12.7     General requirements for marking parking restrictions

If a road controlling authority marks an area to indicate parking spaces or the angle at which vehicles must park, those markings must be white, except if the area is a loading zone or reserved parking, for which the markings must be yellow.

 

Section 13     Responsibilities, functions and powers

13.1     Responsibilities of road controlling authorities

13.1(1)     A road controlling authority must comply with this rule when providing, installing, modifying or maintaining a traffic control device.

13.1(2)     A road controlling authority must comply with an instruction given by the Director under 13.8.

 

13.2     Responsibilities of rail access providers

A rail access provider must comply with this rule when installing, modifying, maintaining or removing a traffic control device that is within the area of a level crossing.

 

13.3     Responsibilities of operators of hand-held stop signs

An operator of a hand-held stop sign must comply with 11.7.

 

13.4     Responsibilities of Boards of Trustees

A person who is a member of a Board of Trustees must comply with 8.3 and 8.8.

 

13.5     Responsibilities of school patrols

A person who is a member of a school patrol must comply with 8.3.

 

13.6     Responsibilities of school wardens

A person who is a school warden must comply with 8.8.

 

13.7     Responsibilities of all persons

A person must not:

 

13.8     Functions and powers of the Director

13.8(1)     The Director may, by notice in writing, direct a road controlling authority to provide, modify, maintain or remove a traffic control device if:

13.8(2)     The Director may, in accordance with 3.4(1), authorise a trial of a traffic control device that does not comply with this rule or other enactment.

13.8(3)     The Director may, in accordance with 4.2(8), direct that a temporary sign be removed or additional signs be installed.

13.8(4)     The Director may, in accordance with 4.4(4), authorise the installation and maintenance of a traffic sign that does not comply with this rule.

13.8(5)     The Director may, in accordance with 9.5(2), approve the installation of an ‘Exempt’ sign.

13.8(6)     The Director may audit a road controlling authority for compliance with this rule and may specify matters to be addressed in the audit.

 

13.9     Powers of the Police

13.9(1)     A member of the New Zealand Police may install, modify, remove, or direct the removal of a traffic control device if:

13.9(2)     A member of the New Zealand Police who installs, modifies, removes or directs the removal of a traffic control device under 13.9(1) must notify the road controlling authority of this as soon as is reasonably practicable.

13.9(3)     A member of the New Zealand Police may, in accordance with 4.2(8), direct that a temporary sign be removed or that additional signs be installed.

 

Part 2     Definitions

Act
means the Land Transport Act 1998.
Barrier
means a traffic control device that is intended to prevent or discourage a vehicle from moving out of the section of roadway on which it is travelling.
Bollard
means a short post installed in the road, especially as part of a traffic island.
Bus
means a passenger service vehicle that has more than nine seating positions (including the driver’s seating position).
Bus lane
means a lane reserved by a marking or sign installed at the start of the lane and at each point at which the lane resumes after an intersection, for the use of:
  • (a) buses; and
  • (b) cycles and motorcycles, unless either or both are specifically excluded by the signs.
Centre-line
  • (a) in relation to any portion of a roadway not marked with a flush median, means one or more broken or solid lines of paint or raised studs (or any combination of those lines and studs) intended to separate opposing traffic;
  • (b) in relation to any portion of a roadway marked with a flush median, means the longitudinal white line that forms the left side of the flush median as viewed by a driver facing forward.
Channel
means to guide or direct into defined paths and to separate through, turning or opposing traffic.
Chicane
means a device that channels traffic by means of a series of alternating turns designed to reduce traffic speed.
Clearway
means a length of roadway over which a no-stopping parking restriction applies for the purpose of increasing the number of through traffic lanes or providing increased space to allow for the free movement of traffic during the period for which the clearway restriction applies.
Cycle
  • (a) means a vehicle having at least two wheels and that is designed primarily to be propelled by the muscular energy of the rider; and
  • (b) includes a power-assisted cycle.
Cycle lane
means a longitudinal strip within a roadway designed for the passage of cycles.
Cycle path
  • (a) means part of the road that is physically separated from the roadway that is intended for the use of cyclists, but which may be used also by pedestrians; and
  • (b) includes a cycle track formed under section 332 of the Local Government Act 1974.
Delineator
means a traffic control device including a guide post, chevron board, bollard, barrel or barrier, that is placed on or beside a roadway to guide road users.
Director
means the Director of Land Transport Safety appointed under section 186 of the Act.
Driver
means a person driving a vehicle; and includes the rider of an all-terrain vehicle, a motor cycle, a moped, a cycle, a mobility device or a wheeled recreational device.
Edgeline
means a marking used to indicate the far left or far right side of the roadway.
Emergency services personnel
means any member of the New Zealand Police, New Zealand Fire Service or an ambulance service.
Flush median
means a median marked in accordance with 7.4(2).
Footpath
means a path or way principally designed for, and used by, pedestrians; and includes a footbridge.
Goods vehicle
means a motor vehicle that is:
  • (a) designed exclusively or principally for the carriage of goods; or
  • (b) used for the collection or delivery of goods in the course of trade.
Intersection
  • (a) in relation to two or more intersecting or meeting roadways, means that area contained within the prolongation or connection of the lateral boundary lines of each roadway; but
  • (b) if two roadways are separated only by a traffic island or by a median less than 10 m wide, the roadways must be regarded as one roadway.
Lane
  • (a) means a longitudinal strip of roadway that is intended for the passage of vehicles or a specific class of vehicle that is separated from other parts of the roadway by a longitudinal line or lines of paint or raised studs; and
  • (b) includes:
    • (i) a cycle lane; and
    • (ii) a lane for the use of vehicular traffic that is at least 2.5 m wide; and
    • (iii) a lane of a two-way road divided by a centre-line.
Left side
in relation to a vehicle, means its side to the left of the vehicle when the vehicle is facing forward.
Level crossing
  • (a) means a place where:
    • (i) a railway line crosses a road or street on the same level; or
    • (ii) the public is permitted to cross a railway line on the same level; and
  • (b) includes a bridge used for both rail vehicles and road traffic on the same level; but
  • (c) does not include a railway line on a road that is intended solely for the use of light-rail vehicles.
Light-rail vehicle
means a lane reserved for the use of light-rail vehicles by a marking or sign installed at the start of the lane (unless the light-rail vehicle lane is a continuous loop) and at each point at which the lane resumes after an intersection.
Light-rail vehicle lane
means a length of lane containing a light-rail vehicle track on a road that is defined:
  • (a) for a light-rail vehicle lane that is a continuous loop, by light-rail vehicle lane signs installed at a point where the light-rail vehicle lane crosses an intersection;
  • (b) in any other case, by:
    • (i) a light-rail vehicle lane sign installed at its start; and
    • (ii) a light-rail vehicle lane sign installed at its end;
    • (iii) light-rail vehicle lane signs installed at a point where the light-rail vehicle lane crosses an intersection.
Limit line
means a line marked on the surface of the roadway to indicate the place where traffic is required to stop for the purpose of complying with a stop sign, give-way sign, pedestrian crossing, school crossing point or traffic signal.
Local authority
means a regional council, a district council, a county council or a city council.
Loading zone
means an area of marked roadway designated solely for the purpose of loading or unloading goods or passengers.
Marking
means a line, symbol, pattern, message, numeral, pavement marker or other device set in the roadway or applied or attached to the road surface.
Median
means a strip of land that may be part of a road and that separates vehicles travelling in opposite directions.
Motor vehicle
has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Act.
Normal braking
means the level of braking applied to a vehicle that does not lock any of the vehicle’s wheels and permits the vehicle to decelerate without adversely affecting directional control.
Normal vision
means the visual acuity required of a person to obtain and hold a driver licence, in accordance with the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Rule 1999.
Parking
means:
  • (a) in relation to any portion of a road where parking is for the time being governed by the location of parking meters or vending machines placed under a bylaw of a local authority, the stopping or standing of a vehicle on that portion of the road for any period exceeding five minutes;
  • (b) in relation to any other portion of a road, the stopping or standing of a vehicle (other than a vehicle picking up or setting down passengers in a loading zone or reserved parking area, and entitled to do so) on that portion of the road.
Passenger service vehicle
has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Transport Services Licensing Act 1989.
Pedestrian
  • (a) means a person on foot on a road; and
  • (b) includes a person in or on any contrivance equipped with wheels or revolving runners that is not a vehicle.
Pedestrian crossing
means a pedestrian crossing duly established and marked on a roadway in accordance with 8.2.
Pedestrian traffic signals
means traffic signals to control the movement of pedestrians crossing the roadway.
Power-assisted cycle
means a cycle to which is attached one or more auxiliary propulsion motors that have a combined maximum power output not exceeding 200 watts.
Public holiday
means a day specified as a public holiday in section 44(1) of the Holidays Act 2003.
Rail access provider
in relation to a railway line, means the person who controls the use of the railway line by rail operators (including that person if it is also a railway operator) whether or not that person engages an employee, agent, contractor or volunteer to exercise or assist in exercising control on its behalf; but does not include those individuals.
Rail vehicle
  • (a) means any vehicle that operates on, or uses, a railway line; and
  • (b) includes a locomotive, rail carriage, rail wagon, railcar, light-rail vehicle, rail maintenance vehicle (whether or not self-propelled), and any other vehicle prescribed as a rail vehicle by any enactment; but
  • (c) does not include a vehicle designed to operate both on and off rails while it is not operating on rails.
Reflective material (or retroreflective material)
means any material that is designed to reflect incident light back towards the light source, or in a specific direction; but does not include a reflector.
Reserved parking
means an area of roadway reserved for parking by a specified class or classes of vehicle or class or classes of road user, or for a specified purpose.
Right side
in relation to a vehicle, means its side to the right of the vehicle when the vehicle is facing forward.
Road
includes:
  • (a) a street; and
  • (b) a motorway; and
  • (c) a beach; and
  • (d) a place to which the public have access, whether as of right or not; and
  • (e) all bridges, culverts, ferries and fords forming part of a road or street or motorway, or a place referred to in (d); and
  • (f) all sites at which vehicles may be weighed for the purposes of the Act or any other enactment.
Road controlling authority
in relation to a road:
  • (a) means the authority, body, or person having control of the road; and
  • (b) includes a person acting under and within the terms of a delegation or authorisation given by the controlling authority.
Road hump
means a short, elevated portion of roadway used as a means of reducing the speed of vehicles travelling on the roadway.
Road user means
a driver, rider, passenger or pedestrian.
Roadway
means that portion of the road used or reasonably usable for the time being for vehicular traffic in general.
Roundabout
means an intersection with one or more marked lanes or lines of traffic, all of which are for the use of vehicles travelling in a clockwise direction around a central traffic island.
Safe stopping distance
means the minimum distance required for a driver of normal vision, driving at a safe operating speed for the road, to recognise a hazard and decelerate with normal braking to stop completely before reaching the hazard.
Safety zone
means a portion of roadway:
  • (a) indicated by a structure installed on the roadway; and
  • (b) that has, near the end first met by approaching vehicles travelling along the side of the roadway on which the safety zone is established, a device displaying to approaching drivers the words ‘Safety Zone’.
School bus
means a bus that is being used, whether or not for hire or reward:
  • (a) for transporting (in addition to the driver) school children to and from school, with or without their teachers; or
  • (b) principally for transporting school children to or from a school function.
Shoulder
means any part of a road not designed to be used by motor vehicles in travelling along the road and, on a sealed road, includes:
  • (a) any unsealed part of the road; and
  • (b) any sealed part of the road outside an edgeline on the road.
Special route
means a roadway or a series of linked roadways which vehicles of a specified class or classes are required or encouraged to use.
Special vehicle lane
means a lane defined by signs or markings and restricted to a specified class or classes of vehicle; and includes a bus lane, a transit lane, a cycle lane, and a light-rail vehicle lane.
Standing
means stopping:
  • (a) for the purpose of picking up or setting down passengers, or, in the case of a taxi stand, for the purposes of waiting for hire; and
  • (b) while a vehicle remains attended by the driver at all times.
Temporary traffic signals
means traffic signals that are installed for the temporary control of traffic.
Traffic calming device
means a device that is intended, generally in association with other traffic control devices, to moderate the volumes or speeds of traffic in an area so they are consistent with the road environment and its use.
Traffic control device
means a device used on a road for the purpose of traffic control; and includes any:
  • (a) sign, signal, or notice; or
  • (b) traffic calming device; or
  • (c) marking or road surface treatment.
Traffic island
means a defined area within a roadway, which may be flush with the roadway or raised, and from which vehicular traffic is intended to be excluded.
Traffic sign
means a board, plate, screen or other device, whether or not illuminated, displaying words, figures, symbols or other material intended to instruct, advise, inform or guide traffic on a road; and includes a ‘children crossing’ flag, a hand-held stop sign, a parking control sign and variable message signs; but does not include a traffic signal.
Traffic signal
means a set of illuminated displays complying with section 6 and that are steady, flashing or pedestrian displays.
Traffic signal controller
means the equipment and programming associated with it that controls the duration and sequence of signal displays.
Transit lane
means a lane reserved for the use of the following (unless specifically excluded by a sign installed at the start of the lane):
  • (a) passenger service vehicles;
  • (b) motor vehicles carrying not less than the number of persons (including the driver) specified on the sign;
  • (c) cycles;
  • (d) motorcycles.
Turn bay
means an area of roadway that is reserved for vehicles making, or waiting to make, a turn.
Vehicle
has the same meaning as in section 2(1) of the Act.
Visible
means able to be seen from a safe stopping distance.
Zone parking
in relation to a road, means a parking restriction imposed by the road controlling authority:
  • (a) that applies to an area comprising a number of roads; and
  • (b) in respect of which persons using vehicles within the area could reasonably be expected to be aware of the application of the parking restriction to the area without the need for the erection of signs at each intersection within the area, for reasons including:
    • (i) the nature of the area; or
    • (ii) the nature of the parking restriction; or
    • (iii) traffic patterns into and within the area; or
    • (iv) the nature and number of entry points to the area; and
  • (c) that the controlling authority specifically declares to be a zone parking control.
Zone restriction
means an area of roadway the use of which is restricted to a specified class or classes of vehicle or class or classes of road user (with or without a time restriction).

 

Part 3     Schedules

[The schedules are large. To make files of manageable size the schedules are presented in separate pages. Follow the links below to reach the schedules.]

Schedule 1     Signs >

Schedule 2     Markings >

Schedule 3     Traffic signals >

 

Land Transport Rule - Traffic Control Devices 2004 - Rule 54002
Land Transport Safety Authority of New Zealand, Te Mana Marutau Waka Whenua o Aotearoa