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What are the New Zealand give way rules that you need to know?

What are the New Zealand give way rules that you need to know?

Road rules: when do you need to give way?

Give Way rules ensure safe and orderly traffic flow by prioritising traffic on our roads.

Generally, we give way to the right – at intersections and roundabouts, for example. And, when turning right, we give way to all oncoming vehicles and those turning left.

Consider these situations:

Giving way at an uncontrolled T intersection.

An uncontrolled T-intersection

You’re the driver of a vehicle turning right at an uncontrolled T-intersection, at the bottom of the T (the red car). You give way to all traffic travelling straight through, because you are on a road that ends; you must give way to all vehicles travelling straight ahead on the top of a T. 

How to give way at an unmarked four-way intersection

An unmarked four-way intersection

You’re at an unmarked four-way intersection waiting to turn right. A vehicle opposite you is signalling to turn left. Who gives way? The answer is you. All left-turning vehicles have priority.

Giving way when leaving a supermarket

Leaving a supermarket or driveway

You’re leaving a supermarket driveway waiting to turn right on to a road. A driver on your left indicates right to turn into the same driveway. Who gives way? The vehicle entering the supermarket driveway has the right of way because they’re at the ‘top of the T’.

Remember, too, that when you’re turning across a footpath or bus or cycle lane, you must give way to people on the footpath or any vehicles and cyclists using the bus or cycle lane.

Even if you think you have the right of way, be cautious. You can refresh your knowledge on the give way rules at the NZTA website.

This story is from the Winter 2025 issue of AA Directions magazine.

Ben Whittacker-Cook

By Ben Whittacker-Cook
Originally from London, Ben has called Auckland home since 2012. An experienced writer across many magazines, newspapers and websites around the world, Ben is a regular contributor to AA Directions. His words have taken him trackside at Olympic Games and to Prime Ministerial cabinet offices. As well as being a voiceover artist and an aspiring children’s book author, he is obsessed with the history of words and phrases.