Motorists hit by new road rules 

Source: NZPAA busy Auckland Motorway

A raft of new road rules has come into force, including a ban on driving while using a hand held mobile phone, under 2009's Land Transport Amendments.

From November 1, mobile calls are only allowed to be made and received while driving if the phone is secured to the vehicle, or is fully voice activated.

Any motorist caught using a cellphone while on the road will receive a $80 fine and 20 demerit points.

The rules apply even when stopped at a traffic light.

Other rule changes will see motorcyclists required to ride with their headlights on all the time.

Only people on motorbikes made before 1980 will be exempt.

Auckland Bikers Rights president Les Mason says it won't make a lot of difference, as most already use their lights during the day .

Another amendment requires motorists to give way to pedestrians, if they are obviously waiting at a pedestrian crossing.

Previously it was only necessary to give way once the person was actually on the crossing.

Bus lane rules have also been toughened up. Drivers can only enter the lane less than 50 metres from where they will leave it.

And vehicles towing another vehicle with a tow rope, rather than a rigid towing system, will be limited to a maximum speed of 50kmh.