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Give way sign - Source: Photos.com -
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New Zealand's give way rules have been brought into line with the rest of the world.
Take the quiz | Watch the videos | See the graphics
Drivers have to adapt to two major changes to the current rules, which the Transport Agency began publicising in the ten days leading up to the changeover on March 25.
The Agency has dropped leaflets to 1.73m households, as well as providing video updates on the giveway.govt.nz website. It is spending $1.2 million on nationwide advertising, which will include TV, radio, online and print advertisements.
You can also take the NZTA's quiz to see if you know the new rules.
Right-turning vehicles had the right of way for 35 years, but the switch back aims to decrease confusion over who gives way and increase safety for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.
The Agency says the old legislation was designed to "produce rules that were consistent and simple for road users to apply, and to formalise the priority for vehicles that were both turning right".
However, the introduction of those rules coincided with a 2.5 per cent increase in casualty crashes at intersections in the three years following the change. The rule has been a source of much confusion since.
THE GIVE WAY CHANGES FROM MARCH 25
Change 1: The left-turn versus right-turn rule Previously, if you were turning left at a cross road, intersection, or driveway, you had to give way to the right-turning vehicle coming towards you.
The new rule reverses this: if you are turning left and the vehicle coming towards you is turning right, you have right of way.
Change 2: At uncontrolled T-intersections (with no signs or signals to tell you what to do)
If you come to a terminating road (the end of a T-intersection) and turning right, you must give way to all traffic on the continuing road (the top line of the 'T') turning right.
The rule change also applies to "uncontrolled" driveways, such as turning into the supermarket.
Vehicles that enter/exit driveways must still continue to give way to pedestrians/cyclists on footpaths/shared paths.
More video and graphics showing what to do on the NZTA website
Interactive give way test at giveway.co.nz (not an official site).
It is important to note that not all give-way rules at intersections are changing: you must still obey all road signs and signals. Give-way rules at roundabouts won't change - continue to give way to vehicles crossing your path from your right as you enter the roundabout.
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