While you are touring New Zealand in your rental car it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with our driving rules, and two that are particularly important are the speed limit and the legal alcohol limit. As you will no doubt be driving all over the country or throughout a specific region trying to see as much as you can you will encounter different speed limits according to the road conditions. As we have an abundance of fantastic restaurants, vineyards and events where alcohol will be available it’s also important to understand what you are allowed to consume when driving. Both the speed limit and impaired driving from alcohol or drugs are monitored heavily by the Police in New Zealand.
Speeding When Driving in NZ
Excessive speed is one of the biggest killers on New Zealand roads, with an average of 130 deaths each year from speed related accidents.
There are a variety of speed cameras designed to catch speeding drivers. Some are permanently mounted at the side of the road, especially in larger cities and heavy traffic areas. In more rural areas and smaller townships you are more likely to come across vans tucked away at the side of the road or hand held devices. Police radars are also used to catch speeders.
Fines for speeding range from $30 for speeds less than 10km per hour over the limit, to over $600 for speeds up to 50km per hour over the limit. You will also incur demerit points and if you have been speeding excessively you could also incur a licence suspension or prosecution. Speeding can be really expensive and could ruin an awesome holiday. If you do get caught speeding in your rental car be aware that the hire operators will pass on the penalties to you.
Don’t speed in your rental car
Allowable Driving Speeds
There are a range of different speed restrictions in New Zealand. As we are a small country with varied terrain and not a lot of long straight highways, speed restrictions apply to different catchment areas depending on safety, the amount of traffic activity and whether accidents regularly occur in the area. These guidelines are for cars and vans – heavy goods vehicles have different speed guidelines.
Country/open roads/motorways: 100km/h
Approach roads to residential areas: 70 km/h
Residential, urban and commercial areas: 50km/h
Around schools and high traffic areas: 40km/h
Road works: 30km/h
Most speed restrictions are sign posted but if you are driving through commercial and residential areas you may not see a sign and the speed limit is generally 50kms per hour. Some larger roads and dual carriageways may have a 60km/h limit and some semi-rural roads may have 70 or 80km/h speed limits. Some shopping/CBD areas also have a restricted speed due to lack of space, and danger to pedestrians e.g. Ponsonby Road in Auckland where speed is restricted to 40kms per hour. There are also warning signs on tight curves in the road recommending a safe speed at which to approach the bend.
See more information on New Zealand speed limits and view other signs that mean you must adjust your speed.
Alcohol Limits
For adults over 20 years the legal alcohol limit is 400 micrograms per litre of breath or 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood. However, the amount of alcohol that can be consumed varies with the individual and is dependent on your body size, whether food has been consumed, and whether you are male or female. Therefore we recommend not to drive at all if you have consumed any alcohol. Organise for a sober driver or arrange a taxi or some other way of getting around if you are planning on drinking while travelling in New Zealand. Some tour operators can organise transport, so if you’re heading on a winery tour or going to a big event, check to see whether transport can be provided or whether there is a free shuttle etc.
If you are under the age of 20 there is a zero tolerance for consuming alcohol and driving so even if you have just one drink you will be breaking the law and will receive penalties.
You also cannot drive if you have taken any type of drug that may affect your driving ability. This includes illegal substances and prescribed drugs, so if you are taking medication prescribed by a doctor ask if they may have any effect on your driving and make alternative arrangements if you have been impaired by drugs.
Testing for Drugs or Alcohol
The police can stop you at any time for a breath test. On public holidays in particular the police tend to be out in force and you may pass through a checkpoint where you are required to stop and provide a sample of breath. The police can use a range of tests to check for alcohol or drugs in your system:
Passive breath test: you will speak into a handheld device that detects whether you have been drinking
Breath screening test: if the passive test detects alcohol you will be asked to blow into a small device to measure the amount of alcohol in your blood
Evidential breath test: if you have more alcohol than is allowable you will be taken to a police station or testing vehicle to blow into a larger machine to be used as court evidence
Blood test: you may request a blood test which will be taken by a doctor or other approved medical person
Drug test: if you are suspected of being impaired by drugs you will be given a tongue scraper to provide a sample and if this fails you will be given a saliva test which will be sent off for analysis
For more information about New Zealand driving rules visit the NZ Transport Agency.
Make your holiday an enjoyable one by being aware of the rules and restrictions while driving in New Zealand.
Related Articles:
New Zealand Hire Car Driving Tips