Information signsNew Zealand
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New Zealand
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Information signsInformation signs
An information sign identifies a route, destination, facility or regulated road or area. Some carry legal consequences, so apply the actual sign meaning and local traffic code.
Which signs provide information in New Zealand?
Information signs help road users identify destinations, routes and facilities.
🔗 nzta.govt.nz • New Zealand, NZTA official Road Code — information-signs
1. Start of a motorway
This traffic sign indicates the start of a motorway. From this point, special motorway rules apply, including restrictions on which road users may enter and on stopping, reversing and other manoeuvres. Follow the applicable speed limits, lane rules and local motorway regulations.
English • A41-1.1 • Motorway begins. The motorway starts here. Motorway rules apply; obey the posted speed and access restrictions.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Mliu92 • CC BY-SA 4.0)
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • A41-1.1
SVG source: Mliu92 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Original revision 2015-06-14. Wikimedia original unmodified.
2. Start of an expressway
This traffic sign indicates the start of an expressway. From this point, the traffic rules and access conditions that apply to expressways take effect according to the applicable local regulations.
English • General advisory • Expressway begins. The expressway starts here. Follow its posted speed, access and lane controls; this sign alone does not specify a speed limit. Illustration identified by its sign family or meaning; the exact current prescribed design has not been confirmed.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org (Mliu92 • CC BY-SA 4.0)
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • General advisory
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • expressway advisory
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
Mliu92 • CC BY-SA 4.0 • Source revision 2015-06-14. Wikimedia original unmodified.
3. Lane for cyclists
This traffic sign indicates a lane for cyclists. The lane is designated for bicycle traffic, subject to the applicable road markings, traffic signs and local rules.
English • R4-9 • Cycle lane. This marks a lane reserved for cycles. Observe its markings and any accompanying restrictions.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R4-9
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2020-04-28. Wikimedia original unmodified.
4. Road narrowing, oncoming drivers have to give way
This traffic sign indicates a road narrowing where oncoming drivers have to give way.
English • R2-8 • Priority over oncoming vehicles. Your direction has priority through the narrow section or one-lane bridge. Proceed only when the passage is clear and safe.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R2-8
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA Traffic Control Devices Manual • Part 5, June 2026
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2024-12-11. Wikimedia original unmodified.
5. Road with one-way traffic
This traffic sign indicates a road with one-way traffic. Drivers may travel only in the permitted direction.
English • R3-12 • One-way traffic to the left. Traffic on this road travels only in the direction shown by the arrow.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R3-12
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2020-04-27. Wikimedia original unmodified.
6. Ramp destination
This traffic sign gives information about the destination reached via the ramp. The displayed destination indicates where the ramp leads.
English • Direction guide • Advance direction map. The map shows the directions and state-highway numbers for the destinations ahead. Select the appropriate route before the junction. Illustration identified by its sign family or meaning; the exact current prescribed design has not been confirmed.
7. Lane for buses
This traffic sign indicates a lane for buses. The lane is intended for buses and any other road users permitted by the applicable signs or local rules.
English • R4-7 • Bus lane. This marks a bus lane. Cycles, mopeds and motorcycles may also use it unless signs or markings exclude them; observe any operating times.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R4-7
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA design guidance • bus lanes
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2020-04-29. Wikimedia original unmodified.
8. General information about the directions
This traffic sign gives general information about road directions. The arrows, destinations and route information show which direction to follow.
English • Direction guide • Destination direction signs. The arrows show the directions to the named destinations and facilities. Follow the appropriate arrow for your route. Illustration identified by its sign family or meaning; the exact current prescribed design has not been confirmed.
9. Information about the directions of the roundabout
This traffic sign gives information about directions at a roundabout. The diagram shows the available exits and the destinations reached from them.
English • Direction guide • Roundabout advance direction map. The map shows the roundabout exits and their destinations. Choose your exit and follow any lane markings before entering. Illustration identified by its sign family or meaning; the exact current prescribed design has not been confirmed.
10. Parking allowed
This traffic sign indicates that parking is allowed. Vehicles may be parked in the area covered by the sign subject to any indicated conditions, restrictions or local parking rules.
English • P120 • Parking for up to 120 minutes. Parking is permitted for up to 120 minutes along the length indicated by the arrows, during the restriction's operating times. Read any additional conditions.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA Road Code • parking signs
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA Traffic Control Devices Manual • parking control
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2020-05-23. Wikimedia original unmodified.
