Mandatory signsNew Zealand

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of New Zealand. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs

Traffic rules

Mandatory signs

A mandatory sign is a traffic sign that tells drivers what they must do. Instead of prohibiting actions, these signs impose obligations such as following a specific direction, using a particular lane, or keeping a minimum speed. Their purpose is to guide traffic safely and efficiently by ensuring that all road users follow the same required behaviour in places where it is necessary for order and safety.

How are compulsory instructions shown in New Zealand?

Compulsory signs also require actions such as keeping left. New Zealand’s category is broader than positive instructions alone.

🔗 nzta.govt.nz • New Zealand, NZTA official Road Code — mandatory-signs

How can a mandatory turn be indicated in New Zealand?

Mandatory movements in New Zealand may be shown by regulatory signs, lane-direction arrows or turn-only indications. Do not expect the sign shape to be identical to the European blue circular sign system.

🔗 nzta.govt.nz • New Zealand, NZTA official Road Code — mandatory-signs

Does a mandatory-direction sign give me priority over pedestrians in New Zealand?

No. It tells you which way to move, not who goes first. Check traffic lights, other priority signs, pedestrians and cyclists, and give way when required before completing the manoeuvre.

🔗 nzta.govt.nz • New Zealand, NZTA official Road Code — mandatory-signs

1. Turning left mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that turning left is mandatory at the junction ahead. Traffic must turn left and may not continue straight ahead or turn right.

English • R3-8 • Turn left. Traffic must turn left at the signed location.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R3-8

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2020-04-22. Wikimedia original unmodified.

2. Turning left or right mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that turning left or right is mandatory at the junction ahead. Traffic may turn either left or right but may not continue straight ahead.

English • R3-11 • Turn left or right. Traffic must turn left or right; do not continue straight ahead.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R3-11

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2020-04-22. Wikimedia original unmodified.

3. Turning right mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that turning right is mandatory at the junction ahead. Traffic must turn right and may not continue straight ahead or turn left.

English • R3-10 • Turn right. Traffic must turn right at the signed location.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R3-10

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2020-04-22. Wikimedia original unmodified.

4. Pass obstacle on the left

This traffic sign indicates that traffic must pass an obstacle on the left. Keep to the left of the obstacle and follow any accompanying signs or road markings.

English • R3-13 • Keep left. Pass to the left of the sign or obstruction.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R3-13

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2020-04-21. Wikimedia original unmodified.

5. Pass obstacle on the right

This traffic sign indicates that traffic must pass an obstacle on the right. Keep to the right of the obstacle and follow any accompanying signs or road markings.

English • R3-13.2 • Keep right. Pass to the right of the sign or obstruction.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R3-13.2

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2020-04-21. Wikimedia original unmodified.

6. Driving straight ahead mandatory

This traffic sign indicates that driving straight ahead is mandatory. Traffic must continue straight ahead and may not turn left or right at the location to which the sign applies.

English • R3-9 • No turns. Continue straight ahead at the signed location; do not turn.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R3-9

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2020-04-21. Wikimedia original unmodified.

7. Mandatory path for pedestrians

This traffic sign indicates the start of a mandatory path for pedestrians. Pedestrians must use the designated path, while other road users may use it only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

English • R5-5 • Pedestrians only. The signed path or area is reserved for pedestrians.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R5-5

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2020-04-21. Wikimedia original unmodified.

8. Mandatory path for cyclists

This traffic sign indicates a mandatory path for cyclists. Cyclists must use the designated path where the sign applies. Other road users may use the path only where the applicable signs or local rules permit them to do so.

English • R4-9.1 • Cycles only. The signed path or route is reserved for cycles. Observe any accompanying conditions.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • R4-9.1

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2020-04-22. Wikimedia original unmodified.