Road narrowingNew Zealand
15. Road narrowing
A road narrowing is a section where the available width of the road or carriageway becomes smaller. The narrowing may occur on both sides, on one side only, or because one or more traffic lanes end.
Drivers should reduce speed, observe approaching and adjacent traffic, maintain sufficient lateral clearance and merge when necessary. Warning signs do not always determine priority, so drivers must follow any priority signs, lane markings and local traffic rules.
Wikimedia.org • itravelNZ • CC BY
What does a road-narrowing warning mean in New Zealand?
New Zealand warns of narrow roads and bridges separately from the signs that allocate priority at one-lane bridges. Assess the available width and read the full arrangement before entering.
🔗 nzta.govt.nz • New Zealand, NZTA official Road Code — road-narrowing
Warning for a road narrowing.
English • W13-1.1 • Road narrows on both sides. The road becomes narrower on both sides. Adjust speed and position for the reduced width.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • W13-1.1
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2021-02-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Warning for a road narrowing on the left.
English • W13-1 • Road narrows on the left. The road becomes narrower on the left. Watch for vehicles changing position.
Sources
🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • W13-1
Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2021-02-05. Wikimedia original unmodified.
Does a narrowing warning give you priority in New Zealand?
No. A warning describes the reduced width, rather than allocating priority or setting a numerical speed limit. Follow any separate priority signs, signals and meeting rules, and slow enough to pass safely or wait before entering.
🔗 nzta.govt.nz • New Zealand, NZTA official Road Code — road-narrowing
What should you do if traffic lanes merge at a narrowing in New Zealand?
New Zealand’s Road Code advises merging like a zip when traffic lanes merge: adjust speed and alternate with vehicles in the other lane. Check the markings and do not force a manoeuvre when the gap is unsafe.
🔗 nzta.govt.nz • New Zealand, NZTA official Road Code — road-narrowing

Traffic rules
New Zealand