RoadworksNew 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.


26. Roadworks

Roadworks are construction, maintenance, repair or inspection activities carried out on or beside a road. They may temporarily change the road layout, lane widths, speed limits, priority, permitted directions and facilities for pedestrians or cyclists.

Drivers must follow the temporary signs, traffic lights, barriers, road markings and instructions from authorised personnel. They should reduce speed, increase their following distance and remain prepared for narrow lanes, stopped traffic, workers, machinery and sudden changes in the route.

Roadworks
Roadworks-begin-here warning sign with traffic cones. (Auckland, New Zealand)
Wikimedia.org • LincolnGroup11 • CC BY-SA
What should you watch for when approaching roadworks in New Zealand?

Look for temporary warnings, cones, barriers, narrow lanes and construction vehicles. NZTA instructs drivers to slow down at roadworks, obey temporary limits and follow stop/go paddles or signals. Expect workers and slow or stationary traffic near the worksite.

🔗 nzta.govt.nz • New Zealand, NZTA official Road Code — road-works

Is a temporary speed limit at roadworks binding in New Zealand?

Where an authorised temporary regulatory speed limit is in force, you must obey it. A roadworks warning alone should not be mistaken for a new numerical limit, but conditions may require driving more slowly.

🔗 nzta.govt.nz • New Zealand, NZTA official Road Code — road-works

What if only one lane remains open through roadworks in New Zealand?

Follow the temporary signals, stop/go instructions, lane arrows and priority signs. Do not enter an opposing traffic lane until permitted, and give vulnerable road users and road workers extra room.

🔗 nzta.govt.nz • New Zealand, NZTA official Road Code — road-works

Warning for roadworks. Warning for roadworks.

English • S29 symbol • Roadworks warning. Roadworks are ahead. Reduce speed and follow temporary signs, signals and traffic-controller instructions.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA Road Code • main types of signs
🔗 Nzta.govt.nz • NZTA sign specifications • S29 roadworks symbol

Image via Commons.wikimedia.org
New Zealand Transport Agency • NZTA-Sign-Spec • Source revision 2020-11-02. Wikimedia original unmodified.

1 New Zealand 2 Motorway 3 Speed limit 4 Advisory speed 5 Bike path 6 Pedestrian warning 7 Bridge 8 Speed bump 9 One-way traffic 10 Slope 11 Bus lane 12 Stop sign 13 Give way 14 Roundabout 15 Road narrowing 16 Pedestrian crossing 17 Railway crossing 18 Mandatory direction 19 Turn prohibition 20 School area 21 Crossing animals 22 Slippery road 23 Curve 24 Chevron 25 Wrong-way driving 26 Roadworks 27 Crosswind 28 Height limit 29 Priority at the next junction 30 Traffic lights 31 Pedestrian lights 32 Road markings 33 Parking 34 Disabled parking 35 Reversing 36 U-turn 37 Tourist attraction 38 Charging station 39 Dangers 40 Cyclist 41 Bus 42 Police 43 Ambulance 44 Pothole 45 Path 46 Particulates 47 Air pollution 48 Rush hour 49 Road code 50 Two-way traffic 51 Street gutter 52 Cargo bike 53 Forestry vehicle 54 Construction vehicle 55 Semi-trailer truck 56 Trolleybus 57 Speed pedelec 58 Delivery vehicle 59 Idling 60 Tow truck 61 Four-wheel drive 62 Bicycle 63 Motorcycle equipment 64 Tram 65 Rail track 66 Caravan 67 Trailer 68 Tow hitch 69 Fire truck 70 Siren 71 Convoy 72 Emergency vehicle lighting 73 Agricultural machinery 74 Electric bicycle 75 Electric vehicle 76 Pedelec 77 Quadricycle 78 Microcar 79 All-terrain vehicle 80 Van 81 Recreational vehicle 82 Scooter 83 Trikke 84 Personal mobility device 85 Skateboard 86 Segway 87 Kick scooter 88 Roller skates 89 Mailman 90 Hitchhiker 91 Toddler 92 Child 93 Disability 94 Motorail 95 km/h 96 mph 97 Speedometer 98 Ride height 99 Dirt road 100 Driving ...