Traffic lightsNew Zealand
30. Traffic lights
Traffic lights use coloured lights, arrows or symbols to regulate when road users may proceed, must prepare to stop or must remain stopped. Separate signals may apply to particular directions, lanes, pedestrians, cyclists or public-transport vehicles.
A green light permits movement only when the route is clear and the movement is otherwise legal. Road users must still follow priority rules, turning restrictions, lane markings and instructions from authorised traffic controllers.
Wikimedia.org • Nathan Jones • CC BY-SA
What must a driver do at red, amber and green signals in New Zealand?
Red means stop at the applicable line. Amber generally warns that the signal is changing and calls for a stop where it can be made safely; do not accelerate to beat it. Green allows movement only when the way is clear. Observe local arrow, flashing-signal and stop-line rules.
🔗 nzta.govt.nz • NZ Transport Agency, give-way rules and traffic signals
May you turn at a red traffic light in New Zealand?
A red signal alone means stop, including when you want to turn. A green arrow may permit movement in its direction while other movements face red. A red arrow prohibits its indicated turn even if the circular signal is green. Use only the permission that applies to your lane and direction.
🔗 nzta.govt.nz • NZ Transport Agency, give-way rules and traffic signals
Can a green light remove the need to give way to pedestrians in New Zealand?
No. A green signal is not a guarantee that the junction is empty. Check for people already crossing, vehicles completing a movement and any separate pedestrian, bicycle or turning signals. Do not enter if you cannot clear the junction safely.
🔗 nzta.govt.nz • NZ Transport Agency, give-way rules and traffic signals

Traffic rules
New Zealand