Road Rules: Understanding intersections

The definition includes where public entrances or exits of supermarkets, petrol stations and airports join a road. The best advice for approaching all intersections is to indicate for at least three seconds and start scanning early: right, left and behind to identify oncoming and following vehicles. Look for vehicles, motorcyclists or cyclists that may be moving from a parked situation or exiting nearby driveways.

Rural Intersection Activated Warning Signs

The NZ Transport Agency has been using these signs at high-risk rural intersections. LED speed limit signs are activated by the presence of crossing or turning vehicles, and alert through-traffic to reduce speed through the dangerous zone. When there are no turning vehicles at the intersection, the signs stay unlit, so through-traffic can pass uninterrupted.

When activated, the sign has a red circle around the speed limit, representing the compulsory speed limit. Below that is a yellow diamond-shaped sign indicating the layout of the intersection ahead.
Improving the safety of high-risk intersections is a strategic priority under the Government’s Safer Journeys road safety strategy.

Give Way Signs

The Road Code states when approaching a Give Way Sign: ‘you must slow down (or stop, if necessary) and give way.’ The key here is to be prepared to stop as you approach an intersection with a Give Way Sign.

Stop Signs

You must bring your vehicle to a complete stop, not just slow down. Compulsory Stop Signs signal there are multiple factors to look out for before proceeding.