Gibson Sheat - Land Transport (Road User) Amendment Rule 2009
            
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
    







	


		
		


		    


Latest News
30 Nov, 09
Land Transport (Road User) Amendment Rule 2009
From 1 November 2009 New   Zealand joined over 50 other countries who have bans, or partial bans, on the use of hand-held phones by drivers.


Drivers caught using hand-held cell phones behind the wheel will now incur an $80 fine along with 20 demerit points. This change is seen by many as a good step towards making New   Zealand roads a safer place, while others consider it does not go far enough.


Further important changes in this Amendment that have been overshadowed by the cellphone ban include:


    

  • the new requirement for riders of all mopeds or motorcycles, made after 1 January 1980, to use headlamps during daylight hours;
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  • drivers crossing special vehicle lanes (i.e. bus lanes) to turn left or get to a parking space may only enter the special lane when they are less than 50 metres from where they will turn off, and they must complete the manoeuvre in the minimum length of lane necessary;
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  • drivers must give way to pedestrians who are 'obviously waiting' to cross at a pedestrian crossing (the previous requirement was to give way to pedestrians on a crossing); and
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  • vehicles towing another vehicle without a rigid towing system (i.e. using a tow rope) will be limited to a maximum of 50km/h.
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The full list of provisions covered in the Amendment Rule are:


    

  1.  the ban on the use of hand-held mobile phones when driving
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  2. the use of special vehicle lanes by vehicles not otherwise allowed on them
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  3. the correct wearing of seatbelts
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  4. the use of headlamps on moped and motorcycles during the day
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  5. allowing cyclists to make a hook turn
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  6. the use of mopeds or motorcycles on footpaths by postal services
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  7. the rights and duties of users of mobility devices and wheeled recreational devices
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  8. exemptions from arm signalling for cyclists at roundabouts
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  9. towing speeds for vehicles without a rigid towing system
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  10. parking a vehicle on the road margin
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  11. child safety locks in taxis
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  12. the use of blue beacons on vehicles
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  13. pedestrians waiting at pedestrian crossings
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  14. passenger service vehicles at level crossings
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  15. the use of safety chains on light trailers
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  16. requirements for cycle lights (must be visible for 100m)
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  17. priorities for use of shared paths by road users
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  18. Road Controlling Authorities' marking of stopping places/stands
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  19. responsibility for the use of seat belts on buses
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For further information, including Q&A, on these provisions see the LTSA website


 

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