New rules surrounding the use of winter tyres, also known as snow tyres, come into force on Thursday.
The new regulations, included in the Land Transport: Tyres and Wheels Amendment Rule, prohibit mixing winter tyres with other types of tyres on the same vehicle.
Winter tyres are made with softer rubber and deeper treads to maintain grip in conditions below 7degC.
New Zealand Transport Agency spokesman Andy Knackstedt said winter tyres could be dangerous if used incorrectly.
"Mixing winter tyres with other tyres on the same vehicle can result in different levels of grip on the front and rear axles, which can make the vehicle unbalanced and difficult to control in an emergency or during hard braking," he said.
A new minimum winter tyre tread depth of 4mm would also be compulsory from Thursday, he said.
Winter tyres are usually marked with a snowflake and mountain symbol, or the word "studless".
- NZPA
Changes to winter tyre rules
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