Road laws tackle increased traffic flow

Drivers and anyone else using the road have a new Road Code to follow.

From yesterday the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 came into force, covering everything from new pedestrian crossing rules and roundabout markings to a 10km/h increase - to 90km/h - in the maximum towing speed for light vehicles pulling boats, trailers, caravans and the like.

And the definition of noisy cars now includes not just engine noise but stereos as well.

Two things the new code does not address are using cellphones in moving vehicles and any change to the rule that says left-turning vehicles must give way to the right. The Government has shied away from both issues, saying more research is needed.

The new rules take into account the country's changing traffic environment in the past 30 years, including continuing increases in the number of vehicles.

Many of the provisions in the new rules are direct transfers from the existing Traffic Regulations 1976.

But here are some of the changes likely to affect most people using the roads in vehicles, on cycles or on foot:

Noisy vehicles

Owners of very noisy vehicles will in future be driving into trouble. Under the new rule it is an offence to operate equipment in, or on, a vehicle in a way that creates excessive noise. This covers noisy stereos, as well as revving engines noisily.

Also now in force is a new rule that prohibits exhaust systems being modified so that they are excessively noisy.

Applying this rule means using a subjective judgment at present, but an objective measuring test is being developed. Operating a vehicle that creates excessive noise, or creating excessive noise in or on a vehicle both carry $150 fines.

Pedestrian crossings

Drivers will now have to give way to pedestrians on both sides of a pedestrian crossing - unless the crossing is divided by a raised traffic island.

The old rule about only giving way to pedestrians on your side of a solid centre line marking has gone. It was argued that these lines could be difficult to judge in rain or dark conditions. The traffic islands have to be raised and have reflectors.

The Minister for Transport Safety, Harry Duynhoven, says on average three pedestrians are killed and another 105 injured each year on pedestrian crossings.

The new rule also says that drivers cannot enter a pedestrian crossing area if the way ahead is blocked by stationary traffic.

Pedestrians

There is still the legal requirement for pedestrians not to step on to a crossing unless approaching vehicles are far enough away to be able to stop safely. And if you are riding a bike you are subject to the rules which apply to vehicles. If you want to cross on a crossing, dismount.

Roundabouts

Multi-lane roundabouts throughout the country are to be marked so they require drivers entering and leaving to follow a clearly marked path. The aim is to lessen the chance of a vehicle crossing another's path and causing a crash. About three people are killed and 265 injured each year in crashes on roundabouts.

Under new Land Transport rules for traffic control devices the roundabout changes aim to be consistent throughout the country, so road users will know what to do in areas unfamiliar to them.

The new requirement began yesterday but councils will be able to phase them in over the next two years.

Drivers will also be expected to indicate whether they are going to turn left into an exit less than halfway round a roundabout.

Vehicles planning to take an exit more than halfway round should signal right entering the roundabout, then signal left as they pass the exit before the one they intend taking.

Following distances

Maintain a safe following distance behind the vehicle in front of you. If going more than 50km/h you must also leave sufficient room in front of you for a vehicle passing you to move safely into the gap. The legal minimum following distances include:

40-49km/h 16m

50-59km/h 20m

60-69km/h 24m

70-79km/h 28m

80km/h plus 32m

The easiest way to judge a safe distance is the "two-second rule".

Parking

The traditional P parking signs that have not applied at weekends will in future apply to weekends unless stated otherwise. Previously parking conditions that applied on weekdays did not apply at weekends or public holidays. Increasing weekend traffic and longer trading hours are cited as reasons.

Some areas may still opt to allow parking at weekend in otherwise restricted spaces but now the sign will have to say so.

Towing

The light vehicle open road towing speed has increased from 80 to 90km/h, the same as the limit for heavy vehicles introduced last May. (A light vehicle is 3500kg or less.)

But there will be only 5km/h tolerance over that new limit for towing trailers, boats, horse floats etc before you are breaking the law.

Slow vehicle bays

The new rule says these bays must be used by slow traffic holding other vehicles up.

These slow coaches may include heavy vehicles, camper vans and cars towing boats or caravans. There are about 70 slow vehicle bays (usually less than 300m long) around the country on two-lane recreational or tourist routes.

Once in the bay, vehicles should slow or stop if necessary to allow traffic to pass.

Buses

Buses carrying passengers will not be allowed to move at any time the bus doors are open. At present the doors may be open within 50m of stopping but not when the bus moves off.

The school bus speed limit stays at 80km/h instead of the 90km/h now allowed for heavy vehicles and cars towing trailers.

Land Transport says the lower speed is "to ensure student safety, particularly given children may be standing on school buses".

The speed limit for vehicles passing a stationary school bus also remains at 20km/h.

Safety belts

In a private vehicle if you are under 15 it is the driver's responsibility to make sure you are wearing a safety belt if one is available. If you are over 15 it is your responsibility.

Whatever type of vehicle you are travelling in, if there are safety belts you must use them unless you are specifically exempted under the law.

School bus drivers are exempt from checking whether school children under 15 are using safety belts where they are provided.

Roadworks

Until now handheld stop signs at roadworks have not been law and people sometimes ignore them.

Now drivers approaching a hand-held stop sign must halt before reaching the sign - and not proceed until they see the "go" sign.

Cyclists

Cyclist may ride on roads in large groups but must ride no more than two abreast. They must ride in single file if passing another vehicle. (including another cycle).

Mobility devices

These include motorised wheelchairs or mobility scooters. They must use the footpath where readily accessible. Drivers must be careful and considerate and drive at a speed that does not cause a hazard to other footpath users. The new rule also says that other footpath users must not block the way of mobility devices unnecessarily.

Scooters, skateboards etc

Officially known as wheeled recreational devices, they can use the footpath or road. But when using the footpath they must give way to everyone else on the footpath.

Helmets

People in motorcycle sidecars or in trailers towed by bicycles will have to wear helmets. The view is that they are as likely to sustain head injuries in an accident as the rider.

All motorcycle riders not wearing helmets will now need to apply to the director of road safety at Land Transport NZ for an exemption if they cannot find an approved helmet that fits.