Kiwi drivers are about to see some major changes this March to New Zealand’s road rules, including hefty fines to keep drivers safe on the road. With many road users, including drivers (and tourists), passing by some of the most important rules, fines will serve as a constant reminder. This document aims to cover the most important changes and some rules that are frequently missed, accompanied by the new fines introduced in 2025.
Reasons for New Zealand to Change Their Road Rules
New Zealand’s rapidly changing road networks include new vehicles such as e-scooters, delivery vans, and increased road and urban traffic. Recently, the rate of road accidents caused by reckless, distracted, and drunk driving has increased, as has the road users’ disrespect for vulnerable road users (cyclists/pedestrians). New Zealand’s national Road to Zero strategy aims to curb road deaths by 40% over the next 10 years and uses increased fines as a key strategy in this goal.
The Most Forgettable, and Common, Rules
New Zealand road users, and drivers, keep getting caught on the same rules:
- Not showing turn signals at roundabouts, which can lead to a 10-point collision.
- Tailgating. This behavior, which increases the rate of road collisions, can incur a 150 dollar fine.
- Not checking for cyclists or motorcyclists in blind spots.
- Using a mobile phone at a red traffic light. Modern road rules see this behavior also incur fines.
- Not stopping for pedestrians waiting at crossings, not just for those who are already crossing.
Major 2025 Rule Updates
The 2025 updates are huge:
- Speeding by over 20km/h will immediately incur fines over NZD$600 and may result in license suspension.
- Fines associated with mobile phone usage, even at stoplights and in traffic, will become increasingly severe.
- Roadside drug and alcohol testing will become more frequent and automatic license suspension will apply to repeat offenders.
- Drivers will be required by law to leave 1.5 meters when overtaking a cyclist on faster roads.
- New rules will be enforced for e-scooters: mandatory helmets for those under 18 and speed restrictions in heavy traffic areas.
Automated Enforcement & New Technology
Another 2025 advancement: cameras will be used to ticket offenders for seatbelt violations. This will allow the capture of offenders without needing a police stop. The aim of these innovations is to improve compliance and decrease the police resources spent on basic traffic checks.
Adapting to New Driving Habits
Signaling at roundabouts, lane discipline, and safe overtaking must be more precise than ever. The Road Code updates for revision safety include new questions for licensing exams effective December 2025. This applies to both international and local drivers and those who haven’t driven in a while.
Short Table of Key 2025 Fine Data
| Offence | 2025 Fine (NZD) |
|---|---|
| Speeding >20 km/h | $600+ |
| Mobile phone use | $150–$400+ |
| Tailgating | $150 |
| Failing to signal | $150 |
| Unbelted (camera) | $150+ |
| Illegal pedestrian miss | $150+ |
Road Safety—A Shared Responsibility
The government believes that safe roads are only possible with the active participation of every driver. With the increase of penalties and the intensification of enforcement, it is even more vital to stay current and drive with a defensive mindset.
FAQs
What are New Zealand’s most common driver mistakes in 2025?
Most common mistakes include failing to signal, tailgating, using a mobile device while driving, and not yielding to pedestrians.
What are the highest new fines for 2025?
Fines will exceed $600 for excessive speeding, and for mobile phone use while driving, it will be $400 or more.
How are the new rules enforced?
The new rules are enforced with extended roadside checks, new seatbelt cameras, and more aggressive demerit point systems for speeding and careless driving.
