Updates to the Road code
This page lists any updates to The official New Zealand road code since the last published edition. These changes will usually have been caused by a legislation change.
Other update pages:
- The official New Zealand road code for heavy vehicle drivers
- The official New Zealand road code for motorcyclists
The 2010 version of The official New Zealand road code was published in May 2010.
Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Rule 2011
The Land Transport Driver Licensing Amendment Rule 2011 introduced a number of changes that affect licence holders.
This led to updates regarding supervisors, restricted licence driving conditions, name change confirmation, international drivers, and the test day checklist on the following pages on 1 October 2011:
- Stage 1 - learner licence - What are the conditions of a learner licence?
- Stage 1 - learner licence - Learning to drive
- Stage 2 - restricted licence - What are the conditions of a restricted licence?
- Driver licensing application requirements - Evidence of your identity
- Driver licensing application requirements - Confirmation of name change
- Other licensing information - International drivers
- About the practical driving tests - Test day checklist
The Land Transport (Road Safety & Other Matters) Amendment Act introduces a zero alcohol limit for drivers under the age of 20
Alcohol limits updated 7 August 2011 on the following pages:
- Alcohol and drug limits - Legal alcohol limits for driving
- Stage 1 - learner licence - What are the conditions of a learner licence?
- Stage 2 - restricted licence - What are the conditions of a restricted licence?
Minimum driving age increases
Minimum ages updated 1 August 2011 on the following pages:
- Stage 1 - learner licence - Who can apply for a learner licence
- Stage 2 - restricted licence - Who can apply for a restricted licence
- Stage 3 - full licence - Who can apply for a full licence
Land Transport (Road Safety & Other Matters) Amendment Act 2011
Reinstatement fee
The Land Transport (Road Safety & Other Matters) Amendment Act introduces new relicensing requirements for drivers who have been disqualified or whose licences have been suspended.
If your licence has been suspended (other than a 28-day roadside suspension), or you have been disqualified, and your suspension or disqualification ends on or after 10 May 2011 you cannot simply return to driving. You will need to reinstate your licence and a have a new licence issued before being legally entitled to drive again. This applies irrespective of when the suspension or disqualification commenced.
Information about demerit points, impounding vehicles, and applying for removal of an indefinite disqualification information was updated in April 2011 on the following pages:
- Alcohol and drug limits - Applying for the removal of an indefinite disqualification
- Stepping over the line - Impounding vehicles.
Licence fees and refunds changes
GST-related changes
On 1 October 2010 licence fees and refunds changed due to the increase in Goods and Services Tax (GST). For more information see Licence fees and refunds.
The Land Transport (Driver Licensing and Driver Testing) Fees Regulations 2010
In July 2010, Regulation changes led to the fees being updated in July 2010.
These changes affected fees on the following page:
English Language Partners New Zealand
ESOL Home Tutors changed their name to English Language Partners New Zealand (and also changed their website address).
In June 2010, the following page was updated:.
Last updated: 7 October 2011