Resources

This rule sets out criteria, requirements and procedures to be followed by Road Controlling Authorities when reviewing and setting speed limits for roads within their respective jurisdictions.  It also revokes and replaces the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2022.

The stated objective of the rule is to contribute to an effective, efficient and safe land transport system by:

• providing for an approach to speed management that considers speed limits alongside safety infrastructure and safety camera enforcement; and
• empowering or requiring road controlling authorities to set speed limits for roads under their control, generally after considering safety, economic impacts and the views of road users and the community; and
• setting out requirements road controlling authorities must comply with when setting speed limit.

The rule sets out the ways Road Controlling Authorities can propose, consult and set speed limits, including how these proposals are developed, shared and certified.

The rule also sets out the process sets for reversing previous speed limits, preparing speed management plans, the roles and responsibilities for the process, and the required content of speed management plans.

The Ministry of Transport led the development of this rule, with assistance from the NZTA.

The rule was notified in the Gazette on 30 September 2024 and came into force on 30 October 2024.

If you have any feedback on the Land Transport Rule: Setting of Speed Limits 2024, please email speedrule@transport.govt.nz

If you have any questions about implementation of the new rule, please email speedmanagementprogramme@nzta.govt.nz

Rule versions

• The ‘Current rule’ provides the most up-to-date version of the rule and any amendments made to it. We recommend using this as your reference point if you want to read the most current information.
• The ‘Original rule’ shows the very first version of the rule, as it was when first introduced.
• ‘Amendments’ provides links to all changes made to the rule over time. These are useful if you want to research the history of the rule.

Note: Each link also includes access to consultation materials, such as summaries of submissions and frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to each version and amendment.

Questions and answers

Questions and answers are provided to accompany a new rule or amendment when they are signed. These and other consultation documents on this page have not been updated to take into account any later rule amendments and are retained for historic interest only.