Road signs tell you where you are and what to do. They are needed to help keep everyone safe. This section lists common signs and explains what they mean.
There are three types of sign:
This page describes examples of:
Compulsory signs
Warning signs
Information signs
Road markings
Compulsory signs are usually red or blue. They tell you what you must or must not do.
You must stop completely, give way to any traffic and only move off again when your way is clear
You must slow down and give way (or stop if necessary)
You must slow down and be prepared to stop for traffic in the roundabout or entering the roundabout from the right
One-way bridge: give way to all vehicles coming towards you
One-way bridge: you have priority
You must not cycle here
You must not turn left here
You must not go into this road
You must move in the direction shown on the arrow
This is a shared path for walking and cycling
School patrol: you must stop and remain stopped until the sign is withdrawn
Walk only on the left side and cycle only on the right
Cycle lane
You must exit if you are cycling
Bus lane that can also be used by cycles and motorcycles
Bus-only lane that can only be used by buses
Exemption to a regulatory sign if you are cycling
Warning signs are usually diamond-shaped. They warn you to be careful for your own safety and the safety of other people.
Permanent warning signs are yellow or fluorescent yellow/green. Temporary signs are orange.
Look out for bike riders
Cycle path crossing ahead
Take care cycling over railway tracks
Look out for children
Pedestrian crossing
Road narrows ahead
Slippery surface
Railway tracks ahead
Roundabout ahead
Wind gusts
Roadworks ahead
Stop on request
Detour for cycling on the left
Slips
Pass people cycling at a safe distance and where possible slow down
Information signs come in a range of different colours and sizes.
You may turn left, but first give way to pedestrians and vehicles
A hook turn is recommended for bikes turning right at the intersection ahead
Use the left shoulder if you are cycling
Cross here if you are cycling
Cyclists can travel in either direction in the adjacent cycle lane
Use ramp to leave road here if you are cycling
Confirms that cyclist is on the NZCT and the route is turning right
Shows the way to the nearest information centre
Route for cycling, with destination
Cycle parking
Route confirmation and distances
image distance sign
Shows distances to places
A sharrow marking is a bike symbol with a double chevron above it. Sharrow markings remind everyone that people riding bikes can take the lane.
Take the lane - sharrow markings
Sharrow marking
A hook turn marking is a green box marked with a bike symbol and a turning arrow. It shows a good place to stop and wait during a hook turn.
Alternatives to turning right across traffic
An advanced stop box marking is a green box marked with a bike symbol. You can use advanced stopping places when you need to wait at an intersection.
Using advanced stopping places
