Driving up to an intersection

If any other vehicle is approaching or crossing an intersection, don’t speed up as you approach. Use the system of car control to help you deal with hazards safely.

Course – look ahead for a safe and legal path.
Mirrors – look behind and in your blind spots.
Signal – for at least 3 seconds if turning.
Brakes – slow down so you can give way if required.
Gears – change if necessary.

When it's safe:

Accelerate – up to traffic speed.

The shading in the diagram below shows you which areas to check carefully before entering an intersection.

Driving up to an intersection — New Zealand Road Code illustration

Areas to check

What are the give way rules?

Road users must stop or give way as necessary at stop signs, give way signs and traffic signals.
If you’re turning, give way to vehicles not turning. Note: if you’re leaving the path of a marked centre line, you’re considered to be turning and must give way to vehicles that are following the centre line.
If you’re turning right, give way to all vehicles coming towards you including those turning left. Note: this applies if both vehicles are facing no signs or signals, or the same signs or signals.
At a T-intersection or driveway, traffic on a terminating road or driveway (bottom of the T) must give way to all traffic on a continuing road (top of the T).
In all other situations, give way to all vehicles coming from your right, for example, at a roundabout or at a crossroad controlled by traffic signals, when the signals have failed and all approaches have flashing yellow lights.

2 vehicles coming towards each other and turning right

When 2 vehicles are coming towards each other and both are turning right, no one should have to give way.

This is because normally they won’t cross each other’s path, so both vehicles can turn safely. However, be careful if the other vehicle is a large truck or bus, as they may need more room to make the turn.

Remember to check for traffic coming towards you that’s going straight through the intersection. Your view might be blocked by the turning vehicle.

Two vehicles coming towards each other and turning right at give way signs

Two vehicles coming towards each other and turning right at stop signs

At many intersections traffic is controlled by stop signs, give way signs and traffic signals. See below for when to use the give way rules at these intersections. If a police officer is directing traffic, you must obey their directions as they overrule the give way rules.

Stop sign

At an intersection controlled by a stop sign:

come to a complete stop – don't just slow down
stop where you can see vehicles coming from all directions
stay stopped until you've given way to all other vehicles, this includes cycles and motorcycles
if you and another vehicle are both facing stop signs, use the give way rules
you must not go until it's safe.

Give way rules

The word STOP and a single yellow line will be painted on the road.

Intersection with a stop sign

Give way sign

At an intersection controlled by a give way sign:

slow down and be ready to stop
give way to all other vehicles, except those facing a stop sign
if you and another vehicle are both facing a give way sign, use the give way rules
you must not go until it's safe.

Give way rules

A triangle give way marking and a white line will be painted on a sealed road. Driving up to an intersection — New Zealand Road Code illustration

A car facing a stop sign gives way to a car facing a give way sign.

Driving up to an intersection

What are the give way rules?

2 vehicles coming towards each other and turning right

Stop sign

Give way sign

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