The official New Zealand road code

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Giving way

Giving way at uncontrolled intersections

An uncontrolled intersection is an intersection where there are no Give Way signs, Stop signs, roundabouts or traffic signals to tell you who has to give way.

Important

Even when the other driver should give way to you, you still need to take care, in case they don't stop or slow down.

Going straight through at an uncontrolled intersection

When driving straight through an uncontrolled intersection, you must give way to:

  • all vehicles coming straight through from your right.
Picture of a car giving way when driving straight through at an uncontrolled intersection

Giving way when driving straight through

Turning left at an uncontrolled intersection

When turning left at an uncontrolled intersection, you must give way to:

  • all vehicles coming straight through from your right
Picture of a car giving way when turning left at an uncontrolled intersection

Giving way when turning left

  • all vehicles coming towards you and turning right.
Picture of a car giving way when turning left at an uncontrolled intersection

Giving way when turning left

Turning right at an uncontrolled intersection

When turning right at an uncontrolled intersection, you must give way to:

  • all vehicles coming straight through from your left
Picture of a car giving way when turning right at an uncontrolled intersection

Giving way when turning right

  • all vehicles coming straight through from your right
Picture of a car giving way when turning right at an uncontrolled intersection

Giving way when turning right

  • all vehicles coming straight towards you
Picture of a car giving way when turning right at an uncontrolled intersection

Giving way when turning right

  • all right-turning vehicles coming from your right.
Picture of a car giving way when turning right at an uncontrolled intersection Picture of a car giving way when turning right at an uncontrolled intersection

Giving way when turning right

Two vehicles coming towards each other and turning right at an uncontrolled intersection

When two vehicles are coming towards each other at an uncontrolled intersection and both are turning right, no one should have to give way.

This is because normally neither will cross the 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.

Picture of two cars both turning right at an uncontrolled intersection

Two vehicles turning right

Leaving the path of the centre line at an uncontrolled intersection

If you are leaving the path of a marked centre line at an uncontrolled intersection, you must give way to vehicles following the centre line. This is because vehicles leaving the path of the centre line are legally turning (even though sometimes they might actually be going in a straight line) and therefore, the give way rules apply.

Picture of a car leaving the path of the centre line

Leaving the path of the centre line

Helpful hint

At an uncontrolled intersection, if you are turning, give way to all vehicles not turning. In all other situations, give way to vehicles crossing or coming from your right.

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Last updated: 16 February 2007