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Once you’re on the road in your hire car there are some points to keep in mind. From tolls to kilometre limits it pays to drive informed. Read on to find out the details.
There are some important information you need to be aware of while you are driving your rental car in New Zealand. For example, certain restrictions may apply as to where you can drive your vehicle, and you may not be permitted to travel on certain roads. There are also different policies regarding extensions and fuel policies. Here is a guide to assist you:
In New Zealand you drive on the left-hand side of the road and use roundabouts in a clockwise direction.
Speed limits in New Zealand are measured in kilometres per hour (kph) and can range up to 110 km/h. Drivers are advised to get familiar with the important road rules and to keep to the speed limits.
The maximum speed limit on most open roads in New Zealand is 100 km/h (62 mph). However according to the NZ Transport Agency, drivers are now permitted to travel 110km/h on the Tauranga Eastern Link Toll Road, on State Highway 2, and the Cambridge section of the Waikato Expressway on State Highway 1. Please note that the speed limit for heavy vehicles and vehicles towing remains at 90km/h.
Based on a guide to driving offences and penalties issued by the NZ Transport Agency, drivers may be subjected to a fine and will incur demerit points for speeding. You may get a 28-day licence suspension if caught for driving over the speed limit and may also be charged with careless, dangerous or reckless driving.
There is no minimum posted speed limit in New Zealand. However, it is against the law to drive at an unreasonably slow speed. Drivers must pull over to the side of the road to allow queues of cars behind them to pass.
Red and Blue signs: These signs indicate that the driver must take a compulsory action, like turning a certain direction or coming to a complete stop. Signs indicating the speed limit will be circular, red and white.
Special lanes: White signs with red borders indicate bus lanes, and transit lanes (requiring certain numbers of people to be travelling in the vehicle).
Warning signs: Yellow signs are permanent warning signs that indicate narrow roads, clearance limits or pedestrian crossing areas. Orange signs refer to temporary hazards like roadwork or flooding.
All drivers and passengers must wear seat belts at all times. Keep in mind that it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure that any passenger under 15 years of age uses a seat belt or the proper child restraint. Passengers aged 15 and over are responsible for putting seat belts on themselves.
All children under seven years of age must use an approved child restraint. According to NZ Transport Agency, approved child restraints include: infant restraints for young babies (often called baby capsules), restraints for older babies, toddlers and preschool children (often called car seats), booster seats for preschool and school-aged children, and child safety harnesses (used with or without a booster seat) for preschool and school-aged children.
Children aged 8-14 must use safety belts if available and if not, they must travel in the back seat. A fine of NZ$150 can be issued for not wearing a seat belt.
There are a few scenarios where you can be exempted from wearing a safety belt. These include:
A certificate from a medical practitioner confirming that it would be impractical or undesirable for medical reasons; you can also apply this exemption to child restraints.
If you are reversing and you are physically unable to turn around to see behind you when restrained by a seat belt.
If you can’t operate any of the main controls in the vehicle such as the steering wheel, horn, indicators, brakes and clutch.
Note that applying for an exemption needs to be done with NZTA.
There are three toll roads in New Zealand, all of which are located on the North Island. These include the Northern Gateway in Auckland, the Tauranga Eastern Link, and Takitimu Drive. If you use these roads, you’ll need to pay a fee. You can pay online at the NZ Transport Agency website.
If you receive a traffic fine whilst in possession of the rental car, you will be liable for any costs involved. If the fine is sent to your rental provider (as opposed to being issued to you at the time of the offence), they will take one of the following actions:
Charge your credit card for the amount detailed on the fine, including any applicable taxes and surcharges.
Supply your information to law enforcement agencies, who will then issue a fine to your postal address.
To learn about driving offences and penalties in New Zealand, visit the NZ Transport Agency website.
Drivers over 20 years old must stay under the legal alcohol limit, while for drivers under 20, the limit should be zero. Keep in mind that even a small amount of alcohol can affect your driving, so it is recommended that you do not drink and drive. You are also not allowed to drive under the influence of any drugs that can affect your ability to drive safely.
According to NZ Transport Agency, the law on alcohol limit states that you must not drive if the amount of alcohol in your blood or breath exceeds certain age-related limits.
Under 20: There is a zero alcohol limit if you are under 20, which means if you drive after consuming even one drink you can be charged with drink driving. If you have an alcohol level of less than 150 micrograms per litre of breath and less than 30 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood, you could be fined and given 50 demerit points. Note that if your alcohol limit is higher, you could be disqualified from driving, be given 50 demerit points and either fined or imprisoned.
20 or over: You must not drive if you have consumed more than the legal alcohol limit, which is 250 micrograms per litre of breath or 50 milligrams per 100 millilitres of blood.
The alcohol limit for driving can be tested through:
Breath testing to measure the number of micrograms of alcohol (mcgs) per litre of breath.
Blood testing to measure the number of milligrams of alcohol (mgs) per 100 millilitres (mls) of blood.
Please note that breath testing is usually used for both screening and evidential purposes. Blood testing, on the other hand, can be used as a check on the accuracy of the breath testing.
If you’ve already picked up your rental car and your plans have changed, you will need to contact the car rental company directly to extend your booking. There are a few important things to be aware of:
Extending your booking will affect the price.
You may not be able to extend your booking if there are no vehicles available. This is common during peak travel times.
There are restrictions to where you are permitted to drive your rental car. Our car rental partners require that you stay on sealed roads, and avoid roads such as Skippers Canyon, Ninety Mile Beach and the Tasman Valley Road.
If you are planning to travel past the snow line, you may need to purchase extra cover. Depending on the supplier, you could be liable to pay any damage fees associated with taking the car beyond the snow line.
Do you know what to do in the case of an accident while in New Zealand? Make sure that you are safe and contact the car rental companies roadside assistance. All of our car rental providers include some basic level of roadside assistance. Some offer other packages with increased protection. Whichever option you choose, it is important to understand the exclusions. Furthermore, to avoid paying a large excess amount, you can also purchase insurance to reduce your excess liability.
Has your car rental been stolen? You will need to immediately call the police and notify them. After you have done this, you can call the rental company. The car rental provider will direct you on what to do and the next steps to take. The main thing to do is remain calm. We understand that these things happen.
Are you planning to take the Interislander Ferry between the North and South Island? If you are picking up a rental car on the other side, you’ll find the car rental desks conveniently located inside both terminals. Both Wellington and Picton ferry terminals are centrally located, so you’ll easily be able to drop off your vehicle at either one. Remember, our car rental partners do not allow you to take your rental car on the ferry. You could be charged an expensive relocation fee, as well as any charges for damage incurred.
Important InformationDon’t forget...
Remember there are important rules and restrictions that apply to your rental car while you are travelling in New Zealand. Make sure you know which roads you are not able to travel on, and keep a copy of your rental agreement with all of the roadside assistance numbers. If you need to extend your booking, you will need to contact the car rental company directly.
