Road signs in New Zealand
All 473 road signs used in New Zealand, grouped by type, with what each one means.
Free to browse — no signup. Every sign with its shape, colours and what it means.
Every sign in New Zealand
These are the signs as they appear in New Zealand, which uses its own sign system.
Warning signs
122 signs
Cattle stopCode W14-8.2Warning that a cattle stop (grid) is ahead on the road (current version).
Cattle stop 1987Code W14-8.2Warning that a cattle stop (grid) is ahead on the road (1987–2016 version).
Cattle stop hazard cyclist unofficialCode W15-11Unofficial warning sign showing a cyclist being thrown over a cattle stop, cautioning cyclists about the hazard ahead (fluorescent yellow-green).
Chevron delineator leftCode PW-13SLChevron delineator board indicating a curve to the left ahead.
Chevron delineator rightCode PW-13SRChevron delineator board indicating a curve to the right ahead.
Children school warningCode W6-2Children crossing ahead — warns drivers that children (school pedestrians) may be crossing the road.
Priority signs
6 signs
Give wayCode R2-7.1Drivers must give way to traffic on the intersecting road (current version).
Give way 1989Code R2-7.1Drivers must give way to traffic on the intersecting road (1989–2008 version).
Give way 2008Code R2-7.1Drivers must give way to traffic on the intersecting road (2008–2016 version).
Give way maoriCode R1-2Give way sign in te reo Maori (HOATU TE ARA) — requires drivers to yield to all other traffic.
Stop maori mutuStop sign in te reo Maori reading 'MUTU', requiring drivers to stop and give way to all traffic on the intersecting road.
Stop maori mutu whiteStop sign in te reo Maori reading 'MUTU' on a white background variant, requiring drivers to stop and give way.
Prohibition signs
82 signs
No parking bus stopCode R6-71No parking — this is a bus stop.
No parking bus stop bothCode R6-71.1LRNo parking — bus stop, restriction extends in both directions.
No parking bus stop leftCode R6-71.1LNo parking — bus stop, restriction extends to the left.
No parking bus stop rightCode R6-71.1RNo parking — bus stop, restriction extends to the right.
No parking bus stop timed baseCode R6-71BNo parking — bus stop with 7–9am Monday to Friday time restriction (base plate variant).
No parking bus stop timed bothCode R6-71.1BLRNo parking — bus stop operating 7–9am Monday to Friday, restriction extends in both directions.
Mandatory signs
24 signs
Keep right roundel doubleCode RG-34-1Keep right — pass the obstruction or island on the right side (double roundel marker).
Keep right roundel double altCode RG34.1Keep right — pass the obstruction or island on the right side (alternate double roundel marker).
EntryEntry point to a car park, facility, or controlled area; vehicles may enter through this point.
Entry onlyEntry only — vehicles must enter through this point and cannot exit here; used in one-way car park access.
ExitExit point from a car park, facility, or controlled area; vehicles may exit through this point.
Lane direction bothCode R6-10.1Lane may be used in both directions; indicates a reversible or shared lane applicable to both left and right (current version).
Special regulation signs
24 signs
Construction zone leftCode A41-3LConstruction zone with directional arrow pointing left; indicates the construction zone boundary or detour direction to the left.
Construction zone rightCode A41-3RConstruction zone with directional arrow pointing right; indicates the construction zone boundary or detour direction to the right.
Learner driver plateLearner driver plate (L plate) that must be displayed on vehicles driven by learner licence holders.
Do not stop for signalsCode R4-13.2Do not stop for signals — used where a crossing or intersection has separate signal phases.
Community streetCode RD76Community Street sign indicating a shared residential zone where authorised vehicles only are permitted.
LszCode RG-3Limited Speed Zone (LSZ) — the default speed limit within this zone is 50 km/h unless conditions (pedestrians, animals, poor visibility) require a lower speed.
Information signs
158 signs
No exit bladeIndicates there is no exit at this road or lane; drivers must not enter expecting a through route.
Blue no exitCode A40-1No exit (blue variant) — this road or area has no through route; used in motorway or expressway contexts.
No exitCode A40-1No exit — this road or area has no through route; vehicles must turn back.
Turn left with careCode A40-2Turn left at any time with care — drivers may turn left even when the traffic signal is red, but must give way to all other traffic.
Bells offCode A40-3Level crossing bells off during night hours (9:30 pm to 7 am); audible warning bells will not sound during these times.
Feeling sleepyCode A40-5Fatigue advisory sign encouraging drowsy drivers to stop and take a break to prevent fatigue-related crashes.
Direction signs
29 signs
Destination left arrow blueMotorway or expressway directional sign indicating the destination (Sheffield) is reached by turning left.
Destination right arrow blueMotorway or expressway directional sign indicating the destination (Sheffield) is reached by turning right.
Destination veer right arrow blueMotorway or expressway directional sign indicating the destination (Sheffield) is reached by veering right.
Ads blue highway shieldAdvance directional sign on a state highway showing destinations (Rotorua straight, Horohoro left, Owhata right) with a blue State Highway 1 shield.
Ads blue red shieldAdvance directional sign on a state highway showing destinations (Rotorua straight, Horohoro left, Owhata right) with a red State Highway 1 shield.
Bgs green destinationGreen background guide sign showing destination Dunedin with a downward arrow indicating the current road leads there.
Additional panels
28 signs
Distance 100mCode R7-2.3Supplementary panel indicating the restriction applies for 100 metres.
Distance 200mCode R7-2.3Supplementary panel indicating the restriction applies for 200 metres.
Distance 300mCode R7-2.3Supplementary panel indicating the restriction applies for 300 metres.
Except authorised vehiclesCode R3-5.3Supplementary panel indicating that authorised vehicles are exempt from the restriction shown on the associated sign (current version).
Except authorised vehicles 1989Code R3-5.3Supplementary panel indicating that authorised vehicles are exempt from the restriction shown on the associated sign (1989–2016 version).
Except busesCode R3-5.1Supplementary panel indicating that buses are exempt from the restriction shown on the associated sign (current version).
Signs explained
What the main sign groups mean and what to do when you see one.
Warning signs
Alert drivers to potential hazards ahead. Usually triangular with red border.12 signs
Prohibitory signs
Indicate actions that are not permitted. Usually circular with red border.7 signs
Mandatory signs
Indicate required actions or directions. Usually circular with blue background.3 signs
Priority signs
Indicate who has right of way at intersections. Various shapes and colors.5 signs
Informational signs
Provide useful information about facilities, services, and locations.6 signs
Direction signs
Guide drivers to destinations, exits, and distances.3 signs
Special zone signs
Indicate special areas like school zones, pedestrian areas, and work zones.2 signsReady for your New Zealand theory test?
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