Making a U-turn in New Zealand

A legal divider does not exist in New Zealand, and it's confusing for customers, especially those who are not familiar with Oceania regulations.

Regulation: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/roadcode/heavy-vehicle-road-code/road-code/about-driving/key-driving-skills/turning/#:%7E:text=You%20are%20normally%20allowed%20to,you%20to%20make%20the%20turn

Making a U-turn

You are normally allowed to make U-turns, as long as the road is clear in both directions and it is safe to do so. A heavy vehicle will have a larger turning circle than a car so make sure the road is wide enough for you to make the turn.

In a tight turn the tyres on multiple axles can damage the road surface so take care. Do not hit the kerb with the sidewall of the tyre as this will damage the tyre.

You aren’t allowed to make U-turns on a motorway or if a No U-turn sign is displayed.

There are only two scenarios in which a U-turn is prohibited:

1. Motorway:

Example: Auckland Southern Motorway

https://mapcreator.here.com/navlink:1111733806/?l=-36.9188,174.8402,17,satellite

2. A No U-turn sign is displayed

Example: https://mapcreator.here.com/navlink:1192516350/?l=-36.8906,174.7944,19,satellite

Green Lane East southward direction No U-Turn sign at the intersection of Green Lane East and Great South Road Suburb is GreenLane



Yellow Solid Lines

Yellow lines are No Passing lines, they are to prevent a head-on crash that occurs due to the combined speed and distance covered between the two opposing traffic directions rather than a vehicle simply crossing the line to turn. When a vehicle is turning they are not travelling toward the opposing traffic and thus less speed and therefore distance covered is less.