02/07/2026
The Government has confirmed it'll soon make changes to some road rules. Here are the 4 changes:
The changes are all to do with how we use lanes. The aim is to make people’s travel safer and better reflect how people already use the roads.
These aren’t the law yet but later this year they will be. The Government will change the rules to:
• Allow children up to 12 years old to ride bikes on footpaths and allow parents or caregivers to ride with them.
• Allow people to ride e-scooters in cycle lanes.
• Require a minimum passing gap of 1.5 metres when drivers pass other road users, such as someone driving and passing a person cycling, when it's safe to do so.
• Require drivers and other road users to give way to buses leaving bus stops on roads where the speed limit is 60km/h or less.
You may remember we asked for your feedback about these changes earlier this year, back in February and March.
We passed your feedback onto the Minister of Transport – there was broad support for the changes the Government proposed, with some adjustments suggested by submitters, and the Minister has decided on the 4 changes above.
In the original proposal, the Government had proposed clarifying signage requirements for enforcing berm parking restrictions (the grassy area between a road and a footpath) – this received mixed feedback and low support so the Minister decided not to progress with this change.
In terms of next steps, we’re currently drafting amendments to the Land Transport Rules to reflect these changes. Subject to Cabinet approval, these changes will come into effect later this year.
We’ll keep you updated here – follow us if you aren’t already to get updates. There's also more information on our website: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/changes-to-lane-use
