10/09/2026
New Road rules, how far is 1.5M? If you hit a car door that has been opened in front of you, you are not 1.5m out from it
4 new road rules will become law on 1 October 2026. Here's what they are:
The aim of the new rules is to make people’s travel safer and better reflect how people already use the roads. From 1 October:
• Children 12-years-old and under can ride bikes on footpaths and parents or caregivers can ride with them.
• People can ride e-scooters in cycle lanes.
• Drivers must leave a minimum gap of 1.5 metres when passing other types of road users.
• People must give way to buses leaving bus stops in areas with speed limits of 60km/h or less.
Earlier this year we asked for your feedback on these changes. We passed your feedback onto the Minister of Transport – there was broad support for the changes the Government proposed, and the Minister decided on the above.
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
