Most of the signs you will see on New Zealand roads are 'international symbolic signs'. This means they use shapes and symbols that appear on traffic signs all over the world. Symbolic signs are used because they are quick to read and easy for all drivers to understand.

New Zealand's signs are also made of reflective material, making them easier to read at night. The symbolic signs on our roads can be divided into three types. You must be able to recognise and understand each type of sign.

Compulsory signs - these show you what you must or must not do
Hazard Warning signs - these warn you to be careful because of a particular hazard on the road ahead
Information signs - these give you useful information, such as the names of places, the distance to the next town, etc

Some examples of these signs are shown below
Please note that the examples shown are only a small sample of the symbolic signs used on our roads. They are intended only to familiarise you with the three main types of symbolic sign. They do not show you all the symbolic signs you will see when driving.

Compulsory Signs

Permanent Hazard Warning Signs

Temporary Hazard Warning Signs

Information Signs