Rules for Driving in Wellington

Make sure you check out the rules and stay safe driving in Wellington.

 
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Stay safe and on the right side of the law in Wellington with our useful guide to the "dos and don'ts" of Wellington car hire.

Mostly, driving in Wellington is the same as Britain; be careful in Wellington, and obey the law.

Speed Limits in Wellington

On motorways around Wellington, speed limits are 100kph. In Wellington itself, speed limits are 50kph. Speed limits in Wellington are posted along the side of all roads. In Wellington if you break the speed limit, the Wellington police can fine you on the spot.

Drink Driving in Wellington

Drink driving is a serious offence in Wellington, and conviction results in a fine and prison. In Wellington, you can have some alcohol before driving in Wellington, but you shouldn't drink before driving. If you crash in Wellington whilst under the influence, your insurance won't be valid.

Quick guide to driving your Wellington hire car

  • In Wellington, drive on the left, and overtake on the right. In Wellington, "undertaking" is a traffic offence, and is punished with a fine.
  • In Wellington you must always wear a seat belt while driving in Wellington.
  • Always keep some change in the car for toll roads in Wellington.
  • Speed limits and distances on signs in Wellington are in km, and petrol is sold in litres at all Wellington fuel stations.
  • Always signal left when leaving a roundabout in Wellington
  • Be aware that the road can change without warning in Wellington from tarmac to shingle surface.
  • In Wellington you cannot overtake when there is a yellow line in the road.

    • Wellington Driving Restrictions for New Zealand

    When renting a car in Wellington, you cannot take it onto the North - South Island Ferry.

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