One of the road rules the New Zealand drivers really seem to have a problem with is the bothersome “keeping left unless overtaking.” It is a kind of “right lane hogging” rule that diminishes the overall productivity and safety of a freeway and a growing concern among police and road safety advocates alike. According to New Zealand’s Land Transport Rule 2004, you can only leave the left lane for the purpose of overtaking. If you do not follow this rule, you could receive a $150 fine as well as 20 demerits. However, many New Zealanders do not seem to worry about the punishment.
Road Rule Violations in NZ
| Offence | Fine Amount | Demerit Points | Enforcement Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Not keeping left | $150 | 20 | Low |
| Speeding | Varies | Varies | High |
| Red light running | $150 | 20 | High |
| Not wearing seatbelt | $150 | 20 | High |
| Texting while driving | $80 | 20 | High |
Low Enforcement Priority
There are officers who keep left lane violators fines, however, many do not pay them. New Zealand’s inspector of road policing, Peter McKinnire, claims that road violations such as drunk driving, or excessive speeding, take more precedence than not keeping to the left lane. An enforcement concern like road exits, or letting cycling lanes merge, can make folding the rule tough to keep.
Why is It Important
People who at most times occupy the correct lane suffer. So do the drivers who are annoyed. When the right lane is occupied by slower vehicles, others attempt dangerous passing, or as a last resort, they get mad. Roads with a large amount of traffic become cluttered.[1]
Public Awareness and Social Impact
The NZTA is one of the many organizations that assist in keeping the left lane left. They claim that they have tens of millions of impressions, however, it’s clear that many drivers are annoyed by lane blockers more than before.
Expert Perspectives
According to road safety advocates such as the AA, lane discipline should be observ ed with the right lane reserved for passing only, and drivers asked to come back to the left lane after overtaking. AA polls say lane hogging can be as equally irksome among motorists as running red lights or texting while driving.
Moving to A Culturally Diverse Society
More sociological thinking is required, particularly with younger drivers, specialists say, to help them understand the necessity of correct lane use as both an ethical and legal necessity of driving. On the other hand, if the culture is promoted, there is a likelihood that New Zealanders will be able to effortlessly practice, “keep left” driving.
FAQs
1. Is there a fine for not keeping left in NZ?
This behaviour can incur a fine of $150 and 20 demerit points.
2. Is enforcement of the keep left rule stringent?
While applicable, it is not as stringent as for other, more dangerous violations.
3. Why is lane changing to the left more dangerous than to the right?
More narrow blind spots and lane changes are more easily swiped by the vehicle being overtaken than by the vehicles in the left lane.
4. Who promotes lane discipline in New Zealand?
AA and NZTA has deployed systems which work to educate people and also help in the propagation of proper road usage manners through publicity and campaigns.
