Driving Differences: New Zealand vs Poland Explained
Discover the intriguing contrasts in road regulations between New Zealand and Poland. While New Zealanders drive on the left, Poles navigate on the right. Speed limits and lane usage also vary significantly, impacting overall travel safety. Understanding these distinctions is essential for a secure and smooth driving experience in these diverse nations.
Lanes
New zealand | Poland | |
---|---|---|
Driving Side | Left | Right |
Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Marks the right edge on divided roads. | Used for temporary markings, such as during road works. |
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe. | Temporary markings; passing permitted when safe. |
Overtaking: On Right | Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning right. | Allowed when the vehicle ahead is turning left or on one-way roads. |
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use leftmost lane. | Use rightmost lane. |
Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses during certain hours. | Reserved for buses, taxis, and bicycles where specified. |
Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs. | Labeled 'BUS' on the road. |
Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols and green pavement. | Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement. |
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements | Not applicable | N/A |
Driving Side
new zealand:
Left
poland:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
new zealand:
Marks the right edge on divided roads.
poland:
Used for temporary markings, such as during road works.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
new zealand:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
poland:
Temporary markings; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Right
new zealand:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning right.
poland:
Allowed when the vehicle ahead is turning left or on one-way roads.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
new zealand:
Use leftmost lane.
poland:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
new zealand:
Reserved for buses during certain hours.
poland:
Reserved for buses, taxis, and bicycles where specified.
Bus Lanes: Markings
new zealand:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
poland:
Labeled 'BUS' on the road.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
new zealand:
Bicycle symbols and green pavement.
poland:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
new zealand:
Not applicable
poland:
N/A
Speeds Limits
New zealand | Poland | |
---|---|---|
Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 50 km/h | 20 km/h |
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 100 km/h | 90 km/h |
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 100 km/h | 80 km/h |
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 90 km/h | 70 km/h |
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 100 km/h | 140 km/h |
Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 90 km/h | 80 km/h |
Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Electronic signs display current limits | Electronic signs display current limits. |
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | No; fines are usually mailed after citation | Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation. |
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
new zealand:
50 km/h
poland:
20 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
new zealand:
100 km/h
poland:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
new zealand:
100 km/h
poland:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
new zealand:
90 km/h
poland:
70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
new zealand:
100 km/h
poland:
140 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
new zealand:
90 km/h
poland:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
new zealand:
Electronic signs display current limits
poland:
Electronic signs display current limits.
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
new zealand:
No; fines are usually mailed after citation
poland:
Rare; fines are usually mailed after citation.
Signals
New zealand | Poland | |
---|---|---|
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber | Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles | Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles. |
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used in New Zealand | Signals a change to green is imminent. |
Use Of Indicators: Mandatory | Yes, for all turns and lane changes | Yes, for all turns and lane changes. |
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts | Signal when entering and exiting | Signal when exiting. |
Horn Usage: Allowed | Only in cases to avoid accidents | Only in cases to avoid accidents. |
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply. |
Horn Usage: Penalties | Fines may apply for misuse | Fines may apply for misuse. |
Headlight Flash: Usage | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking. |
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage | Not to be used to signal other messages | Not to be used to signal other messages. |
Hand Signals: Permitted | Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning | Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning. |
Hand Signals: Common Usage | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected. |
Traffic Signs: Language | English; symbols are standard | Polish; symbols are standard. |
Traffic Signs: Priority | Yield and stop signs must be obeyed | Yield and stop signs must be obeyed. |
Traffic Signs: Warning | Diamond-shaped with yellow background | Triangular with red border. |
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
new zealand:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
poland:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
new zealand:
Not used in New Zealand
poland:
Signals a change to green is imminent.
Use Of Indicators: Mandatory
new zealand:
Yes, for all turns and lane changes
poland:
Yes, for all turns and lane changes.
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
new zealand:
Signal when entering and exiting
poland:
Signal when exiting.
Horn Usage: Allowed
new zealand:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
poland:
Only in cases to avoid accidents.
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
new zealand:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
poland:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply.
Horn Usage: Penalties
new zealand:
Fines may apply for misuse
poland:
Fines may apply for misuse.
Headlight Flash: Usage
new zealand:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
poland:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking.
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
new zealand:
Not to be used to signal other messages
poland:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
Hand Signals: Permitted
new zealand:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
poland:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
Hand Signals: Common Usage
new zealand:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
poland:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
Traffic Signs: Language
new zealand:
English; symbols are standard
poland:
Polish; symbols are standard.
Traffic Signs: Priority
new zealand:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
poland:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
Traffic Signs: Warning
new zealand:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
poland:
Triangular with red border.
Turns
New zealand | Poland | |
---|---|---|
Right Turn On Red | Not allowed | Allowed only if a green arrow is present. |
Left Turn: General | Permitted unless prohibited by signs | Permitted unless prohibited by signs. |
Left Turn: At Intersections | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left. |
U- Turns Allowed | Permitted unless prohibited by a sign | Varies by location; check for signs. |
Special Turn Lanes | Yes, marked with arrows | Yes, marked with arrows. |
Overtaking While Turning | Prohibited | Prohibited. |
Right Turn On Red
new zealand:
Not allowed
poland:
Allowed only if a green arrow is present.
Left Turn: General
new zealand:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs
poland:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
Left Turn: At Intersections
new zealand:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left
poland:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
U- Turns Allowed
new zealand:
Permitted unless prohibited by a sign
poland:
Varies by location; check for signs.
Special Turn Lanes
new zealand:
Yes, marked with arrows
poland:
Yes, marked with arrows.
Overtaking While Turning
new zealand:
Prohibited
poland:
Prohibited.
Documentation
New zealand | Poland | |
---|---|---|
Driver's License: Requirement | Valid driver's license required | Valid driver's license required. |
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended. |
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended | Accepted with International Driving Permit. |
Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory | Liability insurance mandatory. |
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Regular inspection required; proof may be required | Mandatory every year. |
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on license plate or windshield | Displayed on windshield. |
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Not mandatory | Mandatory. |
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory | Mandatory. |
Driver's License: Requirement
new zealand:
Valid driver's license required
poland:
Valid driver's license required.
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
new zealand:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
poland:
Accepted; International Driving Permit recommended.
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
new zealand:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
poland:
Accepted with International Driving Permit.
Insurance
new zealand:
Liability insurance mandatory
poland:
Liability insurance mandatory.
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
new zealand:
Regular inspection required; proof may be required
poland:
Mandatory every year.
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
new zealand:
Displayed on license plate or windshield
poland:
Displayed on windshield.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
new zealand:
Not mandatory
poland:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
new zealand:
Not mandatory
poland:
Mandatory.
Road Etiquette
New zealand | Poland | |
---|---|---|
Flashing Lights: Usage | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake. |
Flashing Lights: Misuse | Discouraged, fines may apply | Discouraged, fines may apply. |
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic. |
Lane Courtesy: Blocking | Discouraged and may be penalized | Discouraged and may be penalized. |
Use Of Horn: Limited | Only in emergency situations | Only in emergency situations. |
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Less frequent use compared to some countries | Less frequent use compared to some countries. |
Pedestrians Priority | Pedestrians have right of way at marked crossings | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks. |
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Move to the left and stop if necessary | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary. |
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights. |
Flashing Lights: Usage
new zealand:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
poland:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
Flashing Lights: Misuse
new zealand:
Discouraged, fines may apply
poland:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
new zealand:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
poland:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
new zealand:
Discouraged and may be penalized
poland:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
Use Of Horn: Limited
new zealand:
Only in emergency situations
poland:
Only in emergency situations.
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
new zealand:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
poland:
Less frequent use compared to some countries.
Pedestrians Priority
new zealand:
Pedestrians have right of way at marked crossings
poland:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
new zealand:
Move to the left and stop if necessary
poland:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary.
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
new zealand:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
poland:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
Alcohol
New zealand | Poland | |
---|---|---|
Limits: General Drivers | 0.05% | 0.02% |
Zero Tolerance: Drugs | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs. |
Zero Tolerance: Medications | Check if medication affects driving ability | Check if medication affects driving ability. |
Enforcement: Random Checks | Common; checkpoints used regularly | Common; checkpoints used frequently. |
Enforcement: Fines | Substantial fines, can vary widely | Varies; can be substantial. |
Enforcement: Imprisonment | Possible for severe offenses | Possible for severe offenses. |
Test Refusal | Can result in license suspension and other penalties | Can result in license suspension. |
Limits: General Drivers
new zealand:
0.05%
poland:
0.02%
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
new zealand:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
poland:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
Zero Tolerance: Medications
new zealand:
Check if medication affects driving ability
poland:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
Enforcement: Random Checks
new zealand:
Common; checkpoints used regularly
poland:
Common; checkpoints used frequently.
Enforcement: Fines
new zealand:
Substantial fines, can vary widely
poland:
Varies; can be substantial.
Enforcement: Imprisonment
new zealand:
Possible for severe offenses
poland:
Possible for severe offenses.
Test Refusal
new zealand:
Can result in license suspension and other penalties
poland:
Can result in license suspension.
Roundabouts
New zealand | Poland | |
---|---|---|
Priority: Entering | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. |
Priority: Inside | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly. |
Signaling: Entering | Signal left if making an immediate left turn upon entry | Signal if turning immediately upon entry. |
Signaling: Exiting | Signal right when preparing to exit | Signal right when preparing to exit. |
Lane Usage: Right | Use for first exit or straight | Use for first exit or straight. |
Lane Usage: Left | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe. |
Priority: Entering
new zealand:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
poland:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
Priority: Inside
new zealand:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
poland:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
Signaling: Entering
new zealand:
Signal left if making an immediate left turn upon entry
poland:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry.
Signaling: Exiting
new zealand:
Signal right when preparing to exit
poland:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
Lane Usage: Right
new zealand:
Use for first exit or straight
poland:
Use for first exit or straight.
Lane Usage: Left
new zealand:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
poland:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe.
Emergency Services
New zealand | Poland | |
---|---|---|
Contact: General Emergency | 111 | 112 |
Contact: Traffic Police | 111 | 997 |
Contact: Roadside Assistance | 0800 500 222 for AA (Automobile Association) | 981 or through your insurance provider. |
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Not mandatory, but recommended | Mandatory. |
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Not mandatory, but recommended | Mandatory. |
Contact: General Emergency
new zealand:
111
poland:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
new zealand:
111
poland:
997
Contact: Roadside Assistance
new zealand:
0800 500 222 for AA (Automobile Association)
poland:
981 or through your insurance provider.
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
new zealand:
Not mandatory, but recommended
poland:
Mandatory.
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
new zealand:
Not mandatory, but recommended
poland:
Mandatory.
Penalties And Fines
New zealand | Poland | |
---|---|---|
Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; $30 to $630, points on license | Varies; can be substantial, often increased for foreign vehicles. |
Common Fines: Alcohol | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time. |
Common Fines: Seat Belts | $150, points may also apply | Mandatory, fines apply. |
Common Fines: Phone Use | $80 to $150, points in some circumstances | Fines apply for use without hands-free device. |
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | $150, points on license | Fines and license points apply. |
Payment: On The Spot | No; fines usually paid online or by mail | Rare; usually paid online or by mail. |
Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 28 days to pay | Varies; typically 7-14 days to pay. |
Foreign Drivers: Fines | Same as residents; must be paid | Same as residents; must be paid. |
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment | Possible if fines are not paid | Possible if fines are not paid. |
Common Fines: Speeding
new zealand:
Varies; $30 to $630, points on license
poland:
Varies; can be substantial, often increased for foreign vehicles.
Common Fines: Alcohol
new zealand:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
poland:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
Common Fines: Seat Belts
new zealand:
$150, points may also apply
poland:
Mandatory, fines apply.
Common Fines: Phone Use
new zealand:
$80 to $150, points in some circumstances
poland:
Fines apply for use without hands-free device.
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
new zealand:
$150, points on license
poland:
Fines and license points apply.
Payment: On The Spot
new zealand:
No; fines usually paid online or by mail
poland:
Rare; usually paid online or by mail.
Payment: Deadline
new zealand:
Varies; typically 28 days to pay
poland:
Varies; typically 7-14 days to pay.
Foreign Drivers: Fines
new zealand:
Same as residents; must be paid
poland:
Same as residents; must be paid.
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
new zealand:
Possible if fines are not paid
poland:
Possible if fines are not paid.