Drivers will have to give way to buses, and kids allowed to ride on footpath, under proposed new road rules
Wednesday, 25 February 2026
The Government is proposing to let children aged up to 12 ride bikes on footpaths, introduce mandatory passing gaps for motorists overtaking cyclists, and require drivers to give way to buses pulling out from stops, as part of a wider shake-up of the road rules.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced on Wednesday that public consultation had opened on two packages of changes under the Land Transport Rules Reform programme, describing them as work to “fix the basics” of New Zealand’s transport system.
Bishop said the changes were designed to address common points of confusion, including “a parent unsure whether their 10-year-old is allowed to ride their bike on the footpath, a driver not clear how much space to give a cyclist, an e-scooter rider not sure if they can use the cycle lane, a bus stuck waiting to pull back into traffic, or a truck operator tied up in paperwork just to move an empty trailer between depots”.
The first package of proposed road rule changes centred on lane use, and everyday road rules affecting drivers, cyclists, bus users and pedestrians.
“We are seeking feedback on five practical proposals to improve the safe and efficient use of lanes, and better align the rules with how people already travel,” Bishop said in a statement.
Under the proposals, children up to and including 12-years-old would be allowed to ride on footpaths. Bishop said many children already did so, despite the current rule prohibiting it.
“Bringing the law into line with reality, with appropriate guidance and expectations around responsible riding, will help families make safer choices,” he said.
He acknowledged concerns from pedestrians, including older people and members of the disability community.
“I acknowledge some pedestrians, including older people and members of the disability community, may have concerns,” Bishop said.
“Education and clear guidance will be important, and parents and caregivers will need to ensure children ride at safe speeds and give way to pedestrians.”
Motorists would also face clearer requirements when overtaking cyclists and horse riders, with a mandatory passing gap of between one metre and 1.5 metres, depending on the speed limit.
The Government was also proposing to allow e-scooters to use cycle lanes, and to require drivers travelling under 60kph to give way to buses pulling out from bus stops.
In addition, signage rules would be clarified to give councils more flexibility in managing berm parking.
Bishop said the changes were “technical work, but it matters in the real world”.
“It affects how parents teach their kids to ride bikes safely, how drivers pass cyclists or horses on rural roads, how buses pull out in traffic, and how truckies get freight from A to B.”
Heavy vehicle proposed changes
The second package of proposed road rule changes focused on heavy vehicles and freight operators, including removing some permit requirements for moving empty High Productivity Motor Vehicle truck and trailer combinations, updating licence settings for zero-emissions vehicles and electric buses, adjusting signage rules for load pilot vehicles, and allowing overseas heavy vehicle licence holders to convert their licences by sitting tests or completing approved courses.
“Freight keeps our economy moving, and truck drivers are the backbone of our supply chains. We have heard clearly from operators that some of the current rules create unnecessary delays and costs without improving safety,” Bishop said.
He described the proposals as “practical, commonsense changes” that would “reduce compliance headaches” and support the transition to low-emissions vehicles while keeping safety “front and centre”.
Bishop said the Government encouraged “parents, cyclists, bus users, disability advocates, truck drivers, transport operators, councils and everyday road users to have their say on the current proposals”.