Just stupid or self appointed speed police

[Swatty]

Cage drivers that stay in the right lane of a two lane motorway. Flash your high beam and they continue along in the right lane with nothing in the left lane to stop them moving over. Are they stupid, need to read the road code about staying left or are they self appointed speed police on a mission to slow everyone down. You can follow them for ages but they will not move over.
And it seems to be women drivers that are the worst at this.

[James Deuce]

There's no legal requirement to stay left on motorways or dual-carriageways in NZ, and even if their was, it wouldn't be enforced.

[awayatc]

just pass anyway....
easier with bike,
landrover bit hard on right sometimes

[phill-k]

Which also makes it ok to undertake the vehicle, but in fact you aren't undertaking because the traffic law relates to each individual lane and they are recognised as such..

[Swatty]

Keeping left on a laned road
Most roads in New Zealand have lanes marked on them with a white line or raised studs.
Even the most stupid cage driver should understand this:

When driving on a laned road, it is important to drive your vehicle within your lane.

Where there are two or more lanes on your side of the centre line:

•keep in the left-hand lane as much as you can
•don't use the lane closest to the centre line if you will hold up other vehicles.
The lane closest to the centre line should only be used when:

•you want to pass another vehicle
•you want to turn right
•the left-hand lane is full with other traffic or is blocked.

[Gubb]

I feel your pain. Sometimes I feel it's my right to cruise at 140Km/h. Why the hell can't everyone else stay off my piece of bloody road. Afterall, I do subsidise it more through my bloody levies.

[steve_t]

There's no legal requirement to stay left on motorways or dual-carriageways in NZ, and even if their was, it wouldn't be enforced.

So is the "Keep Left Unless Passing" thing only a guideline.

[merv]

There's no legal requirement to stay left on motorways or dual-carriageways in NZ, and even if their was, it wouldn't be enforced.

Nah, read this - Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2004/0427/latest/DLM303041.html

This is where the "Keep Left Unless Passing" guidance comes from. The cage driver has to have a good excuse to use the right lane if no traffic is close by in the left lane.

On the bike just zap by on the left after giving the appropriate 3 seconds indication for each lane change.

Index page to whole rule document here http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2004/0427/latest/DLM302188.html

This what the Road Code is based on and it is what the cops have behind them for prosecution in court.

[Smifffy]

Problem is, you're on a bike. They don't see you, or your high beam flash.

If they do see your high beam flash then they now know that they are in possession of something that you want, viz the spot in the right lane that they occupy.

If they have it, and you want it then there is no way they are going to let you have it.

Typical selfish NZ city dweller.

[James Deuce]

Nah, read this - Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2004/0427/latest/DLM303041.html

This is where the "Keep Left Unless Passing" guidance comes from. The cage driver has to have a good excuse to use the right lane if no traffic is close by in the left lane.

On the bike just zap by on the left after giving the appropriate 3 seconds indication for each lane change.

Index page to whole rule document here http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2004/0427/latest/DLM302188.html

This what the Road Code is based on and it is what the cops have behind them for prosecution in court.

Doesn't apply to motorways because each lane is an individual highway. They need to amend that. DAMHIK.

[merv]

Doesn't apply to motorways because each lane is an individual highway. They need to amend that. DAMHIK.

Where do you get that from Jim, the Rule is the Rule and is part of legislation?

[rustic101]

Is it really worth getting your knickers in a knot over?

Impatients is more of a risk it seems.

[cheshirecat]

re road code overtaking.

"the light rail vehicle must not be—

*

(i) signalling an intention to turn left or to stop; or . ."

Can someone explain to me how one might be in this situation in NZ - I thought trains stuck to rails and we stuck to roads

[James Deuce]

Where do you get that from Jim, the Rule is the Rule and is part of legislation?

I've posted it previously and post the 2004 updates. It's in a fairly early piece of legislation that hasn't been struck.

[awa355]

http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regul...DLM302188.html

Interesting that 7.15 refers to the right of a policeman to ask for and inspect your helmet. Anybody ever had their helmet checked?

[phill-k]

I have it in writing from the traffic police who look after written complaints from the motoring public, driving an urban assault vehicle a few years ago over the harbour bridge, Sunday morning about 7.30am, stupid bitch in her BMW in the right hand lane doing 78kms I was in a wee bit of a hurry and so flashed my lights to indicate I was coming through, no traffic as such and I didn't want to undertake her, long story short she complained about my aggressive driving and I wrote back saying she was travelling at under the speedlimit when the left hand lane was free and I did not wish to undertake her, received a letter back saying she was within her rights to travel in the right hand lane and that I could legally pass her in the left hand as they are regarded as individual carriageways on our motorways, another piece of muppet law.

[cheshirecat]

Where do you get that from Jim, the Rule is the Rule and is part of legislation?

did i see you (tidy 94ish VFR) on the Mway the otherday (fri am I think) You were going Well up SH1 braring left to go up the gorge. I was the other one.

[PrincessBandit]

Tbh, I've only seen the "keep left unless passing" on dedicated passing lanes which run for finite stretches of open road. Motorways or dual carriage ways aren't the same as those therefore I've never thought it important to observe. My bad if it's actually in the road code!!!

What twists my knickers is when two vehicles travel alongside each other holding up traffic behind. This is especially irritating when you get to an overtaking lane and a fricken truck decides to overtake another truck and the pair of them stop any other vehicle from being able to pass.

If there is more than one lane for the same directional flow of traffic which is NOT a dedicated passing lane then either is fair game for passing - left or right.

[BMWST?]

There's no legal requirement to stay left on motorways or dual-carriageways in NZ, and even if their was, it wouldn't be enforced.

there is,the road code says to keep left at all times except overtaking,this applies to dual and multi lane roads too

[pzkpfw]

... What twists my knickers is when two vehicles travel alongside each other holding up traffic behind. ...

On a busy day late last year I took off from work early (in car) to get my boy from school (returning from camp).

Going down the motorway at about 100-105 (according to my speedo) and get stuck behind two blockers doing 90-95, maybe 100 sometimes, side by side.

Got me angry (yes, MY fault, I know). So when the left blocker was held up by finally catching up to an even slower vehicle, I shot (yes, indicated first (I also do mirror and shoulder checks for bikes)) into the left lane, past the right hand blocker, and then back into the right lane.

Of course, I didn't actually want to play race car, but also didn't want to slow down right in front of the car I just passed, so continued for a little at "overtaking speed".

Around the corner to where the mufti Commodore was waiting for me. Cost me $80. (115 in a 100 area).


Finally got to my sons' school, to find he'd got a lift home with someone else anyway.

[HQfiend]

The really infuriating thing is the muppets that decide to prepare to exit the motorway system at Silverstream, by getting into the right hand lane at Ngaranga!

[merv]

did i see you (tidy 94ish VFR) on the Mway the otherday (fri am I think) You were going Well up SH1 braring left to go up the gorge. I was the other one.

Not me I wasn't there that day on the bike.

[Berries]

there is,the road code says to keep left at all times except overtaking,this applies to dual and multi lane roads too
The Road Code is just a bunch of handy driving tips, the legislation behind it does not say you have to stay in the left hand lane (although it should). In fact the legislation is written to specifically allow you to pass on the left - Road User Rule 2.8(2). As stated in a previous post, the Keep Left When Passing signs are only used at passing lanes however, 2.8(2) means you are not committing an offence to overtake on the left if you can. Don't try it in slow vehicle lanes though.

The practice used to piss me off when I first came to NZ, now I just accept it as typical inconsiderate NZ driving. I give them a second or two to see if they are going to move then wazz past on the left.

[pete376403]

http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regul...DLM302188.html

Interesting that 7.15 refers to the right of a policeman to ask for and inspect your helmet. Anybody ever had their helmet checked?

Yup, happened to me a long time ago when full-face helmets were not offically approved. I had an AGV f/f and was pillioning on a Suzuki 250 Hustler (does that date it yet?) Rider got stopped for speeding, plod looked at my helmet and told me I shouldn't be using it as it wasn't safe in New Zealand. Didn't ticket me for it, though.
At that time (about 1975ish) you couldn't buy helmets like that in NZ shops, it was a private import.

[JMemonic]

the Keep Left When Passing signs are only used at passing lanes however


No they are not, http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&hq=&hnear=Logie+Pl,+Bromley+8062,+Canterbury,+New+Zeal and&ll=-43.57366,172.697396&spn=0.010089,0.01929&z=16&layer=c&cbll=-43.57357,172.697127&panoid=F3yqAJ8bDEzNrj0TSkqyxw&cbp=12,105.33,,0,14.83

The Sign on the left is a keep left unless passing but the road way is dual carriage way on the uphill stretch, apparently this is unusual but not the only piece of road that has this situation in NZ.

[Swoop]

Getting kiwi road users to "keep left" is as impossible as teaching a woman the offside rule.:facepalm:




(Don't attempt to link to that thread in J&H, the writer has never seen females in action in a shoeshop).

[Usarka]

The Road Code is just a bunch of handy driving tips, the legislation behind it does not say you have to stay in the left hand lane (although it should). In fact the legislation is written to specifically allow you to pass on the left -
+1 the road code is just a pamphlet, it is not "the law".

[Scuba_Steve]

re road code overtaking.

"the light rail vehicle must not be—

*

(i) signalling an intention to turn left or to stop; or . ."

Can someone explain to me how one might be in this situation in NZ - I thought trains stuck to rails and we stuck to roads

I thought the "light rail vehicles" might have referred to the likes of the Hiluxes with those rail add-ons? I'm probably wrong tho???


http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regul...DLM302188.html

Interesting that 7.15 refers to the right of a policeman to ask for and inspect your helmet. Anybody ever had their helmet checked?

Nope & I hope I never do, chances are being as "intelligent" as alot of cops seem to be their test will probably consist of dropping it onto the road & going "yea that held up, its safe" :facepalm:

[Swatty]

The really infuriating thing is the muppets that decide to prepare to exit the motorway system at Silverstream, by getting into the right hand lane at Ngaranga!

Yep see this a lot. Its 25kms to my exit so I better get in the right lane now. As an added bonus they will do 90kph with everyone passing them on the left. They may as well remove all the mirrors as they are only for decoration.

[oneofsix]

Yep see this a lot. Its 25kms to my exit so I better get in the right lane now. As an added bonus they will do 90kph with everyone passing them on the left. They may as well remove all the mirrors as they are only for decoration.

Hey calm down folks, you have to feel for these drivers. They don't know how to change lanes in traffic, they don't allow others into 'their space' so don't expect to be allowed in themselves and they aren't safe at anything over 90km (their speedo is probably reading 98km btw and the propaganda says you die at over 100km). Therefore they just have to get in their lane early, like super early.
Bet tehy are also the ones that slow down before their exit rather than after leaving the motorway. :facepalm:

[Gremlin]

Stupid, inconsiderate and unprofessional.

If I'm doing 110 indicated in the fast lane, and a quicker vehicle approaches from behind, I'll move over when there is a space. Why should I control their speed? Let them be on their way, you can continue at your speed. Equally, it requires less space to move over, than for the other vehicle to wait for enough space to move left, overtake then move back right again.

Typical small minded thinking and attitudes.

I've found that approaching a lot of cars at my speed until I'm close behind (rather than approaching slowly) seems to give plenty a hint to get out of the way. That said, I've had cars doing 70-80kph in the fast lane, and I swear to god, I want to thump them.

[cheshirecat]

In the UK you are not allowed to 'control/slow up' other's speed as it classifies as taking the law into your own hands. Don't know if it still applies. Also reversing out of a driveway into a road is a no no but that's another worm. (mentioned this as two did it today near a school and put everyone in all sorts of a pickle.

[oneofsix]

In the UK you are not allowed to 'control/slow up' other's speed as it classifies as taking the law into your own hands. Don't know if it still applies. Also reversing out of a driveway into a road is a no no but that's another worm. (mentioned this as two did it today near a school and put everyone in all sorts of a pickle.

As long as you realise that in NZ, unlike the UK, you are not allowed to park on the right side of the road unless its a one-way street.

Must do some research but it is my believe that the two you quote above are the same in NZ but I ignore the driveway one as its based on a technicality (which way you are driving on which side of the road type thing)

[cheshirecat]

I tell you what. back over there I was reasonably good on the road rules all 450 pages it them (with pictures) - had to be being a DR. Over here though they seem a trifle muddled at times and contary to logic.

Just one example in the test is they ask what to do when comming across a lump of wood in the road, stating you can't ride around it. The first option is to ride around it! I had to really think - was it a trick question, was there something I missed in the book, was I reading it correctly - had my brain stopped working, had their brain?

Here we constantl'y raise cases on forums and get cops to provide and 'interpretation' which of course varies according to individual wims.
Keeps us on out toes I suppose as if there wasn't enough going on a Bike.

[avgas]

Ha, I never thought I would see the day where there are multiple threads out to prove Triumph riders are wankers.
Who'da guessed?

I miss the Harley riders are wankers threads :corn:

[HQfiend]

As long as you realise that in NZ, unlike the UK, you are not allowed to park on the right side of the road unless its a one-way street.

Must do some research but it is my believe that the two you quote above are the same in NZ but I ignore the driveway one as its based on a technicality (which way you are driving on which side of the road type thing)


And apparently Taxi Cabs must still carry a bale on the roof of the cab to feed the horses!

[oneofsix]

And apparently Taxi Cabs must still carry a bale on the roof of the cab to feed the horses!

Really?? :woohoo: it would look good on the Green cabs

[admenk]

What's all this "overtaking" talk on about?

[HEMA]

http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regul...DLM302188.html

Interesting that 7.15 refers to the right of a policeman to ask for and inspect your helmet. Anybody ever had their helmet checked?

yes, had it checked and got a fine for it (I was wearing a WW2 German type helmet :facepalm: )

[NodMan]

http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regul...DLM302188.html

Interesting that 7.15 refers to the right of a policeman to ask for and inspect your helmet. Anybody ever had their helmet checked?

Only if you were an "outlaw biker"....
I used that piece of legislation numerous times with certain bikers who seemed to like wearing plastic replicas of WW2 German army helmets complete with a strip of canvass riveted to the plastic for a chin strap...
"just looking for the Snell or equivalent approval as its not on the outside of your pudding bowl" ...even ridden their bikes back to the pad when they have asked nicely!

[ac3_snow]

Stupid, inconsiderate and unprofessional.

I've found that approaching a lot of cars at my speed until I'm close behind (rather than approaching slowly) seems to give plenty a hint to get out of the way. That said, I've had cars doing 70-80kph in the fast lane, and I swear to god, I want to thump them.

:angry2:F@#KN ST*PID BLOODY GRRR GOD DAMM IGNORANT ARRRGHHH F#@KN W?NK!RS!!!:mad:
hahaha +1 pisses me off too

[paturoa]

Agree,

peeps who are obviously and intentionally impeeding others by blodking the right hand lanes are fucking inconsiderat arseholes.

cops will never do anything about it cos it lowers the speed.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/65833-Righteous-Right-Laners

aarrgggh - inconsiderate people are arseholes.

[davebullet]

It really pisses me off when people hog the right hand lane. Last time it happened, I pulled out my 44 magnum "the most powerful handgun in the world, and would blow your head clean off" and shot at the driver.

No I didn't really. I just calmly pulled into the left lane and took him via the undertakers lane. No dramas.

[admenk]

It really pisses me off when people hog the right hand lane. Last time it happened, I pulled out my 44 magnum "the most powerful handgun in the world, and would blow your head clean off" and shot at the driver.

No I didn't really. I just calmly pulled into the left lane and took him via the undertakers lane. No dramas.

You went and spoilt it with your second paragraph...

[steve_t]

It really pisses me off when people hog the right hand lane. Last time it happened, I pulled out my 44 magnum "the most powerful handgun in the world, and would blow your head clean off" and shot at the driver.



That's a bit extreme. When I get pissed off by drivers I do what this guy did...

http://www.gixxer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=292225 :corn::killingme:killingme

[Max Preload]

There's no legal requirement to stay left on motorways or dual-carriageways in NZ, and even if their was, it wouldn't be enforced.Yes there is. Someone else already linked to it.

Section 2.1(3) of the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 (http://www.legislation.govt.nz/regulation/public/2004/0427/latest/DLM303041.html)


A driver may drive in the right lane in the direction of travel when driving on a multi-lane road if—
(a) the driver is turning right, or making a U-turn from the centre of the road, and is giving the prescribed signal of that driver's intention to turn right; or
(b) the driver is passing; or
(c) the left lane is unavailable to the driver; or
(d) the driver is required by any provision of this rule to drive in the right lane; or
(e) a variable lane control downward-facing arrow sign indicates that the driver must drive in the right lane; or
(f) the driver is avoiding an obstruction; or
(g) the traffic in all other lanes is congested; or
(h) the traffic in every lane is congested.

[Berries]

The word “may” is the operative word here. You “may” do this, does not necessarily imply that you “must not” do something else.

The only clear part in the Road User Rule regarding this is what I posted earlier from Section 2.8.


2.8 Passing on left
(1) A driver must not pass or attempt to pass on the left of another vehicle moving in the same direction except in accordance with this clause.
(2) In any case in which the movement referred to subclause (1) may be made,—
(a) the 2 vehicles must be in different lanes; or........

This clearly allows undertaking on multi lane roads, implying that it is not an offence to drive in the right hand lane. Lane discipline here is crap, but that is the view of someone from England where the law is quite clearly different.

Back to Keep Left Unless Passing signs. MOTSAM states that they “must” be used where an additional lane is provided for the overtaking of slower vehicles over a limited length of road, in other words passing lanes. It also states that they “may” be erected elsewhere on multi lane roads where such reminders are required. Because the sign is classed as a Regulatory sign it should be complied with, therefore where the signs are used it is an offence to drive in the right hand lane, unless passing, but it is still not an offence to undertake due to 2.8 (2)(a). Not sure what precedent codes are used, but that is my understanding of the legislation, even though I keep left unless passing on the motorway myself and happily undertake every day.

[superman]

Maybe it's just me, but if I'm on a many lane road which are usually long and boring straights it's sometimes nice to have a cage to negotiate myself around. Something to do, really it takes no effort on the bike and it's almost always possible to find a gap to shoot through unlike when you're held up behind these fullas in your own cage.

[Berries]

For the same reason, I hate passing lanes. If I see cars ahead of me I think great, some fun. If I see an empty road I think of boredom.

[scumdog]

For the same reason, I hate passing lanes. If I see cars ahead of me I think great, some fun. If I see an empty road I think of boredom.


You're on a motorbike - how CAN you be bored??

[oneofsix]

You're on a motorbike - how CAN you be bored??

Try riding Paekakriki to Pukerua Bay and return 5 days a week. Have to shake my self awake at Fishermans on the way home. Nice 100km road restricted to 80. Thought the 80 was only until they put the WRB in - Tui No wonder cagers keep hitting the WRB through boredom, a few have even admitted they lost concentration. :zzzz: Bet the cages wonder wtf is going on as I practice counter steering just to stay awake :shifty:

[Scuba_Steve]

Try riding Paekakriki to Pukerua Bay and return 5 days a week. Have to shake my self awake at Fishermans on the way home. Nice 100km road restricted to 80. Thought the 80 was only until they put the WRB in - Tui No wonder cagers keep hitting the WRB through boredom, a few have even admitted they lost concentration. :zzzz: Bet the cages wonder wtf is going on as I practice counter steering just to stay awake :shifty:

yep 80km/h gives them longer to check out Kapiti Island this is the prob with slower speeds, yes theoretically they give you more time to react IF your watching the road & therein lies the prob slow speeds bring boredom, loss of focus/concentration, & makes it easier to watch the scenery which in turns makes the slower speeds more dangerous than the faster speeds because of the inattention factor (all relative of course) & why "safe to the conditions" speed would do more for safety then "legal speed"

And in my experience most people can't even do the 80km/h along there anymore they're more often than not down to 60km/h wheres the 10km/h tolerance for them ay???

[Berries]

You're on a motorbike - how CAN you be bored??
Riding a motorbike in a straight line at legal speeds doesn't do much for me. I like corners and acceleration. When I set off for a long ride I hate to see empty roads, as overtaking adds to the adrenaline, which is the main reason I ride. Oh to have a track nearer to Dunedin.