Riding in NZ - general inquiry

[kondraxk]

HI, my name is Konrad, I'm a biker for a few years now, currently resident of Ireland/Europe, someway someday maybe resident of New Zealand / Australia.

I was wondering, what is the attitude of police officers in New Zealand towards road users, and especially bikers. I've got to read couple of post on A/NZ forums, with the impression that road rules are executed very strictly, and even slight offences like 105kph in 100 kph zone, or light bulb not working, or lack of indicator when turning, are not taken lightly if spotted. Is that a rule in NZ that even minor offence ends up with a fine or court?

In Ireland, I was stopped couple of days ago for speeding - 100kph in 60 zone, I was riding imo smoothly and safely, no filtering, no lane splitting, with consideration to other road users. I was stopped by a biker guard ( police in Ireland = Garda ), he didn't ask me for ID nor driving licence, just said I was going a bit too fast, asked me to slow down, wished me a pleasant day and went on. No fines, no points, very kindly and friendly, and it's not a single case. Very rarely bikers get tickets here, sending to court is unheard of, unless biker was drunk and caused an accident. Is that attitude towards bikers present in NZ at all?

Have a good grip
Konrad

[jim.cox]

100 in a 60 zone is 40 kmh over - round here that will mean a fine, impounding of your bike for 28 days and probably a court appearance.

The cops seem to have some leeway in what they write you up for. But most play it exactly by the rules. Some of the crusading types are just plain nasty.

[oneofsix]

Attitude to enforcement in NZ is strict compare to what you describe in Ireland. Check out this thread for an idea http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?p=1130391270#post1130391270, and thats from one of the more sensible cops :eek5: Don't forget your donut vouchers (they don't accept bribes but might make them more friendly) The problem with NZ is too much focus on net speed and not enough on general driving, which would have to include speed for the conditions. Doing 100k in a 60k zone would be an immediate walk here and court case, you will find it explained in the quoted thread. At least if you are polite they, the :Police:, don't beat you up ;)

Henry Cole seemed to like riding in NZ and thought the general attitude to bikers was good when he did two of his most amazing ride programmes, one North Island (mainly East Coast) and one South Island (West Coast and Central South).

[BigAl]

Plus you'll also get a huge lecture about the bleeding obvious.

[Bassmatt]

..:corn:..

[rastuscat]

100 in a 60 zone is 40 kmh over - round here that will mean a fine, impounding of your bike for 28 days and probably a court appearance.

The cops seem to have some leeway in what they write you up for. But most play it exactly by the rules. Some of the crusading types are just plain nasty.

Dear Kondraxk

The quote above is one that will show you how much tosh is talked about the rules in New Zealand by folk who think they know the way things work.

The above post says that if you get caught at 40 over your bike gets impounded. Tripe. If you get caught at 40 over, you get a speeding ticket. End of story. Speeds up to 50 over any given speed limit can are normally are dealt with by instant fine i.e. tickets where you have 28 days to either pay or request a court case.

If you get caught at 51 over any posted limit (not temporary), you get a ticket and a 28 day licence suspension. At no stage is your bike impounded for pure speeding, unless you get charged with racing. But then, it makes a great story, and gives bikers something to bitch about.

One of the lesser known rules is that donuts have to be consumed within 4 hours of production. Exceeding this is an offence punishable by confiscation, although what I'd do with 5 hour old donuts I'm not sure.

Believe about 60% of what you read on here. The other 40% is entertaining though.

[BoristheBiter]

Dear Kondraxk

One of the lesser known rules is that donuts have to be consumed within 4 hours of production. Exceeding this is an offence punishable by confiscation, although what I'd do with 5 hour old donuts I'm not sure.



5 hour old donuts, you forgot they were there didn't you?

[jim.cox]

The above post says that if you get caught at 40 over your bike gets impounded. Tripe. If you get caught at 40 over, you get a speeding ticket. End of story. Speeds up to 50 over any given speed limit can are normally are dealt with by instant fine i.e. tickets where you have 28 days to either pay or request a court case.

If you get caught at 51 over any posted limit (not temporary), you get a ticket and a 28 day licence suspension.
.


Hey Rastus -

From the NZTA website http://www.nzta.govt.nz/licence/offences-penalties/penalties.html

Your driver licence will be suspended on-the-spot for 28 days if you:

exceed a permanent speed limit by more than 40 km/h (or another speed limit by 50 km/h)


So who's right? you or them?

[Lozza2442]

Believe about 60% of what you read on here. The other 40% is entertaining though.

I disagree.

It's more like 20:80. 20% real:80% :bs:

[Fast Eddie]

100 in a 60 zone is 40 kmh over - round here that will mean a fine, impounding of your bike for 28 days and probably a court appearance.

The cops seem to have some leeway in what they write you up for. But most play it exactly by the rules. Some of the crusading types are just plain nasty.

40k over means you are going to lose your license for sure, you lose it on the spot then court appearance to lose it for a few months at least plus fines and record.

if they they think you are racing or driving dangerous they can impound the bike/car too

yea, cops target speed and safety heaps here, they make campaigns and blitz operations on it. they will happily ticket you if you break the law. its their job :innocent:

[Crasherfromwayback]

Hey Rastus -

From the NZTA website http://www.nzta.govt.nz/licence/offences-penalties/penalties.html

Your driver licence will be suspended on-the-spot for 28 days if you:

exceed a permanent speed limit by more than 40 km/h (or another speed limit by 50 km/h)


So who's right? you or them?

You're absolutely correct. I had my licence suspended for the 28 days (142kph)...went to court to defend the charge, and got off. Funnily enough when I asked if I then had a 28 day credit should I ever be so silly enough to exceed the limit and get caught...I was told to basically fuck off. Can't see how that's fair?:innocent:

[Fast Eddie]

Dear Kondraxk

The quote above is one that will show you how much tosh is talked about the rules in New Zealand by folk who think they know the way things work.

The above post says that if you get caught at 40 over your bike gets impounded. Tripe. If you get caught at 40 over, you get a speeding ticket. End of story. Speeds up to 50 over any given speed limit can are normally are dealt with by instant fine i.e. tickets where you have 28 days to either pay

If you get caught at 51 over any posted limit (not temporary), you get a ticket and a 28 day licence suspension. At no stage is your bike impounded for pure speeding, unless you get charged with racing. But then, it makes a great story.

the info on the govt website says instant disqual at 40km exceeding permenant speed zone.

but i might just print this quote and keep it in me pocket. sounds like the rozza should be treating me pretty casually at 100 in a 50 zone, hopefully just a wee fine to pay in 28 days :)

[willytheekid]

:facepalm:....damnit!, would you lot shut up!:laugh:

...dont EVER point out how sprinkles have made Rastuscat "nice" in regards to "His" interpretation of the law and its enforcment upon us! (The ChCh KB crew)
...its Donut country down here!...please don't rock the sprinkle boat :laugh:

as you were Rastuscat...as you were
269475
...more sprinkles sir?



If he pulls a KBer over at 141kph and then decides to smear himself with a jelly Donut to "wrestle" there bike off them...its ALL YOUR GUYS FAULT!:laugh:

[jim.cox]

sprinkles have made Rastuscat "nice" in regards to "His" interpretation of the law


He's still a member of the Blue Gang - and as such is not to be trusted :true:

[willytheekid]

He's still a member of the Blue Gang - and as such is not to be trusted :true:

:no:
He's just a regular guy who goes to work everyday just like the rest of us mate...he just gets to wear a snazzy uniform and thrash a company bike :laugh:(lucky bugger!)
He's also a respected Fellow KB member who does a hell of alot for us on KB and in the "real world"...I trust him to do his job!, and I trust him as a fellow rider!

...just DON'T trust him around Donuts! (especial the ones with sprinkles!):laugh:

[jim.cox]

and I trust him as a fellow rider!


Wot - like TigerTim and DrunkenMistake ?

Its alright, young 'un, you'll learn (eventually)

[caseye]

:no:
He's just a regular guy who goes to work everyday just like the rest of us mate...he just gets to wear a snazzy uniform and thrash a company bike :laugh:(lucky bugger!)
He's also a respected Fellow KB member who does a hell of alot for us on KB and in the "real world"...I trust him to do his job!, and I trust him as a fellow rider!

...just DON'T trust him around Donuts! (especial the ones with sprinkles!):laugh:

+ one.
Much rather he was a Kb er and does what he does here than an ordinary rozza with no original thoughts who simply processes any and all in the prescribed manner.
One of those gang bikes wouldn't go astray up this way neither.

[SMOKEU]

Buy a good radar detector.

[rastuscat]

Total numpty me.

I had written it correctly, but then while reviewing it I changed it and posted incorrectly.

Exceed any permanent speed limit by 41 or more, 28 day walk. It kicks in at 41 over, not 40.

Exceed any temporary speed limit by 51 or more, 28 day walk. It kicks in at 51 over, not 50.

Speed between 1 and 50 in excess of any limit are dealt with by infringement. After that, it's by Traffic Offence Notice, the charge depends on the circumstances.

There is no vehicle impoundment or confiscation for speeding offences, unless they are a racing offence or a drag racing offence, and are charged as such. Vehicle impoundment came in with the Boy Racer offences, and unless you get charged with one of those, you get to keep your vehicle. Dangerous Driving (Manner) or Dangerous Driving (Speed) DO NOT ATTRACT IMPOUNDMENT.

Happy to be flogged by Jim Cox for my typo. Anytone else can just join the queue.

[jim.cox]

No flogging for you

a: Its against the law ( and Sue Bradford )

b: I'd get beaten up by the rest of the Blue Gang

c: I might charged with Assaulting an Orificer of the Law

d: You might enjoy it

But no donut either

[oneofsix]

No flogging for you

a: Its against the law ( and Sue Bradford )

b: I'd get beaten up by the rest of the Blue Gang

c: I might charged with Assaulting an Orificer of the Law

d: You might enjoy it

But no donut either

d. would be the scariest for you but no donut is the most effective for Rustus.


Kondraxk carry donut vouchers but don't advertise the fact or they'll stop you just to get the vouchers.

[BigAl]

At least here in NZ the police just don't shoot you.................yet;)

[rastuscat]

d. would be the scariest for you but no donut is the most effective for Rustus..



Nooooooooooooooo.........................

Cruel and unusual punishment is a phrase describing punishment which is considered unacceptable due to the suffering, pain, or humiliation it inflicts on the condemned person.

Clearly this qualifies.............

[5150]

Speaking of donuts, (question for Rastuscat) Which are your favourite? just asking in case we ever meet? :innocent: Or is voucher still prefered currency around your district? :whistle:

[Lozza2442]

Speaking of donuts, (question for Rastuscat) Which are your favourite? just asking in case we ever meet? :innocent: Or is voucher still prefered currency around your district? :whistle:

Donuts?
http://imgur.com/gallery/CGnDJ

[george formby]

Crikey! Glad i don't have a sweet tooth.

[Road kill]

From my own perspective and after riding NZ roads for 40 years,I've never had a bad experience when having a road side chat with the cops.

But in Australia I did,,4 kms over in a 50 zone and he went on like I'd shit on his front lawn or summint,,hand on gun during the whole conversation,black sun glasses, "Jodphurs":killingme,,,,,,total attitude about bikers,,,,,second name was probably cunt,,,,must of been the funny pants.:eek5:

Over all,in NZ you will only ever get what you deserve,often less.

Our cops and their attitudes are usually just a reflection of the people their dealing with at the time.

[rastuscat]

Our cops and their attitudes are usually just a reflection of the people their dealing with at the time.

Just a suggestion. PM that thought to Scube Steve, DB and Akzle. Now, THERE would be an interesting set of responses. :innocent:

[caseye]

Stop stating the obvious please rastuscat, hell we all know where this is coming from and I'd wager most of us would agree that your last statement is 100% right, but hell, this is KB after all and we just sure as hell could not be seen to be agreeing with you under any circumstances.
Love to see the response from those mentioned.

[Scruffygit]

The Garda and RUC/PSNI a brilliant common sense attitude to riding/driving.


I am afraid to say that in four years in NZ my experiences of traffic police is the opposite of Road Kill. With due respect to the members in blue here who do seem to have that most uncommon sense - common sense, the eight traffic police officers I have actually had dealings with, including 1 at my instigation and 2 purely socially, have made the N.Wales Traffic Taliban look polite, courteous and positively pro-bike.

[kondraxk]

Sounds tough, I guess moving to Ireland would be for most of You like moving to paradise. And still in here people give out about harsh police...
Moving to NZ from Ireland a totally different story, doesn't seem easy to adjust to such strict officers.

What about racing tracks? Are there plenty of them in NZ ? How often are they available for an average biker? What's the cost of an average full track day?

[BoristheBiter]

Sounds tough, I guess moving to Ireland would be for most of You like moving to paradise. And still in here people give out about harsh police...
Moving to NZ from Ireland a totally different story, doesn't seem easy to adjust to such strict officers.

What about racing tracks? Are there plenty of them in NZ ? How often are they available for an average biker? What's the cost of an average full track day?

Don't let them put you off here as most are just keyboard warriors.
There are two branches of police, normal and traffic. Most GD police don't have radars in there cars so couldn't give a shit. In traffic as like most jobs there are the wankers, and for some reason there are some that make it it their sole job in life to take motorcyclist's licence's, most aren't but up here most have joined highway patrol.
If you are sensible were you speed you wont have a problem but get a radar detector.

Depending where you are there is generally on track day a month or you can go in the open days (cars/bikes alternate).
The top two I most use are these.

http://motott.co.nz/
http://www.amcc.org.nz/advanced

There used to be Hampton downs ride days but i think they went bust or just packed up and left.

[oneofsix]

:yes: what Boris says is basically true. There aren't enough :Police: to be a real threat. If the pollies would leave them to do their job it would probably be soooo much nicer too.
Your main problem will be the self righteous pricks in cages that think they know better than you how you should be riding because either they have been sucked in by the propaganda or more likely don't have a clue how to drive themselves. Keep your eye open and your brain working, allow a good safety margin on the speed and you will enjoy yourself.

[5150]

:yes: what Boris says is basically true. There aren't enough :Police: to be a real threat. If the pollies would leave them to do their job it would probably be soooo much nicer too.
Your main problem will be the self righteous pricks in cages that think they know better than you how you should be riding because either they have been sucked in by the propaganda or more likely don't have a clue how to drive themselves. Keep your eye open and your brain working, allow a good safety margin on the speed and you will enjoy yourself.

+1 What ^ said

[kondraxk]

Will keep that in mind, thx for replying. :niceone:

[FJRider]

Just a suggestion. PM that thought to Scube Steve, DB and Akzle. Now, THERE would be an interesting set of responses. :innocent:

Predictable ... but by no means ... in any way, shape, or form ... interesting ...

[mylodon]

i've found the police in nz really very friendly. and populous. i've been stopped quite a few times for various reasons. they have a lot of blockades around cities around weekends. i did get my first (and only apart from camera) speeding ticket here. but they were nice about it since i could have lost my license. generally - i'd say i've been let off more often then not.

but yeah. friendly. and populous.

[BoristheBiter]

i've found the police in nz really very friendly. and populous. i've been stopped quite a few times for various reasons. they have a lot of blockades around cities around weekends. i did get my first (and only apart from camera) speeding ticket here. but they were nice about it since i could have lost my license. generally - i'd say i've been let off more often then not.

but yeah. friendly. and populous.

But you still call them pigs. Maybe you should have lost your licence until you learn some respect.

[Berries]

But you still call them pigs. Maybe you should have lost your licence until you learn some respect.
It is a term of endearment in some parts.

[Virago]

It is a term of endearment in some parts.

Only in Gore...

[mylodon]

But you still call them pigs. Maybe you should have lost your licence until you learn some respect.


ah relax

plenty of respect for the local fuzz

[BoristheBiter]

ah relax

plenty of respect for the local fuzz

but you still call them pigs?
That's like saying "I respect dem niggers"

[mylodon]

but you still call them pigs?
That's like saying "I respect dem niggers"

I respect dem *pigs*