Media Statement
For immediate release
Date 16 February 2007
Road code gets ‘makeover’ at 70

Since it was first released in 1937, The official New Zealand road code has been essential reading for anyone planning to drive in this country. Now, on its 70th anniversary, a new-look Road code for car drivers will be appearing in bookstores around New Zealand.

To encourage drivers to use the Road Code as a reference tool, the format – formerly a large magazine size – has now been reduced to fit conveniently into a glovebox or handbag.

The content has been split into two volumes – The official New Zealand road code and the Licence and study guide, which contains driver licensing information and sample test questions. This has been done to make it easier for learner drivers to refer to the road rules when studying for their driving test. The two volumes are sold together in a handy plastic wallet.

The overall structure of both volumes has been redesigned to improve ease of use. Content and images have also been revised and updated where necessary. The Road code section of the Land Transport NZ website is being redeveloped to reflect these changes and to enhance navigation.

Updated versions of the heavy vehicle and motorcycle road codes will be released in the first half of 2007.

The official New Zealand road code has been essential reading for Kiwi drivers since it first appeared as a slim pamphlet in 1937. Seventy years and well over a million copies later, the road code has undergone a major makeover, with the latest version hitting the shelves of bookstores and licensing agents around New Zealand this week.

Formerly printed in a large magazine size format, the road code has been streamlined to fit conveniently into a glove box or handbag, which Land Transport New Zealand hopes will encourage drivers to keep it on hand and refer to it more frequently.

The publication has also been split into two volumes – The official New Zealand road code and the Licence and study guide, which contains driver licensing information and theory test questions. The new format makes it easier for learner drivers to refer to the road rules when studying for their driving test. The two volumes are sold together in a handy plastic wallet for $24.90.

The overall structure of both volumes has also been redesigned to improve ease of use. Content and images have also been revised and updated where necessary. The road code section of the Land Transport New Zealand website (www.landtransport.govt.nz/roadcode/index.html) has also been redeveloped to reflect these changes and make it easier to navigate.

Similarly-updated versions of the heavy vehicle and motorcycle road codes will be released later this year.

ENDS

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