Picture this: You're zooming along a multi-lane highway in New Zealand, your journey suddenly grinding to a halt behind a driver stubbornly cruising in the right lane, barely hitting the speed limit, seemingly oblivious to the growing line of aggravated motorists behind them. It's infuriating, it's widespread, and—though against the law—it's one of the most frequently ignored traffic rules in the country. But here's where it gets controversial: Is this just a minor annoyance, or could it be eroding the very safety and efficiency of our roads? Stick around, because the details might surprise you and challenge what you think about driving etiquette.
This article, originally spotlighted as one of the most-read pieces on 1News.co.nz back in 2025, first hit the web on May 25. If you've ever navigated a road in New Zealand with multiple lanes, you've likely encountered the infamous 'right-lane hog'—that person who clings to the rightmost lane, traveling just under the speed limit, either clueless or uncaring about the backup of irritated drivers piling up behind them.
This behavior isn't just a pet peeve; it's prevalent across the nation. And while it's technically against the rules, it's sadly become one of the most disregarded road laws here. According to New Zealand's regulations, outlined in the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004, motorists are required to stay in the left lane unless they're actively overtaking another vehicle. Violating this can result in a $150 fine plus 20 demerit points, as per the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).
"We have no current intentions to adjust this infringement penalty," confirmed an NZTA representative. The organization frequently promotes 'keep left' awareness through posts on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, garnering over 9 million views in the last two years. Yet, it appears a lot of drivers are still not getting the message.
Enforcement exists, but it's not a top focus. Police do hand out tickets for breaching the keep left rule in certain situations, but it's not treated with the same urgency as more dangerous offenses, explained Inspector Peter McKennie, acting director of road policing. "Officers do enforce this rule occasionally, but we prioritize high-risk actions like excessive speed, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, fatigue, distracted driving, and neglecting seat belts or child restraints," he shared with 1News.
McKennie pointed out practical reasons for why some might linger in the right lane, such as gearing up for an upcoming exit, crossing, or making space for cyclists and road maintenance workers. Even if you're adhering to the speed limit and believe you're in the right, he stressed that drivers should always think about clearing the path for emergency vehicles. Blocking the right lane can indirectly lead to safety hazards, like reckless overtaking from the right (a maneuver that's more dangerous due to larger blind spots and the likelihood of the vehicle ahead merging into your lane) or impatient drivers taking unnecessary risks.
"We promote polite and considerate driving," McKennie added. "Stay calm and hold off until it's safe to proceed. Realize that shaving off a few kilometers per hour for a short stretch won't significantly impact your overall travel time." To clarify for beginners, overtaking from the right often means you're passing through an area where you can't see what's coming from the left, increasing the chance of a collision—unlike overtaking on the left, which is generally safer but still not ideal if not done correctly.
And this is the part most people miss: Safety advocates are pushing for a real change in how Kiwis view this rule, particularly with the rise of new multi-lane roads. Dylan Thomsen, road safety spokesperson for the AA, believes the right lane should serve as a dedicated passing zone. "By staying in the left lane, motorists allow others to safely zip past slower vehicles on the right, boosting smooth traffic movement," he noted. "Once you've completed your overtake, slide back to the left as soon as possible and safe."
He explained that passing on the right is typically more efficient, whereas overtaking on the left poses greater risks—it exposes you to bigger blind spots and potential lane changes from the vehicle you're passing, which could suddenly shift right into your path. Using the right lane when not necessary demonstrates a disregard for fellow road users who need to get by, Thomsen said. "It's crucial we educate new drivers to treat proper lane discipline as both a legal duty and a cornerstone of thoughtful, cooperative driving."
AA member polls consistently rank slow vehicles causing hold-ups as a major driver gripe, right up there with running red lights and using phones while driving. "As New Zealand expands its network of multi-lane highways, this is definitely a topic worth emphasizing in driver education and reminders to foster better road sharing," Thomsen concluded.
So, the next time you find yourself idling in the right lane, pause and reflect: Are you genuinely overtaking, or are you inadvertently obstructing the flow? But here's where it gets even more debatable—some argue that in heavy traffic, clinging to the right lane might actually help, allowing faster vehicles to overtake safely on the left. Others say the rule is outdated for modern highways with multiple lanes, where right lanes are often meant for turning or merging. What do you think: Should the penalties be harsher, or is education enough? Is this a harmless habit, or a ticking safety bomb? Share your views in the comments—do you agree that more focus on courtesy could transform our roads, or disagree that it's such a big deal? We'd love to hear your stories and opinions!
