When driving on the highway, your phone rang. In order to ensure safety, you chose to pull over and answer the call. Is this the right thing to do?

According to New Zealand road rules, drivers are not permitted to pull over on the roadside to answer a mobile phone while on the highway. This is because stopping on the highway is extremely dangerous and increases the risk of rear-end collisions, as well as obstructing the normal flow of other vehicles. New Zealand’s traffic safety regulations place a high priority on the safety of all road users, and therefore set clear rules on how to handle emergency communications while driving.

Choosing to stop on the roadside to take a call, although intended for safety, does not comply with New Zealand traffic rules. The correct approach is to use hands-free devices to answer calls or to find a safe location, such as a service area or parking lot, to completely stop the vehicle before answering the phone. Strict adherence to this rule is crucial for protecting yourself and other road users.