About limits Speed limits Excessive speed is one of the biggest killers on our roads. On average, 130 people die every year in New Zealand in speed-related crashes. Remember, the faster you go, the more likely you are to be killed or seriously injured if you crash. Safe speed guidelines You can drive at any speed under or equal to the limit, provided: your speed is safe for the traffic conditions (for example, slow down if you are on a busy road, or if there are pedestrians or cyclists around) your speed is safe for the road conditions (for example, slow down if the road is winding, bumpy, narrow, wet or icy) your speed is safe for the weather conditions (for example, slow down if it is raining, windy or foggy) you can stop suddenly behind a vehicle that you're following -- if a vehicle ahead of you stops suddenly and you run into the back of it, you will be legally responsible you can stop in half the length of clear road you can see in front of you on a road with no centre line or lanes (for example, a narrow country road where vehicles may meet head-on) you can stop in the length of clear lane you can see in front of you on a road with a centre line or lanes. Slow drivers If you are travelling slower than the speed limit and there are vehicles following you, you must: keep as close to the left