How many speed cameras are there in New Zealand?

There are currently 99 fixed speed camera locations across New Zealand. This includes 61 spot speed cameras (62%), 36 red light cameras (36%), and 2 average speed cameras (2%). Auckland has the most cameras with 70 locations, representing 71% of all fixed cameras nationwide.

Where does this speed camera data come from?

All speed camera location data is sourced directly from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA), the official government agency responsible for road safety in New Zealand. The data is provided under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 licence.

How often is the camera data updated?

The speed camera data is automatically updated daily from the official NZTA source to ensure accuracy and completeness. New cameras are added and removed cameras are updated promptly.

What types of speed cameras are shown on the map?

The map shows three types of cameras: Spot Speed cameras (61 locations) measure your instantaneous speed at a single point. Red Light cameras (36 locations) detect vehicles running red lights and often also measure speed. Average Speed cameras (2 locations) calculate your average speed between two points.

Is this map free to use?

Yes, NZ Speed Camera Map is completely free to use. No registration, account creation, or payment is required. The site is ad-free and works on all devices.

What is the fine for speeding in New Zealand?

Safety camera fines range from $30 for 1-10 km/h over the limit, $80 for 11-15 km/h, $120 for 16-20 km/h, $170 for 21-25 km/h, $230 for 26-30 km/h, $300 for 31-35 km/h, $400 for 36-40 km/h, $510 for 41-45 km/h, and $630 for 46-50 km/h over. Exceeding 50 km/h over the limit results in a court appearance. Red light camera fines are $150. See the official fee schedule at nzta.govt.nz/safety/driving-safely/safety-cameras/about-safety-camera-notices/safety-camera-notices-and-penalties

Do speed camera fines come with demerit points?

No, NZTA does not issue demerit points for safety camera infringements. This is a key difference from being stopped by a Police officer, where demerit points do apply. Camera fines are financial penalties only. However, demerit points are assigned if you are stopped by Police—10 points for up to 10 km/h over, 20 for 10-20 km/h, 35 for 20-30 km/h, 40 for 30-35 km/h, and 50 for over 35 km/h. See nzta.govt.nz/driver-licences/driving-offences-and-penalties/demerit-points for details.

What happens if I speed more than 40 km/h over the limit?

Speeding by more than 40 km/h over the limit can result in a 28-day licence suspension in addition to the fine. If you exceed 50 km/h over the limit, your case goes to court and you may face charges of careless, dangerous or reckless driving with more severe penalties. These apply whether caught by camera or by Police.

Do speed cameras work at night?

Yes, all fixed speed cameras in New Zealand operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including at night. They use infrared technology to capture images in low light conditions.

Can tourists get speed camera fines in New Zealand?

Yes, international visitors can receive speed camera fines in New Zealand. Fines are typically sent to the rental car company, who will charge your credit card and pass on any associated fees. Unpaid fines may affect future visa applications.

How do I pay a speed camera fine in NZ?

Speed camera fines (called safety camera notices) are issued by NZTA and can be paid online at safetycamera.nzta.govt.nz. If you don't pay by the due date on the reminder notice, it's sent to the Ministry of Justice who add $55 to the original fee.

Where are the most speed cameras in New Zealand?

Auckland has by far the most speed cameras with 70 fixed locations, representing 71% of all cameras in New Zealand. Wellington and Waikato each have 7 cameras, followed by Canterbury and Otago with 4 each.

Are there mobile speed cameras in New Zealand?

Yes, NZTA operates mobile safety cameras in SUVs and trailers throughout the country in addition to the 99 fixed cameras shown on this map. NZ Police also conduct speed enforcement separately. Mobile camera locations are not published in advance.

What speed triggers a camera in New Zealand?

Speed cameras in New Zealand have a tolerance threshold, but the exact tolerance is not publicly disclosed. The safest approach is to always drive at or below the posted speed limit.

How accurate are NZ speed cameras?

Speed cameras in New Zealand are highly accurate and regularly calibrated. They must hold a valid certificate of accuracy issued under NZTA requirements. The Measurement Standards Laboratory of New Zealand (MSLNZ) has calculated the measurement uncertainty at approximately 0.5 km/h.

Can I dispute a speed camera fine in NZ?

Yes, you can dispute a safety camera notice. NZTA provides an online process at safetycamera.nzta.govt.nz where you can nominate another driver, request a review, or apply for a court hearing. Common grounds include not being the driver or requesting a hearing to present mitigating circumstances.

How long do demerit points last in New Zealand?

Demerit points in New Zealand remain on your record for 2 years from the date of the offence. Accumulating 100 or more demerit points within 2 years results in a 3-month licence suspension. Remember: camera-detected offences don't add demerit points—only officer-issued tickets do. See nzta.govt.nz/driver-licences/driving-offences-and-penalties/demerit-points for details.

How many new speed cameras are coming in 2026?

NZTA is rolling out 17 new average speed camera locations across New Zealand through 2026, with the first at Matakana Road, Warkworth becoming operational in December 2025. Locations include Dairy Flat, Whitford Road, Pokeno, Upper Hutt, Te Hauke, and Tekapo-Twizel. The current plan is to expand the network to around 200 cameras by 2027.

What are average speed camera corridors?

Average speed camera corridors use two cameras placed kilometres apart on a stretch of road. Camera A records when you enter the corridor and Camera B records when you leave. The system calculates your average speed over the distance. If your average exceeds the speed limit, an infringement notice is issued. Unlike spot speed cameras, you cannot defeat them by braking at the camera.

What is the current speed camera tolerance in NZ?

NZTA applies a tolerance to speed camera enforcement, but the exact threshold is not publicly disclosed. For the new average speed cameras, tolerances are understood to be tighter than those historically used for fixed cameras. The safest approach is to always drive at or below the speed limit.

Is this data guaranteed to be accurate?

This website is an independent project and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency or the New Zealand Government. While we strive for accuracy, we cannot guarantee that all camera locations are current or complete. Always follow posted speed limits and road rules regardless of camera presence.

Understanding Demerit Points in NZ: Complete Guide

New Zealand's demerit point system is one of the most important parts of driving regulation in the country, yet many drivers don't fully understand how it works. The system can lead to licence suspension, but it has a quirk that surprises a lot of people: speed camera fines carry zero demerit points. This guide covers everything you need to know.

How the Demerit Point System Works

The demerit point system is designed to identify and penalise repeat traffic offenders. When you commit certain driving offences and are issued a fine by a police officer (not a speed camera), demerit points are recorded against your driver licence number.

The Core Rules

Demerit points accumulate over a rolling two-year period from the date of each offence
If you reach 100 or more points in any two-year period, your licence is suspended for three months
When you reach 50 points, NZTA must send you a warning letter (when reasonably practicable)
After a suspension, your demerit points are wiped clean and you start fresh

The two-year window is rolling, meaning it's not based on calendar years. Each individual offence's points expire exactly two years after the date of that offence. So if you received 20 demerit points on 1 March 2024, those points would expire on 1 March 2026, regardless of any other offences.

The Key Difference: Camera vs Officer Fines

This is the single most important thing to understand about demerit points in New Zealand:

Speed camera fines do NOT carry demerit points.

Only fines issued by a police officer in person carry demerit points.

Here's a breakdown:

Scenario	Fine	Demerit Points
Caught by a fixed speed camera	Yes ($30-$630)	No
Caught by a mobile speed camera (SUV/trailer)	Yes ($30-$630)	No
Caught by an average speed camera	Yes ($30-$630)	No
Caught by a red light camera	Yes ($150)	No
Pulled over by a police officer for speeding	Yes ($30-$630)	Yes (10-50)
Pulled over by a police officer for running a red light	Yes ($150)	Yes (20)

The rationale behind this distinction is that camera-detected offences are issued to the registered owner of the vehicle, who may not have been the person driving at the time. Since the system can't definitively identify the driver, demerit points (which attach to a specific licence holder) aren't applied.

In practice, a driver could rack up dozens of camera-detected speeding fines without ever receiving a single demerit point. They'd face the financial cost of the fines but wouldn't be at risk of licence suspension through the demerit system. I think most drivers would be surprised to learn this.

Demerit Point Values for Speeding

When a police officer issues a speeding fine (not a camera), the number of demerit points depends on how far over the limit you were travelling:

Speed Over Limit	Fine	Demerit Points
1-10 km/h	$30	10
11-15 km/h	$80	20
16-20 km/h	$120	20
21-25 km/h	$170	35
26-30 km/h	$230	35
31-35 km/h	$300	40
Over 35 km/h	$400-$630+	50

Fine amounts sourced from NZTA Safety Camera Notices and Penalties. Demerit point values sourced from NZTA Demerit Points.

What These Numbers Mean in Practice

A single instance of being pulled over for travelling 36 km/h or more over the limit earns you 50 demerit points. That's half the threshold for suspension. Two such offences within a two-year period would trigger an automatic three-month suspension.

Even at the lower end, five officer-issued tickets for 1-10 km/h over the limit in a two-year period would accumulate 50 points, triggering the warning letter. Ten such tickets would reach 100 points and trigger suspension.

Demerit Points for Other Offences

Speeding isn't the only offence that carries demerit points. Other common offences include:

Traffic Offences

Offence	Demerit Points
Failing to stop at a red light (officer-issued)	20
Failing to give way	20
Failing to stop at a stop sign	20
Following too closely	20
Careless use of a motor vehicle	35
Dangerous driving (if dealt with by infringement)	50
Using a mobile phone while driving	20

Licence Condition Breaches

Offence	Demerit Points
Learner driver unaccompanied by supervisor	35
Restricted licence holder carrying unauthorised passengers	35
Breaching other restricted licence conditions	35

These licence condition breaches hit young and new drivers hard. A single breach for carrying unauthorised passengers (35 points) combined with even minor speeding could quickly push a restricted licence holder toward the 100-point threshold.

The 50-Point Warning

When you accumulate 50 or more demerit points, NZTA is required to send you a warning notice. This letter:

Tells you how many demerit points you currently have
Warns you about the consequences of accumulating further points
Advises that reaching 100 points will result in a three-month licence suspension

But here's the catch: any subsequent suspension or disqualification remains valid even if you didn't receive the warning notice. The obligation is for NZTA to send the notice "when reasonably practicable," but failure to receive it doesn't protect you from suspension.

If you're approaching the 50-point mark, don't rely on the warning letter as your alert system. Proactively check your demerit point balance instead.

The 100-Point Threshold and Suspension

If you accumulate 100 or more demerit points within any rolling two-year period, the consequences are automatic:

What Happens

NZTA issues a demerit suspension notice
Your licence is suspended for three months from the date the notice is served
The suspension begins immediately when the notice is served on you (by NZTA, police, or an authorised agent)
Your demerit points are wiped from your record when the suspension takes effect

During the Suspension

You're not permitted to drive any motor vehicle
Driving while suspended is a criminal offence that can result in further penalties including fines, extended disqualification, and potentially imprisonment
Your vehicle isn't confiscated. Other licensed drivers can still use it

After the Suspension

At the end of your three-month suspension, you're unlicensed and not automatically entitled to drive. You must:

Reinstate your licence by contacting NZTA
Pay any required fees
Meet any other reinstatement requirements

Your demerit points reset to zero after the suspension, giving you a clean slate.

How to Check Your Demerit Point Balance

There are several ways to check how many active demerit points you have:

Online

If you have a verified RealMe identity, you can view your total active demerit points:

Through the NZTA website using your RealMe login
Through the NZTA app

By Phone

Call the NZTA driver licensing team for free on 0800 822 422. They can tell you over the phone how many demerit points you currently have and what offences they relate to.

Formal Report

You can request a Demerit Points and Suspension History Report from NZTA. This report shows:

All demerit points accumulated in the last 7 years
Any demerit suspensions during that period
The offences that generated the points

The report is free of charge and is emailed to you straight away when requested through the NZTA website.

Applying for a Limited Licence

If your licence is suspended due to demerit points, you may be able to apply for a limited licence (sometimes called a "work licence") that allows restricted driving during your suspension period.

Eligibility

For demerit point suspensions, there's no stand-down period before you can apply for a limited licence. This is different from some other types of suspension where a stand-down period applies.

The Application Process

File an application at your local District Court
Pay the court filing fee of $269
Prepare an affidavit (sworn statement) explaining why the suspension causes extreme or undue hardship
Gather supporting evidence, including affidavits from employers, family members, or others who can attest to the hardship
Attend a court hearing where a judge will consider your application

Proving Hardship

The court requires you to demonstrate one of two types of hardship:

Extreme hardship to yourself: This is a high bar. You need to show something more serious than inconvenience. Examples that might qualify:

You'll lose your job if you can't drive (and there's no alternative transport)
Your business will fail without your ability to drive
You have a medical condition requiring you to drive to essential appointments with no alternative

Undue hardship to someone else: This is a slightly lower standard. You need to show that your suspension will cause more than normal hardship to another person. Examples:

A disabled partner or parent relies on you to drive them to medical appointments
Your employer will suffer major operational disruption
Your dependants will be unable to attend school or essential activities

Conditions of a Limited Licence

If granted, a limited licence typically restricts:

The hours during which you can drive (e.g., only during work hours)
The routes you can take (e.g., only between home and work)
The purposes for which you can drive (e.g., employment only)

Breaching the conditions of a limited licence is a further offence.

Costs

The total cost includes:

Court filing fee: $269
NZTA licence application fee (if the court grants the order)
Legal representation (optional but recommended for complex cases)

How Demerit Points Affect New and Restricted Licence Holders

New Zealand uses a graduated driver licensing system with three stages: learner, restricted, and full. The demerit point system applies the same 100-point threshold to all licence classes. There's no lower threshold for learner or restricted licence holders.

But new and restricted licence holders face extra risks:

Higher Penalty for Licence Condition Breaches

Restricted and learner licence holders can earn 35 demerit points for breaching their specific licence conditions (such as a restricted licence holder carrying unauthorised passengers or a learner driving without a supervisor). A single condition breach plus a moderate speeding offence could bring a new driver to 55-70 points, more than halfway to suspension.

Upcoming Changes (January 2027)

The Government has confirmed changes to the driver licensing system that will take effect from 25 January 2027. Under the new system, restricted licence holders who accumulate demerit points will face a further six months on their restricted licence as an additional consequence. The 100-point suspension threshold will remain unchanged.

Until January 2027, the current rules apply without modification.

How Demerit Points Expire

Demerit points expire on a rolling basis. Each set of points expires exactly two years from the date of the offence that generated them.

Example

Consider a driver who receives the following officer-issued speeding fines:

Date	Offence	Points	Points Expire
1 March 2024	15 km/h over limit	20	1 March 2026
15 July 2024	8 km/h over limit	10	15 July 2026
1 December 2024	22 km/h over limit	35	1 December 2026
1 June 2025	12 km/h over limit	20	1 June 2027

On 1 December 2024, this driver has accumulated 65 points (20 + 10 + 35) within two years and would have received a 50-point warning letter.

On 1 June 2025, they accumulate a further 20 points, bringing the total to 85 points within the two-year window.

On 1 March 2026, the first 20 points expire. The active total drops to 65 points (10 + 35 + 20).

On 15 July 2026, the next 10 points expire. Active total: 55 points.

This rolling expiry means that simply waiting for older points to expire is a viable strategy for avoiding suspension, as long as you stop accumulating new points.

Comparison with Australian Demerit Systems

For context, here's how New Zealand's system compares with Australia's state-based systems:

Feature	New Zealand	NSW	Victoria	Queensland
Suspension threshold (full licence)	100 points	13 points	12 points	12 points
Points period	2 years	3 years	3 years	3 years
Points duration	2 years	3 years	4 years	3 years
Camera fines carry points?	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
New/learner driver threshold	100 (same)	4-7 points	5 points/year	4 points
Double demerit periods?	No	Yes (holidays)	No	Yes (repeat offences)

Key differences:

New Zealand's threshold is far higher (100 vs 12-13), meaning you need many more offences to reach suspension
New Zealand's points expire after 2 years compared to 3-4 years in Australia
New Zealand doesn't apply demerit points to camera-detected offences, while all Australian states do
Australia applies much lower thresholds to learner and provisional drivers (as few as 4 points), while NZ uses the same 100-point threshold for all licence classes
Some Australian states (NSW, Queensland) have double demerit periods during holidays, which New Zealand doesn't have

The net effect is that it's considerably harder to lose your licence through demerit points in New Zealand than in any Australian state. Honestly, the gap is striking when you see the numbers side by side.

Common Misconceptions

"Speed camera fines give you demerit points"

Wrong. This is the most widespread misconception. Speed camera fines, whether from fixed cameras, mobile cameras, average speed cameras, or red light cameras, carry zero demerit points in New Zealand. Only fines issued by a police officer in person carry demerit points.

"I'll get a warning before suspension"

Partially true. NZTA must send a warning when you reach 50 points "when reasonably practicable," but your suspension is valid even if you never received the warning. Don't rely on it.

"Learner and restricted licence holders lose their licence faster"

Not under the current rules. All licence classes have the same 100-point threshold. But restricted and learner licence holders can accumulate points more quickly because licence condition breaches carry 35 points each.

"My points reset at the start of each year"

Wrong. Points expire on a rolling two-year basis from the date of each individual offence. There's no annual or calendar-based reset.

"I can pay extra to remove demerit points"

Wrong. There's no mechanism to pay to have demerit points removed in New Zealand. Points are only removed by expiry (after two years) or by serving a suspension (which wipes all points).

"Demerit points affect my insurance"

Indirectly, at most. Demerit points themselves don't automatically affect insurance, but a licence suspension triggered by demerit points will likely affect your premiums. Different insurers weigh demerit points differently in their risk assessments.

Practical Strategies

Staying Below the Threshold

Know your current points. Check your balance regularly, particularly if you've received officer-issued tickets
Be aware of the rolling window. Points from an offence two years ago are about to expire, which can work in your favour
Avoid officer-issued tickets. Since camera fines carry no points, the demerit risk comes specifically from being pulled over
Drive defensively. Beyond speeding, offences like failing to give way (20 points), following too closely (20 points), and using your phone (20 points) all accumulate

If You're Approaching 100 Points

Check your exact balance by calling NZTA on 0800 822 422 or checking online
Calculate when older points will expire. You may be able to wait out the clock
Drive with extreme caution. A single additional officer-issued ticket could push you over the threshold
Research limited licence requirements in advance, so you're prepared if suspension occurs
Consider legal advice if a suspension would cause genuine hardship

Key Takeaways

100 demerit points in any two-year rolling period triggers a three-month suspension
Speed camera fines carry zero demerit points. Only officer-issued fines add points
Points expire two years from the date of each individual offence
A 50-point warning letter is sent by NZTA, but suspension is valid even without it
You can check your points online (with RealMe), by phone (0800 822 422), or by requesting a free report
A limited licence may be available during suspension if you can prove hardship
New Zealand's system is much more lenient than Australian state systems