The medal recognises those who have completed 14 years of continuous service.

Service must have been before 1 July 1992 and only those officers who were serving on or after 1 January 1987 were eligible for the medal.

[1] The Ministry of Transport division that enforced traffic laws, along with its officers, was merged into the New Zealand Police in 1992.

[3] Since that time, the New Zealand Police Long Service and Good Conduct Medal is awarded to Traffic Officers who meet the medal's criteria.

The reverse bears the inscription The New Zealand Traffic Service Medal surrounded by fern fronds and surmounted by a royal crown.