With heavy rain hitting much of the South last week many roads were closed. More than 50 roads were closed at one stage last weekend in the Clutha district alone.
Other districts had multiple roads closed due to flooding.
A Maniototo resident contacted the Otago Daily Times last week and said she was concerned about vehicles driving through and around closed road signs.
The closed road signs were on State Highway 85 and State Highway 87, near the Kyeburn River on Thursday night.
"Motorists are still coming through and ignoring signs ...driving straight past them," Tania Holloway said.
She said all communication from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said the roads were closed.
"The road crew shut the road last night, then a milk tanker just drove through after it was closed.
"This morning, about eight utes and cars went through but there's no way it's safe."
She said there was flooding all over the road and the road was dangerous.
AA motoring services technical adviser Allister Wade said authorities closed roads for good reasons.
"They have tested the conditions, run all the risks and decided the road has to be closed.
"These guys know what they are doing," he said.
"People may think they know the road, they may drive it every day, but the road may have washed away, it may be covered with water — roads change quickly and every event is different."
He said cars could be damaged in any level of water but generally the level should be 10cm or below to drive in.
Driving in water impacted brakes and could damage electronics.
Cars parked on the side of the road should be moved to higher ground which could be close by.
"People who drive through these closed roads are not only putting their own lives at risk, they are also putting those who come and rescue them at risk."
The Insurance Council said insurance policies did not cover reckless acts so it was important drivers followed the advice from authorities about what roads were able to be used.
It was best for vehicle owners to contact their insurance company for terms of coverage.
If a state of emergency was declared, which gives powers to the local council, the council can stop people going along unsafe roads.
They can get police support if necessary.
NZTA can call the police for support if people are behaving in an unsafe manner or ignoring road closed signs and putting themselves and other people in harm’s way.
It is illegal to drive on a closed road. This was part of legislation introduced in 1965.
