A ban on New Zealanders wearing or displaying symbols of gang affiliation in public took effect on Thursday, with police officers making their first arrest for a breach of the law three minutes later.

New Zealand implemented a ban on displaying gang symbols in public starting Thursday, resulting in the arrest of a man mere minutes after the law's enactment. The man was found with gang insignia on his car dashboard,

In an effort to curb gang violence, New Zealand has enacted a law banning the display of gang symbols on clothing and vehicles in public.

Displaying gang insignia can prompt a fine of up to 5,000 New Zealand dollars (around £2,000) or up to six months in jail. Police made the first arrest only three minutes after the ban took effect.