A large chunk of vehicles will be inspected less frequently at the mechanics, with a major shake-up of New Zealand's Warrant of Fitness system coming into force later this year.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop said some of the changes, which would see less frequent inspections for some vehicles, will kick in on November 1.
It followed a period of public consultation. Bishop said the reforms had support from 74% of respondents.
From November 1, light vehicles between four and 14 years old and registered on or after November 1, 2019 would need to get a WoF inspection every two years instead of yearly.
From November 1 next year, light vehicles aged between four and 14 years, registered on or after November 1, 2013, will also make the transition.
Light vehicles and motorcycles registered before January 1 2000 would need to get a new WoF once a year, instead of the every six months for some.
The first WoF for new light vehicles would last four years.
Light vehicles have a maximum weight of less than 3.5 tonnes.
Light rental vehicles would only need to get a Certificate of Fitness A inspection once a year, instead of every six months.
Also included in the changes was the expansion of WoF and CoF A inspections to include certain Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) features.
Increased fines for WoF infringements were also being introduced at the start of November.
Penalties for non-compliant wheels and tyres will be increased from $150, to $350 and a whopping $1000 respectively.
The infringement fee for driving a vehicle with a WoF that has been expired for more than two months will increase to $350 from $200.
Bishop said that compared to other countries like Ireland, Germany, Japan, and Australia, New Zealand had "very frequent inspections", despite modern vehicles being "significantly safer".
"Our rules haven’t kept pace, imposing unnecessary costs on motorists."
Major warrant of fitness changes coming in November - Watch on TVNZ+
He said adopting timeframes similar to other countries would "achieve comparable or better safety outcomes".
“These simple changes will deliver massive benefits for Kiwis.
"The cost-benefit analysis shows the changes are expected to deliver between $2.6 billion and $4.1 billion in net benefits over 30 years through reduced inspection fees, less time spent on compliance, and fewer unnecessary repairs," Bishop said.
Associate Transport Minister James Meager said the changes would mean inspections focused on older and "higher-risk" vehicles.
"Data on safety risk shows an increase in crashes where vehicle factors were recorded for vehicles from about 15 years of age,” he said.
Meager said that modelling "conservatively" suggested a 0.6% to 1.3% increase in defect-related crashes. However, he said crash data identified defects found during an inspection contributed to 3.5% of fatal and serious injury crashes, less than other factors like speed (23%), alcohol and drugs (34%).
“We’re confident that the changes will not come at the expense of road safety. Inspections are being expanded to include modern safety systems, and the Government will also strengthen penalties for non-compliance and increase public education.
In September, new WoF and CoF rules for vintage light vehicles and private heavy motorhomes were introduced, only requiring them to be inspected once a year.
Meanwhile, a bill opening the way for driver's licences, warrants of fitness and certificates of fitness to live on motorists' phones began its journey through Parliament in August.
'Well-intentioned', but motorists will pay 'more' – MTA
Motor Trade Association head of advocacy James McDowall described the reforms as "well-intentioned", but said motorists would end up paying more in larger maintenance and repair costs. “Not to mention insurance, ACC levies and the cost to the taxpayer of increased enforcement and education.”
McDowall said the association was also concerned about safety.
“The failure rate for WoF is currently 41% with the existing rules and, at any given time, there are over half a million vehicles on the road without a valid WoF. The new structure is hardly going to improve those figures.
“In the original proposal, vehicles up to 10 years old would have been able to get a warrant every two years. That’s now been increased to 14 years (with effect from next year).
“You don’t have to be a mechanic to realise that many cars deteriorate as they age. One in three vehicles between eight and 10 years old already presents with safety-related issues every year."
He said the changes for vehicles up to 14 years old could mean more cars on the roads with issues such as worn tyres and brakes.
"The reality is, many motorists simply don’t keep a close eye on their vehicle’s condition, and rely on the WoF to find safety issues.”
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