The Government announced a major overhaul to New Zealand's warrant of fitness system yesterday, reducing the number of inspections many vehicles need to undergo.
With the first batch of reforms taking effect later this year, motorists will need to start thinking about when their vehicle is due for its next check.
Here's what you need to know:
What's changing?
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 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.
Light vehicles have a maximum weight of less than 3.5 tonnes.
Increased fines fines
Associate Transport Minister James Meager said the Government would increase infringement fines to ensure people kept on top of vehicle maintenance.
Penalties for non-compliant wheels and tyres will be increased from $150 to $350 (as an infringement fee) and up to $1000 (as a maximum court-ordered fine).
The infringement fee for driving a vehicle with a WoF that has been expired for more than two months will increase from $200 to $350.
These penalties will take effect on November 1 this year.
Why are the changes being made?
Transport Minister Chris Bishop said that modern cars were "significantly safer and more reliable", which did not align with New Zealand's "very frequent" inspection scheme.
"Our rules haven’t kept pace, imposing unnecessary costs on motorists," he said yesterday.
Bishop also said the changes were expected to deliver $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.
The Government said the changes would deliver under commitments under the Land Transport Rules Reform programme, which was focused on "modernising outdated rules, reducing red tape, and supporting a safer, more productive transport system".
What about safety?
Following yesterday's announcement, Motor Trade Association head of advocacy James McDowall said that while the reforms were "well intentioned", he had concerns about safety.
He said 41% of vehicles failed their WoFs, and at any given time, there were over half a million vehicles on the road without a valid WoF. McDowall worried there could be more cars on the road with issues like worn tyres and brakes due to the longer gaps between inspections.
“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 has safety-related issues each year.
"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.”
Green Party transport spokesperson Julie Ann Genter said that while she understood how the changes could be more convenient, "we all pay the price when we have less safe vehicles on the road".
Meager, meanwhile, defended the changes and said the Government was "confident" they would not come at the expense of road safety.
He said modelling "conservatively" suggested a 0.6% to 1.3% increase in defect-related crashes.
Meager said vehicle defects contributed to 3.5% of fatal and serious injury crashes, less than other factors like speed (23%), alcohol and drugs (34%).
"Inspections are being expanded to include modern safety systems, and the Government will also strengthen penalties for non-compliance and increase public education."
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