A bill heping pave the way for digital driver's licences has passed its third and final reading in Parliament.
The Regulatory Systems (Transport) Amendment Bill, aimed at shifting paper-based and physical processes to digital ones, enabled the future use of digital licenses as an "optional alternative" to the familiar cards.
It will also enable "digital alternatives" to the display of warrants of fitness and registration labels.
The New Zealand Transport Agency will also have an enhanced ability to deliver regulatory notices electronically.
“The changes bring transport legislation up to date by allowing digital options instead of paper documents, improving online service delivery," Transport Minister Chris Bishop said.
“Transport legislation relied heavily on hard copy letters to be posted instead of being sent electronically. Last year alone, this resulted in 14 million letters, reminders, and labels being sent at a cost of $16.8 million to taxpayers.
"While some mail will still be required, these changes will allow many services to move to modern digital delivery.”
Bishop said privacy and security safeguards had been a "key focus" throughout the legislation's journey through Parliament.
"Strong protections remain in place, with statutory obligations under the Privacy Act continuing to apply and existing contractual requirements protecting personal information," he said.
Further legislative changes need to be made before digital licences can be implemented, with the public getting an opportunity to submit feedback "in due course".
Associate Transport Minister James Meager said the bill will equip regulators with "effective tools", reducing unnecessary compliance and better aligning inspection rules with modern vehicles and real-world risk.
“Ultimately, these changes will make the system simpler to use, easier to enforce, and better for all transport users,” Meager said.
In March, the Government announced that new digital ID features were being added to the Government's Govt.nz app. Eventually, driver's licences would be able to be added to the app.
Meager previously said it was “important to note” that physical licences would “always be an option”, as the Government knew some people had issues accessing technology.
The bill, an omnibus bill, wasn't just about driver's licences – it also enabled changes across New Zealand's transport law.
It will also introduce "clear duties on rail participants and personnel" to support rail accident and incident investigations, reinforced by appropriate offences and penalties. And it will strengthen maritime enforcement by increasing and clarifying infringement fees for breaches of navigation bylaws.
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