Most newer cars will now need a warrant every two years instead of each year as the biggest overhaul of the Warrant of Fitness system in decades shifts into gear today.
The changes, announced by Transport Minister Chris Bishop in April, are being rolled out over two years, so not every driver will be in the fast lane straight away.
From November 1, light vehicles between four and 14 years old and registered on or after November 1, 2019 need a WoF inspection only every two years. From November 1, 2027, the same two-yearly cycle will apply to those registered on or after November 1, 2013. Until then, owners of cars registered between 2013 and 2019 still need a WoF every year.
New light vehicles registered from today get a WoF that lasts four years before the second inspection is due, up from three.
Older cars stay in the slow lane when it comes to checks, while light vehicles over 14-years-old stay remaining on annual WoFs.
Light vehicles and motorcycles registered before January 1, 2000, which needed an inspection every six months in some cases, now move to yearly checks. Light rental vehicles need a Certificate of Fitness A once a year, instead of every six months.
Light vehicles are those weighing less than 3.5 tonnes.
WoF and CoF A inspections will also now include certain advanced driver assistance system (ADAS) features.
Drivers who let their warrant lapse will pay a steeper price. The infringement fee for driving a vehicle with a WoF that expired more than two months ago goes from $200 to $350. Penalties for non-compliant wheels and tyres are also increasing from $150 to $300.
Bishop says modern cars are safer and more reliable
Bishop has said New Zealand’s inspection regime is out of step with countries like Ireland, Germany, Japan and Australia, despite modern vehicles being significantly safer.
"Modern light vehicles are significantly safer and more reliable, but our rules haven’t kept pace, imposing unnecessary costs on motorists," he previously said.
The Government estimates the changes will deliver between $2.6 billion and $4.1 billion in net benefits over 30 years through lower inspection fees, less time spent on compliance and fewer unnecessary repairs. Bishop said 74% of respondents to the public consultation supported the reforms.
Associate Transport Minister James Meager said inspections would now be focused on older, higher-risk vehicles, with data showing crashes involving vehicle factors rise from about 15 years of age.
"Modelling conservatively suggests there could be an estimated 0.6 to 1.3% increase in defect-related crashes," he said.
"However, New Zealand crash data shows defects identified during inspections contribute to a small proportion of death and serious injury crashes (3.5%), far less than other factors like speed, alcohol and drugs (23% and 34% respectively)."
'WoF doesn't replace regular safety checks'
NZTA head of vehicle regulation Geoff Williamson said road safety remained at the heart of the vehicle inspection system.
"A WoF or CoF confirms that a vehicle met the required safety standards when it was inspected. Vehicle owners are responsible for keeping their vehicle safe to drive at all times, including between inspections."
He said regulator maintenance could stop small issues becoming serious problems, urging motorists to check tyres, lights, indicators, windscreen wipers and mirrors monthly and prior to long trips.
"Keeping your vehicle safe protects you, your passengers and everyone else on the road. A current WoF doesn’t replace regular safety checks and servicing."
The Motor Trade Association has described the reforms as well-intentioned, but says motorists will end up paying more in repair costs, insurance and ACC levies.
Advocacy head James McDowall said 41% of vehicles currently fail their WoF, and more than half a million are on the road without a valid warrant at any given time. He said the new structure was unlikely to improve that.
He noted the original proposal would have allowed two-yearly warrants for vehicles up to 10 years old, but that has since been extended to 14.
“One in three vehicles between eight and 10 years old already presents with safety-related issues every year,” he said.
SHARE ME