Feedback sought on WoF inspection frequency

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The New Zealand Transport Agency has called for submissions on proposed changes to how often you have to get a warrant of fitness and certificate of fitness for your vehicle.

NZTA have invited feedback on any compliance issues that would need to be considered.

Cabinet have proposed the following changes to the WoF frequency:

- new vehicles: after initial inspection, no further inspection until vehicles are three years old

- annual inspections for light vehicles three-years-old and older that were first registered anywhere, on or after 1 January 2000

- six-monthly inspections for vehicles first registered anywhere before January 1, 2000

- a greater emphasis on information to encourage motorists to keep their vehicle roadworthy

- additional police enforcement activities.

Transport Minister Gerry Brownlee said NZTA have proposed that vehicles first registered anywhere between 2004 to 2008 (inclusive) will receive a 12-month WoF following their next successful inspection from October 1 this year.

"As well as saving New Zealanders $1.8 billion over 30 years, the changes will modernise the 70-year-old WoF inspection system while maintaining road safety," Mr Brownlee said.

The new WoF inspection frequency is set to be in place by April 1 next year.

Cabinet agreed to a rule change to extend the certificate of fitness range from three to 12 months, from the current three to nine months, with the default frequency remaining at six months.