- Government proposes reducing Warrant of Fitness checks for vintage vehicles and private motorhomes to yearly.
- Evidence shows these vehicles travel less and have fewer faults linked to serious crashes.
- Public consultation on the proposed changes runs from 24 February to 4 April 2025.
The Government is seeking public input on a proposal to reduce the frequency of Warrant of Fitness (WOF) and Certificate of Fitness (COF) inspections for vintage light vehicles and privately owned heavy motorhomes.
Currently, these vehicles require inspections every six months. The proposed change would extend this to once a year, aiming to reduce unnecessary compliance burdens for owners.
Transport Minister Chris Bishop highlighted the significance of these vehicles, saying, “Everyone loves seeing a lovingly maintained vintage car out on the road for a Sunday drive, and cruising around our beautiful country in a motorhome is a quintessential Kiwi dream.”
New Zealand has approximately 128,000 vintage vehicles and 39,000 private motorhomes. Mr Bishop pointed out that, despite the current inspection requirements, these vehicles typically travel much less than modern cars. Additionally, data suggests that faults in these vehicles are only half as likely to contribute to serious crashes.
“Evidence also shows that initial pass rates for vintage vehicles are higher compared to all vehicles under 40 years old,” he said. “In fact, light vehicle WOF pass rates actually improve as vehicles age from 40 years old showing that, with proper care, some things really do get better with age.”
The NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) is overseeing the consultation process, which proposes:
- Reducing WOF check frequency for vehicles over 40 years old from every six months to every year.
- Reducing COF check frequency for privately owned heavy motorhomes from every six months to every year.
“Extending the time between WOF and COF inspections is a sensible approach to ensuring vehicles are safe while not going overboard on compliance,” Mr Bishop said.
Public consultation on these proposed changes will begin on 24 February 2025, with submissions open until 4 April 2025. Those interested can visit nzta.govt.nz to provide feedback.