New Zealand and Australia roll out major vehicle regulation reforms

The New Zealand government will implement a suite of heavy‑vehicle rule changes on 6 August, removing permit requirements for 50 MAX trucks, extending licence exemptions for low‑ and zero‑emission vehicles and easing permits for rental‑truck operators. The reforms aim to cut administrative burden while retaining safety standards, and are part of a broader Land Transport Rules Reform Programme that will continue with further productivity measures through 2027.

In Australia, regulators have opened a consultation on amending the New Vehicle Efficiency Standard to bring vehicles over 3.5 tonnes gross vehicle mass into the emissions‑testing regime. If adopted, models such as the Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series and Ram 1500 would lose their current exemption, with a deadline for comments on 20 July 2026. Manufacturers exceeding the CO₂ caps could face penalties, while electric‑vehicle brands may earn credits to sell to other automakers.