New Zealand to extend vehicle safety inspection intervals

New Zealand is set to extend the intervals between mandatory vehicle safety inspections, known as the Warrant of Fitness (WoF), starting next month. Under the new government regulations, new vehicles will not require a second WoF for four years. Vehicles aged between 4 and 14 years will move from annual to biennial inspections. For older vehicles manufactured between 2000 and 2013, checks will remain annual, while pre-2000 models will shift from six-monthly to yearly inspections.

Industry leaders have raised concerns regarding road safety. Jason Wilson, chief executive of Midas NZ, warned that the extended intervals could result in more unsafe vehicles on the road, noting that the cost-of-living crisis may already lead drivers to delay necessary servicing. He advised motorists to perform regular self-checks on tires, wipers, lights, and oil leaks.

James McDowall of the Motor Trade Association noted that failure rates for safety-critical issues rise significantly for cars aged eight to 10 years. He also criticized the government for extending the WoF duration to 14 years without including it in initial consultations. Associate Transport Minister James Meager defended the policy, stating the changes are intended to modernize the nation’s vehicle inspection approach.