WoF changes confirmed

Written by Richard Edwards

Changes to the Warrant of Fitness system that will see inspections for many vehicles extend out to a year – and three years for a new vehicle – have been signed into law by transport minister Gerry Brownlee.

The change of frequency of WoF will be the first result to come into force from the long, and still ongoing Vehicle Licensing Reform.

Brownlee says the changes save New Zealanders $1.8 billion over 30 years. They will come in in two stages.

“From 1 January 2014, light vehicles first registered anywhere between 2004 and 2008 will be required to have an annual, rather than the current six-monthly warrant of fitness inspection,” Brownlee says.

“From 1 July 2014, annual inspections will be extended to include all light vehicles first registered anywhere on or after 1 January 2000.”

Also from this date new vehicles will receive an initial inspection, another one when they’re three years old, then annual inspections for their lifetime.

Vehicles first registered anywhere before 1 January 2000 will remain on six-monthly inspections for their lifetime.

“Motorists won’t have to do anything different in relation to getting their Warrant of Fitness,” Brownlee says.

“When they take their vehicle in for inspection at its next due date, the inspection agent will assign the appropriate date for its subsequent inspection.”

Brownlee claims consultation had seen good support for the change in frequency, but the implementation date but the start date chaise debate.

“The 1 January start date will provide the sector time to prepare for the changes while also ensuring New Zealanders begin receiving the benefits of the changes as soon as possible.

Tied to the changes will be a campaign to educate drivers of the need to maintain their vehicle throughout the year, and police enforcement activities.

“This $2 million, three-year information campaign will reach motorists through a range of mediums which could include advertising at vehicle-related locations and on radio, a website and brochures,” the minister says.

While other aspects of the Certificate of Fitness system are still being debated, the extension of the variable frequency range has been confirmed.

From 1 July 2014, some operators will be eligible to have a certificate of fitness applied from a range of three to 12 months, increased from the current three to nine months.

The default frequency will remain at six months.

The NZ Transport Agency says it will continue to work with vehicle inspection industry stakeholders on plans to introduce the new system.