VIRM: Entry certification

Amendment date Reasons for amendment Amendment details
21 February 2024

This amendment includes:

  • updates to clarify when damage to floor stiffeners is structural (requiring repair and certification) or non-structural/cosmetic
  • removing an outdated paragraph from 3-1 Assigning a VIN
  • changes to remove content about the Estimated CO2 sticker – the Clean Car Discount scheme has ended and the sticker is no longer required.
21 February 2024 changes
10 December 2023

This amendment includes:

  • updates to take wooden materials into account when inspecting motorhomes and caravans
  • updated process for affixing a VIN plate
  • note added to definition of gross vehicle mass (GVM)
  • new unacceptable directive number added to Reference material 29
  • minor wording changes to clarify ESC requirements in Technical bulletin 39
  • new ADR added to list of approved standards for lighting.
10 December 2023 changes
28 October 2023

This amendment includes:

  • updates to reflect an upcoming LANDATA change allowing certificates of loading (CoL) to be issued to unregistered vehicles using the VIN – the change taking effect 18 November 2023
  • improvements and clarifications to Clean Car information on Vehicle attributes definitions, including a new field VEED Tare added to LANDATA on 28 October 2023, and various enhancements to MIAMI, Fuelsaver and Clean Car systems
  • minor formatting changes.
28 October 2023 changes
1 October 2023

This amendment includes:

  • additional information on roll-over strength
  • updates to Technical Bulletin 41 about American specialist-built vehicles
  • expanding Reference Material 71-4 to include cant rails
  • removing the requirement to print a dummy MR2A if the vehicle already has a VIN assigned
  • adding new UN/ECE Regulations for lighting.
1 October 2023 changes
14 August 2023This change rolls back the recheck changes of 20 July 2023, and also removes the COVID-19 recovery technical bulletin.14 August 2023 changes
20 July 2023

Group of small changes covering:

  • new makes and models added to common class MA Japanese makes manufactured outside Japan
  • recheck timeframe updated in Re-inspection procedures
  • updated email address and added note to definition in Valid registration indicators
  • new requirements and links to definitions added to Technical Bulletin 11
  • new export certificate sample added to reference material 22
  • new emission code added to Technical Bulletin 28.
20 July 2023 changes
8 June 2023

Removes the requirement to etch a VIN into the rear window of a used imported motor vehicle and a vehicle previously registered in New Zealand re-entering service.

8 June 2023 changes
26 April 2023Addition of information about vehicles excluded from the Clean Car Standard.24 April 2023 changes
1 December 2022Changes as a result of the introduction of the Clean Car Standard.1 December 2022 changes
1 October 2022

This amendment covers:

  • changes to reporting VIN tampering
  • clarification of what a disability vehicle is and specify who can record it as a disability vehicle
  • using the Reference field to enter a site ID
  • how to deal with vehicles that have undergone acid wash treatment.
1 October 2022 changes
9 May 2022

This amendment:

  • allows the use of the National Motor vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS) to assist with proof of standards compliance
  • introduces a new technical bulletin to assist in using the online Australian Design Standards (ADR) system to confirm standards compliance.
9 May 2022 changes
5 April 2022

Introduction of a new form to ensure ADAS systems are correctly calibrated after vehicle repair.

5 April 2022 changes
1 April 2022General changes and Clean Car Standard changes 1 April 2022 changes
8 March 2022
  • The recheck period can be extended if a site has to temporarily close due to COVID-19 to a maximum of 10 days.
  • Temporary extended used light entry activities by delegation to vehicle inspectors.
8 March 2022 changes
3 February 2022
Automation of fuel consumption data input into MVR

From 29 January, the fuel consumption data that you manually enter in MVR after completing the fuel consumption statement will be done via an automated process. This means that instead of printing the fuel consumption statement and re-entering the data into MVR, you’ll just need to go into MVR to check that the vehicle information is correct.

You’ll still be able to print the fuel consumption statement, but you won’t be required to do this.

3 February 2022 changes
14 January 2022

Update to the COVID-19 recovery technical bulletin. The stop clock system has been phased out.

14 January 2022 changes
2 December 2021With the introduction of the traffic light system (COVID-19 Protection Framework) the ‘stop clock’ process whereby the recheck period was extended for vehicles affected by level 3 or 4 restrictions is being phased out. Any remaining vehicles that have had the clock stopped under this process will have it restarted from Friday 3 December.2 December 2021 changes
November 2021A number of small changes occurred in November 2021. See the changes page for a summary.November 2021 changes
22 September 2021

From 22 September 2021 to 30 June 2022 the requirement to etch VINs on a vehicle's rear windscreen (where applicable) is suspended.

22 September 2021 changes
9 August 2021

At a recent industry meeting with Waka Kotahi and key service delivery partners (KSDPs), we discussed a number of changes that could be made to the VIRM: Entry certification, including some ‘quick win’ items.

As a result of that meeting Waka Kotahi has prepared a short amendment package for the VIRM encompassing some of these quick win items. The changes are explained and shown in the August 2021 entry VIRM changes document

9 August 2021 changes
1 May 2021

On 1 May 2021 a number of Land Transport Rules are being amended by way of the Amendment (Omnibus) Rules 2021. These are minor or technical amendments to keep the Land Transport Rules up to date with developments and current practice in the road transport sector and are intended to contribute to a safer, more accessible transport system.

1 May 2021 changes
1 April 2021

This amendment includes:

  • new content about the introduction of the low volume vehicle electronic data plates
  • changes to who can be a quality assurance controller when a VIN is being affixed
  • changes to the quarantine system when repair certification is also involved
  • a new technical bulletin regarding the process when a vehicle is fitted with an ITS Connect system
  • a number of clarifications and changes to documentation requirements.
1 April 2021 list of changes
1 October 2020

In this amendment:

  • Irish Certificates of registration can now be accepted for proof of meeting exhaust emissions standards requirements
  • Clarification about keeping evidence that a PVIO has been carried out.
1 October 2020 list of changes
13 May 2020

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has amended the VIRM to allow for some inspection and certification documents to be presented electronically. This is to assist businesses with contactless operation. The following documents will be able to be emailed:

  • LT400s, chassis ratings and professional opinions from heavy vehicle specialist certifiers, and
  • LT308s, LT307s and professional opinions from repair certifiers, and
  • chassis ratings from Waka Kotahi.

Introduction 5-1 General duties and responsibilities

29 April 2020

This amendment contains the items held over from the 1 April amendment:

  • General clarifications
  • A number of changes to help clarify processes and requirements for pre-delivery inspections (PDIs)
  • Updated emissions codes table.
29 April 2020 List of changes
1 April 2020

Due to COVID-19 pandemic, the 1 April 2020 VIRM amendment has been modified to only include the 1 April 2020 legislated changes regarding ABS requirements on motorcycles. The other amendment changes are now delayed until the level 4 restrictions have been lifted.

In this amendment
  • General clarifications
  • Change to entry certification requirements for motorcycles regarding ABS from 1 April 2020 and 1 November 2021
  • A number of changes to help clarify processes and requirements for pre-delivery inspections (PDIs)
  • Updated emissions codes table.
1 April 2020 list of changes
1 March 2020The final phase of changes related to electronic stability control (ESC) – a used motor vehicle of class MA, MB and NA light passenger and goods vehicles that is inspected at the border from 1 March 2020 must have have electronic stability control fitted.8-1 Service brake and park brake
2 December 2019This amendment contains a number of general changes, plus a reworking of the fuel consumption information. See the list of changes for more details.2 December 2019 list of changes
1 June 20191 June 2019 list of changes
27 November 2018

Due to safety risks, a three-point seatbelt imported and distributed from Business Ventures Limited (BVL) and manufactured by Jiang Su Jiu Jiu Traffic Facilities Co. Ltd. is not allowed to be installed and a vehicle with this kind of seatbelt cannot be entry certified.

This is in addition to the 19 October amendment.

7-5 Seatbelts and seatbelt anchorages
1 November 2018

In this amendment:

  • Incorporation of interim amendment (increase of ‘delivery miles’ for heavy vehicles, heavy trailers and class NA motorhomes to 1000km)
  • An otherwise new any vehicle that has been damaged to the point that it requires any specialist certification for the repairs must be treated as used
  • Certified English translations must be provided for all documents not provided in English
  • Clarifications about meeting lighting standards
  • References to VIA added.
1 November 2018 list of changes
19 October 2018

Due to safety risks, a three-point seatbelt imported and distributed from Business Ventures Limited (BVL) and manufactured by Changzhou BWD, China is not allowed to be installed and a vehicle with this kind of seatbelt cannot be entry certified.

7-5 Seatbelts and seatbelt anchorages
1 June 2018

In this amendment:

  • Extra models added for some heavy vehicles from the USA that might be presented as light
  • When you can change a vehicle class from MD2 to MD1 (with reference to wheelchair and dickie seats)
  • Diesel vehicles registered in Singapore on or after 1 October 2006 will meet the Euro 4 exhaust emission standard
  • Addition that ESC is not required for immigrant’s vehicles
  • New technical bulletin regarding rust prevention and under-sealing on late model cars from the UK.
1 June 2018 list of changes
23 May 2018

The  compulsory ‘Takata alpha airbag inflator recall order 2018’ becomes effective from 31 May 2018.

As this has ramifications for the entry certification process the Transport Agency has developed a new technical bulletin to assist entry certifiers with with what to do.

1 March 2018 The latest phase of changes related to electronic stability control (ESC) – used class MA vehicles (passenger cars) with engine capacity greater than 2 litres inspected at the border from 1 March 2018 must have ESC fitted. 1 March 2018 list of changes
1 November 2017
  • A number of changes (including a rewrite of Technical bulletin 41) relating to the Transport Agency acceptance of certain overseas modifications rather than the vehicle having to go through specialist certification
  • Clarification that the tow bar load isn’t included in the GVM rating
  • ESC added to statements of compliance
  • An EC whole vehicle approval plate can be evidence of frontal impact compliance for a class MA vehicle.
  • Changes regarding what is acceptable for proving stability compliance
  • Clarification that Technical bulletin 2 regarding fire and water damage applies to vehicles undergoing re-entry too – ie does apply to vehicles written off in New Zealand.
1 November 2017 list of changes
1 July 2017

Changes to recording engine type for electric vehicles from 1 July 2017

1 July 2017 list of changes
1 May 2017
  • VIN assignment clarifications with scratchbuilt vehicles
  • Incorporation of LVV changes from December 2016
  • Clarifications around modification declarations
  • Clarification around acceptable proof of brakes rule compliance for new or used vehicles manufactured for the Australian market
1 May 2017 list of changes
1 December 2016

In this amendment:

  • New way to accept electronic deregistration and technical letters from Singapore Land Transport
  • Clarification around frontal impact standards with regard to complying with seat and seat anchorage standards
  • New test regime codes for exhaust emissions standards
  • Notes added regarding when some vehicles are not required to meet some standards
  • New section linking to new VIRM: In-service certification section on hybrid and electric vehicle electrical systems
  • ESC added into declarations technical bulletin (updated form also)
  • New bulletin identifying vehicles as class MB or MD1 with regard to the number of seats listed on the deregistration certificate
  • New bulletin regarding conversion vans (AKA day vans) and how they must now be LVV certified.
1 December 2016 list of changes
11 March 2016

The 1 March 2016 VIRM amendments were issued to correct a discrepancy between VIRM: Entry certification with the Land Transport Rule: Seatbelts and Seatbelt Anchorages 2002. However, a result of the amendment is that it immediately invalidated certain existing motorhome seatbelts, which was not the intent of the amendment.

As a result of the repercussions, the Transport Agency is working to effect a Rule change that will clarify the intent of the Rule and not disadvantage owners of existing motorhomes. In the meantime, please refer to the modified VIRM amendments, which will be retroactively effective 1 March 2016.

11 March 2016 list of changes
1 March 2016
  • Definitions added
  • Clarifications to seatbelt requirements in motorhomes
  • The second phase of changes related to electronic stability control (ESC) – used class MC vehicles inspected at the border from 1 March 2016 must have ESC fitted.

Important: See also 11 March corrections amendment.

1 March and 11 March 2016 list of changes
1 December 2015
  • General changes and tidy-ups
  • Clarifying that PDIs apply to light vehicles only
  • Proof of emissions compliance letters issued by VTNZ can be accepted (sample also added for reference)
  • Incorporation of Certifier memo Clarification of Euro 4 Emissions Standards Requirements.
1 December 2015 List of changes
1 July 2015 This amendment covers changes relating to Land Transport Rule: Light-vehicle brakes Amendment 2014 that come in to force on 1 July 2015. 1 July 2015 list of changes
1 November 2014
  • General amendments with updates across multiple sections
  • Changes due to the PSV Rule amendment
  • Clarification on heavy vehicle specialist certification.
1 November 2014 List of changes
28 April 2014
  • This is a general amendment with updates across numerous sections
  • Three new reference materials including the Fuel Consumption Import Statement System
  • Re-arrangement and updates to the structural damage and corrosion images in Reference material 71.
28 April 2014 list of changes
29 October 2013 Amendment to water damaged vehicle file review and LT351W issue.

Cover letter

Technical bulletin 2 Water- or fire-damaged vehicles

1 July 2013
  • General amendments with updates across multiple sections
  • Updates due to agricultural vehicles changes
  • Several new reference materials
  • Introduction of the synthetic greenhouse gas (SGG) levy from 1 July 2013.
1 July 2013 list of changes
1 January 2013 This amendment covers changes to the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Exhaust Emissions 2007 which came into effect on 1 January 2013.

Questions and answers about the Rule changes are available on the NZTA website here.

1 January 2013 list of changes
1 October 2012

This amendment covers a number of changes to the Land Transport Rule: Passenger Service Vehicles 1999 which came into effect on 1 October 2012. The main changes relate to passenger loading to include driver and crew (now called occupant loading), various PSV dimension changes, extendable steps, removal or reduction of actual weight on the front axle and requirements for dedicated wheelchair positions.

This amendment only covers PSV entry inspections.

1 October 2012 list of changes

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