Changes to light vehicle inspections from 1 November 2026
The Government has announced changes to light vehicle inspections, which will start to come into effect from 1 November 2026.
These changes aim to cut down on unnecessary costs while keeping people safe on the road. They affect inspections for cars, vans, people-movers, trailers and rental vehicles. There are also changes for motorcycles registered before 1 January 2000.
This announcement follows public consultation on proposed changes to light vehicle inspections, which ran from 29 October to 17 December 2025.
We received over 5,000 submissions, with overall support indicated for the proposals.
More details are coming
This is just an overview. Leading up to the change, we'll provide more detailed information to support you, including:
- updates to the Vehicle Inspection Requirements Manual (VIRM)
- more information about Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
- system updates to reflect the changes.
What's changing
Inspection frequency
There will be fewer inspections for light vehicles at lower risk of crashes.
Note: light vehicles between 4 and 14 years old are changing in phases, so some won't be eligible for the new warrant of fitness (WoF) frequency until 1 November 2027.
| Vehicle type and age | Current frequency | New frequency | Takes effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| New light vehicles | Second WoF at 3 years | Second WoF at 4 years | From 1 November 2026 |
| Light vehicles 4 to 14 years old | Annual WoF | WoF every 2 years |
Registered on or after 1 November 2019: Registered between 1 November 2013 and 31 October 2019: |
| Light vehicles 14 to 26 years old | Annual WoF | Annual WoF (no change) | No change |
| Light vehicles over 26 years old (registered before 1 January 2000) | WoF every 6 months | Annual WoF | From 1 November 2026 |
| Light rental vehicles | CoF every 6 months | Annual CoF | From 1 November 2026 |
| Motorcycles registered before 1 January 2000 | WoF every 6 months | Annual WoF | From 1 November 2026 |
| Motorcycles registered on or after 1 January 2000 | Annual WoF | Annual WoF (no change) | No change |
Inspection scope
WoF and CoF A inspections will check that no warning or malfunction indicators are showing for Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) and Lane Keep Assist systems (where fitted).
Enforcement and public awareness
- The infringement fee for operating a vehicle with a WoF expired by more than two months will increase from $200 to $350.
- Penalties for non‑compliant wheels and tyres will increase from $150 to $350 (infringement fee) and up to $1000 (maximum court‑ordered fine).
- Public education will help people understand how to maintain their vehicles between inspections.
More information
You can read more about the consultation on our website:
Changes to light vehicle inspections
Summary of submissions analysis report
This work is part of the Government's Land Transport Rules Reform Programme.
Land Transport Rules Reform Programme (Ministry of Transport)
The inspection changes will be implemented through amendments to the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002, as well as associated offence and infringement regulations covering inspection compliance and vehicle condition offences.