1 Proof of legal possession

(a) Vehicles previously registered

Table 1-1-1 and Table 1-1-2 describe the required documentation to prove legal entitlement to a vehicle (including motorcycles and mopeds).

Table 1-1-1. Proof of legal entitlement (vehicles previously registered)

Table 1-1-2. Proof of legal entitlement (vehicles not previously registered)

2 Proof of compliance with vehicle standards

A vehicle owner/importer must provide documentation that proves that the vehicle complies with New Zealand’s legal requirements. Specific requirements depend on the vehicle’s class, date of manufacture and/or date of first registration. Documents not described in Table 1-1-3, or not displaying the correct Japanese characters, must be referred to the Waka Kotahi Vehicle Standards team for assessment.

Further proof of both frontal impact standards and exhaust emissions compliance is required unless specifically mentioned in the table below.

Table 1-1-3. Proof of standards compliance

For proof of brakes standard compliance for class MD3, MD4, ME, NB and NC vehicles, see Technical bulletin 31. For proof of standards compliance for motorhomes, see Technical bulletin 11.

• Further evidence may be required to prove compliance with approved frontal impact standards. For information on determining frontal impact compliance, see Vehicle structure 3-2 Determining frontal impact compliance.
• Further evidence may be required to prove compliance with approved vehicle exhaust emissions standards. For information on determining exhaust emission standard compliance, see Technical Bulletin 28 Exhaust emissions standard compliance.

2.1 Statement of compliance

A statement of compliance is acceptable evidence of standards compliance provided that it is in an approved format and contains all the information and declarations shown in the example (Reference material 19). The vehicle inspector must check that the standards listed are currently recognised in New Zealand. If a statement of compliance shows a valid European Whole of Vehicle Approval number (eg 2001/116 or later) the vehicle may be accepted for all standards except exhaust emissions.

A manufacturer is not obligated to issue a statement of compliance, and may charge a reasonable fee for issuing one.

A statement of compliance must be:

• completed as fully as possible. If a system or component is not certified as complying with a standard, it should be noted appropriately on the statement of compliance. However, vehicle manufacturers may attach a schedule listing the standards to which the vehicle was certified. In such cases, the statement of compliance should be annotated with ‘see attached schedule’ and must still be signed and completed
• issued by an authorised manufacturer’s representative recognised on the New Zealand Motor Industry Association’s (MIA) list (Note 1), or a manufacturer’s representative holding an appropriate position (eg homologation manager) with the vehicle manufacturer.

A statement of compliance may mention if a vehicle is subject to any open safety-related recalls. Vehicles are not to undergo certification if they still have open safety-related recalls logged by the manufacturer. Vehicle inspectors must ensure that all outstanding safety-related recalls (recorded on the statement of compliance) are carried out prior to certification. The vehicle owner will need to provide a letter from either the manufacturer’s representative (or a franchise dealer) stating that the recall has been carried out. A copy of the letter must be held on the vehicle file.

If a statement of compliance is issued by a New Zealand manufacturer’s representative, it must be accompanied by an original letter signed by the same representative on the manufacturer’s letterhead, unless the statement of compliance is copied directly onto the manufacturer’s original letterhead.

If a statement of compliance is issued by a manufacturer’s representative from outside New Zealand for a vehicle make shown on the MIA list, the vehicle inspector must confirm that documentation requirements are met, check that the standards listed are correct and provide a copy (eg fax) to the New Zealand-based representative for the vehicle make as shown on the MIA list.

If a statement of compliance is issued by a manufacturer’s representative for a vehicle make not recognised on the MIA list, the vehicle inspector must provide a copy of the statement of compliance to the Waka Kotahi Vehicle Standards team (vehicles@nzta.govt.nz) for validation. Once validation is confirmed, the vehicle inspector must confirm that documentation requirements have been met and that the standards listed are correct.

Note 1

The New Zealand Motor Industry Association (MIA) has provided a list of manufacturers’ representatives who are authorised to issue a statement of compliance. This list is available on the Waka Kotahi website by contacting the Waka Kotahi Helpdesk (0800 699 000) or by emailing info@nzta.govt.nz.

Note 2

In cases where a manufacturer has listed ‘Jisha 899’ or ‘Jisha 896’ instead of a Japanese technical standard, it can be taken to mean that the particular component or system complies with a Japanese technical standard required by New Zealand’s vehicle standards rules.

Note 3

If a vehicle is presented for certification and there appears to be an error in the VIN on the vehicle documentation (eg de-registration certificate), the vehicle owner must get confirmation from the vehicle manufacturer or manufacturer’s representative that the VIN/chassis number on the vehicle is correct. This information must be forwarded to Vehicles Standards team for consideration.

Note 4

Electronic signatures are acceptable.

Note 5

An electronic copy of a statement of compliance can be accepted, provided that it was sent from the manufacturer’s homologation department and has been sent directly to the entry certifier from the homologation department.

2.2 Chassis ratings

A heavy vehicle must have a chassis rating approved by Waka Kotahi before it can be registered for use on the road. A chassis rating is a set of data used to indicate the chassis’s maximum weight, as follows:

• For a vehicle first registered before 1 February 1989 that has not been modified on or after 1 April 2005, the chassis rating contains the gross vehicle mass, gross combination (if applicable) and maximum towed mass (if applicable), as approved or determined by Waka Kotahi or a person appointed by Waka Kotahi.
• For a vehicle first registered on or after 1 February 1989 or a vehicle that has been modified on or after 1 April 2005, the chassis rating contains the permitted maximum axle and/or axle-set masses (if available), gross vehicle mass, gross combination mass (if applicable) and maximum towed mass (if applicable), as approved or determined by Waka Kotahi or a person appointed by Waka Kotahi.

Reference material 37 shows the chassis rating request procedure and form templates.

2.3 Type designation numbers

A type designation number (TDN) must be shown on the documentation (ie de-registration certificates and completion inspection certificates) for vehicles manufactured outside Japan for the Japanese market. This indicates that the vehicle has been through the Japanese type approval system and complies with all applicable vehicle standards except frontal impact.

If a TDN is not shown on the Japanese documentation, other proof of compliance must be provided. Alternatively, the vehicle owner may apply for an exemption from the requirement to provide TDN information (see Technical bulletin 27). Some common class MA vehicle models manufactured outside Japan for the Japanese domestic market are shown in Table 1-1-4.

Note 6

Evidence of previous registration in Japan is all that is required to prove compliance with the applicable standards for class L vehicles. Other classes of vehicles still require a TDN. The requirement to have a TDN on the Japanese registration documentation does not apply to class L vehicles.

Note 7

Chrysler Jeep Cherokee vehicles are commonly imported as used vehicles from Japan. In many cases, the TDN has been removed from the vehicle documentation due to minor modifications. Jeep Cherokees imported from Japan with an industry model code of ‘E-7MX’ can be processed for entry certification with or without a TDN displayed on the vehicle documentation, provided they were border checked before 1 February 2008.

Table 1-1-4. Common class MA Japanese makes manufactured outside Japan

• If a vehicle is affixed with a 17 character ISO VIN, it will not have been manufactured in Japan for the Japanese domestic market with one exception:
  • UD trucks began using 17 character ISO VINs for their Japanese domestic market vehicles in 2015).

2.4 Exemption from vehicle standards requirements

In cases where a vehicle cannot be shown to comply with one or more of the approved vehicle standards it is required to meet in order to be registered in New Zealand, a vehicle may be exempt from a requirement by Waka Kotahi under section 168D of the Land Transport Act 1998.

Waka Kotahi must be satisfied that the exemption is no wider than needed to deal with the non-compliance.

Waka Kotahi must also consider:

• the obligation of Waka Kotahi to act in a way that contributes to an effective, efficient, and safe land transport system in the public interest
• the need to maintain or improve land transport safety
• any other matter that Waka Kotahi considers appropriate in the circumstances.

Waka Kotahi may also impose conditions on an exemption.

Breach of a condition will generally mean that you will be in breach of the requirement exempted from.

Exemptions may be for a fixed period (determined by a date or event).

Waka Kotahi can also give exemptions to:

• support the response to an event or emergency
• a class of persons , vehicles, or components

The vehicle owner may apply for an exemption from vehicle standards requirements by submitting a completed Application for an exemption from Land Transport Rules (CA11) form.

Note 1

A VIN must still be affixed to the vehicle if appropriate. A vehicle record must be created or updated in LANDATA, including notes explaining why the inspection and certification has not continued.

1.2 Entitlement to register

The following documents may be used as proof of a clear ownership trail for a vehicle undergoing the re-registration process:

• a signed receipt from the last registered owner
• an original buyer tax invoice from some auction organisations as detailed in Reference material 69)
• a signed statutory declaration. Note that there is no set format, but a statutory declaration must include the following statements:

1. ‘Solemnly and sincerely declare/affirm that’, and

2. ‘I make this solemn declaration conscientiously declaring the same to be true and by virtue of the Oaths and Declarations Act 1957’.

In all cases the person presenting the vehicle for re-registration must be the person listed on the supplied documentation and the following information must also be listed:

• the vehicle’s make, model, VIN/chassis number
• date of purchase
• Name and address of seller (in the case of a Turners Auctions invoice, the Turners Auctions letterhead is acceptable).

Note 2

If the vehicle was written off for body or structural damage, the vehicle must be inspected using the same structural inspection process as for a post-1991 vehicle.

Note 3

If there is proof from the insurance company that the vehicle was written off for reasons other than body or structural damage, no referral to a repair certifier is required unless the structural condition of the vehicle exceeds the threshold for requiring repair certification.

2 Re-registration of pre-1991 vehicles

If a light vehicle was manufactured before 1991 and first registered in New Zealand before 1 January 1991, the vehicle does not need to undergo the same inspection and certification process as a vehicle being registered for the first time in New Zealand. Provided the vehicle meets applicable requirements for structural condition as detailed in 3-4 Vehicle structure – Threshold for requiring repair certification, and has not been de-registered as a result of a write-off for insurance purposes, the vehicle may be inspected according to current in-service procedures.

3 Re-registration of post-1991 vehicles

If a vehicle was manufactured after 1 January 1991 and previously registered in New Zealand, or manufactured before 1 January 1991 but not registered in New Zealand until after this date, the vehicle must undergo a full structural inspection with trim removal and an invasive brake inspection as part of the inspection and certification process.

Note 4

If there is proof from the insurance company that the vehicle was written off for reasons other than body or structural damage, no referral to a repair certifier is required unless the structural condition of the vehicle exceeds the threshold for requiring repair certification.

4 Re-registration of class LA, LB vehicles (mopeds)

4.1 Re-registration of pre-1 July 2011 mopeds

If there is evidence that a moped has been previously registered in New Zealand before 1 July 2011 then the vehicle does not need to undergo the same inspection and certification process as a vehicle being registered for the first time in New Zealand. All that is required is proof of previous registration and proof of ownership. There is no requirement to inspect the vehicle.

4.2 Re-registration of post-1 July 2011 mopeds

If a moped that was first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 July 2011 is presented for re-registration, it must under go the inspection and certification process to ensure that it is safe to be operated.

Note 5

Refer to Technical bulletin 35 for certification requirements for new, used and re-registered mopeds.

5 Inspection requirements for a vehicle changing class

If a vehicle is being registered as a different class, the vehicle may be inspected according to current in-service procedures, provided it meets applicable in-service requirements for structural condition and has not been de-registered as a result of a write-off for insurance purposes. Re-certification of specialist certification may be required as a result of this inspection.

6 De-modified vehicles

If an entry certifier is presented with a vehicle that has been modified back to original specifications, it should be checked by a low volume vehicle certifier to confirm that it has been correctly restored to original specifications. The LVV certification plate must be removed and returned to the Low Volume Vehicle System Administrator. The de-modification must be noted in LANDATA.

2. For a partially completed (eg cab chassis) heavy vehicle that has passed inspection for entry or re-entry and will be (or has already been) registered at that time (see Diagram 2)

If such a vehicle is presented, an certifier must:

1. Inspect the vehicle’s safety items in accordance with the requirements for an entry certification. If the vehicle passes the inspection, an Annex C permit can be issued
2. Check the vehicle VIN and attributes and enter or update the details using the VIN screen. If the vehicle does not have a body fitted, body type should be recorded as >CC (cab chassis)<
3. The following fields must be obtained and entered at this stage to allow the purchase of RUC:
   • Number of axles
   • Axle spacings
   • Tyre ply
   • Tyre configuration.
4. A CoF isn't issued. The operator is provided with an Annex C permit instead
5. When the vehicle has been completed, it must be presented to a CoF inspector for an in-service inspection and the inspector must verify and update the vehicle’s attributes (eg axle spacing, LT400s, etc.)
6. When the vehicle passes the inspection, a certificate of fitness (CoF-B) and certificate of loading (CoL), as needed, will be issued
7. Enter the certifier ID in the ‘Certifier ID’ field.

When the vehicle has been completed, it must be presented to the certifier for an in-service inspection and to update the vehicle’s attributes.

When the vehicle passes the inspection, a certificate of fitness (CoF) and certificate of loading (CoL), as needed, will be issued. The vehicle inspector must update all vehicle attributes as required.

Note 1

If the vehicle is complete (but uncertifiable) and requires modification and/or specialist certification (such as a LHD truck), it cannot be registered on an Annex C.

Note 2

A vehicle that is in-service and is a partially completed heavy vehicle, may be issued an Annex C. This does not apply to completed vehicles that are waiting for HVS certification or issue of the LT400.

A vehicle (such as a completed vehicle that is waiting for HVS certification or the issue of an LT400) that is in- service and is not a partially completed heavy vehicle may be issued with an in-service conditional permit (28 day permit) only.

Note 3

It is not expected that an Annex C permit be issued more than once, further permits can only be re-issued if the inspector is satisfied that the conditions of the Annex C permit are being and have been upheld.

Process diagrams

1. For a vehicle that has not been certified for entry or re-entry into service and is to be operated on a trade plate

Diagram 1. Any heavy vehicle

2. For a partially completed (eg cab chassis) heavy vehicle that has passed inspection for entry or re-entry and will be (or has already been) registered at that time.

Note: while an MR2A is issued after passing entry inspection, registration can be delayed until the vehicle is delivered to the new owner. A trade plate must be used until registered.

Diagram 2. Partially complete heavy vehicle

Note 2

Modified bicycles that meet the moped desciption cannot be certified as low volume vehicles.

2.1 Locally manufactured new or scratch-built vehicles

If an entry certifier is presented with a locally manufactured new or scratch-built vehicle, the entry certifier must check that an approved LVV certifier has certified the vehicle if required.

If the vehicle description on the overseas registration documents does not match New Zealand legislation or definitions, the New Zealand legislation and definition will take precedence. This is usually regarding, but not limited to, make, model, year of manufacture and first registration date for replicas, hot-rods and re-built vehicles.

If the vehicle meets the definition of scratch-built, the date of manufacture will be the date the vehicle was completed in scratch-built form, not the date on the overseas registration documents. The make and model should be described as outlined for scratch-built vehicles in Pre-registration and VIN section 2-2(10.1). This may vary from the description on the overseas paperwork.

In such cases, the vehicle owner will need to bring the vehicle up to the standards and requirements applicable to the scratch-built manufacture date.

If you have queries or doubts on specific vehicles, refer to the Vehicle Certifiers Registers team, providing copies of all paperwork, an accurate description of the vehicle and the source of its various components, donor vehicles and/or parts.

2.2 Modified production vehicles

If an entry certifier is presented with a modified production vehicle, the vehicle owner must provide evidence of LVV certification regardless of the date when the modifications were completed.

Note 3

From 1 November 2016 any light vehicle that has been modified and type certified to the “European Community Whole Vehicle Type Approval” (ECWVTA) system can be entry certified without requiring referral to an LVV certifier for specialist certification. See Technical bulletin 41: Entry certification procedures for certain modified light vehicles.

Note 4

A ‘modification declaration’ is not evidence of LVV certification. If a modified production vehicle is presented for re-entry certification with a modification declaration form, that vehicle must be referred to a LVV certifier. A modification declaration form ceases to be valid once a vehicle’s registration has lapsed or the vehicle has had its reigstration cancelled (de-registered).

Note 5

There are some minor modifications that are excluded from LVV certification, provided they fall below the VIRM: In-service certification for modification thresholds. However, when the in-service modification threshold includes a grandfather clause (such as ‘The modification was carried out before 1/3/1999’), that exclusion from LVV certification only applies to vehicles continuously registered in New Zealand from before that date. A grandfather clause is not a valid exclusion from LVV certification for the purposes of entry or re-entry.

Heavy vehicle specialist certification

If a vehicle has undergone heavy vehicle specialist certification, it must be presented with a Heavy vehicle specialist certificate (LT400). A sample is shown in Reference material 7.

An certifier must not accept an LT400 if it has not been completed and signed by an authorised heavy vehicle specialist certifier with the appropriate certification category.

Table 1-6-1 sets out the minimum documentation requirements to be presented and retained by an entry certifier following heavy vehicle specialist certification. A vehicle requires a separate LT400 for each component that is certified to a specific code or standard. Additional supporting documents may be supplied in order to record all applicable information.

Table 1-6-1. Documentation requirements for heavy vehicle specialist certification

Recording specialist certifiers and certification

Table 1-6-2. Light vehicle certification type codes

Table 1-6-3. Heavy vehicle certification type codes

• A new manufacturing certification regime is in place from 1 August 2013, whereby the certifier is the individual who signs the LT400 and who has signed up to a 'Notice of Approval' with Waka Kotahi. From 1 August 2013 any LT400s using the HVM* designation signed on or after that date will be invalid.

Note 1

This does not apply to changeable attributes, such as engine number or colour.

Note 2

Please be aware that Waka Kotahi will check with the country of origin and this can take some time.

Table 1-10-1. Re-inspection procedures

Note 1

The only exceptions to this requirement is if the vehicle has been held within the entry certifier’s or a repair certifier's quarantine system.

Note 2

A brake performance test is required following any brake system repair or component replacement.

Quarantine system for entry-level certification vehicles

An entry certifier can operate a quarantine system for vehicles presented for re-inspection within 90 days of the original inspection. The quarantine system may be applied to vehicles that are immobile awaiting parts or repairs required to rectify defects found during entry-level inspection or is awaiting original documentation. If a vehicle within the quarantine system is presented within 90 days of the original inspection, it will not be required to undergo invasive structural or brake inspections.

A quarantine system operated by an entry certifier must meet the following requirements:

• Vehicles must not leave the premises where the certification process commenced. There must be a designated area for storing quarantined vehicles.
• The entry certifier must have a means of identifying and tracking vehicles within the quarantine system. This may include the use of a quarantine label attached to quarantined vehicles.
• The entry certifier must store all vehicle ignition keys in a secure place.
• The vehicle may only be driven with the approval of the entry certifier on the premises where the vehicle is quarantined for the purposes of obtaining certification.
• A register of all vehicles being held in quarantine must be maintained. This must record the vehicle identification, the reason(s) the initial certification was rejected, the date the vehicle was quarantined, and the name and signature of the person allowing the quarantine.
• Details relating to any vehicle that is quarantined must be recorded in LANDATA by the entry certifier in the vehicle notes screen including mileage, the dates when the vehicle entered quarantine, and the location of the quarantine.

If these requirements are not followed – the vehicle is deemed to have not entered quarantine.

Repair certifier quarantine system for entry-level certification vehicles

A vehicle that has undergone repair certification may be held in quarantine by an Waka Kotahi-appointed repair certifier for up to 180 days or 100km, whichever is the lesser, from the date and mileage recorded on the check sheet. When the vehicle is re-presented the repair certifier must supply the LT308, with the dates, mileage, reasons why the vehicle entered quarantine and the location of the quarantine.

• Details relating to any vehicle that is quarantined must be recorded in LANDATA by the repair certifier in the vehicle notes screen including mileage, the dates when the vehicle entered quarantine, and the location of the quarantine.

If these requirements are not followed – the vehicle is deemed to have not entered quarantine.

The entry certifier must inspect the vehicle to ensure that any other necessary items have been rectified before completing the remainder of the entry certification process. The inspection needs to be equivalent to an in-service fitness inspection, it will not be required to undergo invasive structural or brake inspections.