Introduction

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency has prepared this document, Vehicle inspection requirements manual: Heavy vehicle specialist certification to enable heavy vehicle specialist and manufacturing inspectors to achieve correct and consistent standards of inspection and certification. In this VIRM, any reference to the NZ Transport Agency or Waka Kotahi includes reference to the Director of Land Transport (the Director).

Heavy vehicle specialist and manufacturing certifiers are required to certify specialist aspects of heavy vehicles. They are appointed by Waka Kotahi under section 2.2(1)(i) of the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002 (the Rule) as vehicle inspectors and/or inspecting organisations.

In order to prepare a vehicle for operational service in New Zealand, the owner may be required to fit additional equipment and to modify the vehicle design to optimise the vehicle for the role in which it is to be employed.

This modification and mounting of additional equipment must result in a vehicle that is deemed by Waka Kotahi to be safe to operate.

This means that the modifications (including any repairs or addition of equipment):

• are designed to be technically sound
• are done to a high standard of workmanship
• use parts and materials that are fit for their purpose
• comply with any standards that are applicable
• do not give the vehicle any unacceptable characteristics.

Waka Kotahi appoints heavy vehicle specialist inspectors (HVS or HVM VI) and inspecting organisations (IO) to carry out technical assessment of repairs and modifications. Since the range of knowledge, expertise and experience needed to make these assessments is very wide, HVS certifiers are appointed to certify various aspects of a vehicle. In this manual, these inspectors are generally referred to as HVS certifiers.

Read more about the different roles and requirements to gain qualifications/be appointed as a heavy vehicle specialist certifier

These aspects and Waka Kotahi requirements for them are covered in this manual. The purpose of this document is to:

• supplement the notices of appointment currently in force for HVS certifiers
• cover the requirements for the inspection and certification of specialist aspects of heavy vehicles.

This VIRM is published online only and is not supplied in hard copy.

Amendments to this manual will be issued from time to time as inspection requirements change and improvements are made. Details of amendments are available from the Amendments tab on the horizontal menu. Suggestions for improvement should be made using the feedback button found on every page.

HVS/M certifiers must ensure they have access to, are familiar with and use, the latest version of the VIRM.

Where appropriate Waka Kotahi will consult with HVS/M inspecting organisations prior to the confirmation of amendments to this manual.

An appointed certifier or inspecting organisation (IO) cannot use the Waka Kotahi brand, logo or name in connection with their business unless such use is approved in writing by Waka Kotahi.

Contacting Waka Kotahi

Safety Issues – safe work practices

Correct use of this VIRM may involve the use of hazardous materials, work practices or operations and equipment. It is the responsibility of the HVEx/HVxD certifier and IO to establish appropriate safety and health practices required by legislation. Safe work practice shall be employed at all times.

The methods and processes used for the manufacture or repair of a heavy vehicle (HV) combine the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and any relevant manufacturer’s recommendations – neither of which are administered by Waka Kotahi.

This also applies to the avoidance of damage to equipment or the work or, in the case of a repair, further damage to the item being repaired. Refer to your HSE manual and work instructions before commencing any work. For repairs most vehicle manufacturers also make recommendations on safe practices.