Correct as at 4th May 2024. It may be superseded at any time.
Extract taken from: Vehicle Inspection Portal > VIRMs > In-service certification (WoF and CoF) > Motorcycles > Vehicle interior
7 Vehicle interior
7-1 Seats and seat anchorages
Reasons for rejection
Mandatory equipment
1. The vehicle is not fitted with a driver’s seat.
2. A seat is not attached to the vehicle structure by seat anchorages.
Condition and performance
3. A seat frame or seat structure has been weakened, eg due to damage, corrosion or excessive wear.
4. The adjustment mechanism of a driver’s seat:
a) does not operate, or
b) is worn, causing excessive movement of the seat.
5. The attachment of the seat to the seat anchorage is loose or weakened by damage.
6. The attachment of the seat anchorage to the vehicle structure is loose or weakened by damage.
7. There is corrosion damage (Note 1) within 150mm of a seat anchorage.
8. There is corrosion damage within 300mm of the anchorage of a seat with integrated seatbelt anchorages.
9. A driver’s seat is in such a condition that it does not allow the driver to have proper control of the vehicle.
Modification
10. A modification (Note 1) carried out after 1 March 1999 affects a seat or seat anchorage, and:
a) is not excluded from the requirements for LVV specialist certification (Table 7-1-1), and
b) is missing proof of LVV specialist or accepted overseas certification, ie:
i. the vehicle is not fitted with a valid LVV certification plate, or
ii. the operator is not able to produce a valid modification declaration or authority card , or
iii. the vehicle has not been certified to an accepted overseas system as described in Technical bulletin 13.
Note 1 Definitions
Corrosion damage is where the metal has been eaten away, which is evident by pitting. The outward signs of such corrosion damage is typically displayed by the lifting or bubbling of paint. In extreme cases, the area affected by the corrosion damage will fall out and leave a hole.
Modify means to change a vehicle from its original state by altering, substituting, adding or removing a structure, system, component or equipment, but does not include repair.
Repair means to restore a damaged or worn vehicle, its structure, systems, components or equipment to within safe tolerance of its condition when manufactured, including replacement with undamaged or new structures, systems, components or equipment.
Table 7-1-1. Modifications that do not require LVV certification
Fitting of or modification to: | LVV certification is not required provided that: |
|---|---|
A replacement seat that is similar to the OE seat |
|
Fitting of or modification to: | LVV certification is never required: |
|---|---|
Any modification for the purpose of law enforcement or the provision of emergency services |
|
Summary of legislation
Applicable legislation
Mandatory equipment
1. A motor vehicle must be fitted with a driver’s seat.
2. A seat in a motor vehicle must be fitted to the vehicle structure by means of seat anchorages.
Condition and performance
3. Seats and seat anchorages must be safe, strong, in sound condition and compatible in strength with each other and with the vehicle structure.
4. The driver’s seat and its anchorages must be designed, constructed and maintained to enable the driver to have proper control of the vehicle.
5. Seats and seat anchorages must be securely attached to the vehicle structure.
Modification
6. A modification on or after 1 March 1999 to a seat or seat anchorage must be inspected and certified by an LVV specialist certifier, unless the vehicle:
a) is excluded from the requirement for LVV specialist certification (Table 7-1-1), and
b) has been inspected in accordance with the requirements in this manual, including those for equipment, condition and performance.
Page amended 1 December 2016 (see amendment details).
7-3 Head restraints
Reasons for rejection
Condition and performance
1. The external surfaces and padding of a head restraint have deteriorated to the extent that they are likely to injure a vehicle occupant.
2. An adjustable head restraint is unable to remain locked in its adjusted position.
Modification
3. A modification (Note 1) affects a head restraint, and:
a) is not excluded from the requirements for LVV specialist certification (Table 7-3-1), and
b) is missing proof of LVV specialist or accepted overseas certification, ie:
i. the vehicle is not fitted with a valid LVV certification plate, or
ii. the operator is not able to produce a valid modification declaration or authority card , or
iii. the vehicle has not been certified to an accepted overseas system as described in Technical bulletin 13.
Note 1 Definitions
Modify means to change a vehicle from its original state by altering, substituting, adding or removing a structure, system, component or equipment, but does not include repair.
Repair means to restore a damaged or worn vehicle, its structure, systems, components or equipment to within safe tolerance of its condition when manufactured, including replacement with undamaged or new structures, systems, components or equipment.
Table 7-3-1. Modifications that do not require LVV certification
Fitting of or modification to: | LVV certification is never required: |
|---|---|
Head restraint removal |
|
Any modification for the purpose of law enforcement or the provision of emergency services |
Summary of legislation
Applicable legislation
Permitted equipment
1. A motor vehicle may be fitted with head restraints.
Condition and performance
2. The external surfaces and padding of a head restraint must not have deteriorated to the extent that the likelihood of injury to an occupant of the vehicle is increased.
3. An adjustable head restraint must remain able to be adjusted and locked into position.
Modification
4. A modification that affects a head restraint must be inspected and certified by an LVV specialist certifier, unless the vehicle:
a) is excluded from the requirement for LVV specialist certification (Table 7-3-1), and
b) has been inspected in accordance with the requirements in this manual, including those for equipment, condition and performance.
Page amended 1 December 2016 (see amendment details).
7-6 Frontal impact airbags
Reasons for rejection
Mandatory equipment
1. A deployed frontal impact airbag has not been replaced.
2. An OE airbag warning light system has been removed from a vehicle fitted with airbags.
3. A motor vehicle has a sign, light or other device that indicates the vehicle is fitted with an airbag when it is not fitted with an airbag.
Condition and performance
4. An airbag cover:
a) is damaged, or
b) has deteriorated, or
c) shows signs of tampering or inadequate repair.
5. Additional equipment has been fitted that may affect the proper performance of the airbag.
6. The airbag warning light:
a) does not operate, or
b) indicates a fault in the system.
Modification
7. A modification (Note 2) affects an airbag system (eg an airbag has been removed, or made inoperable, including retro-fitting a switch), and:
a) is not excluded from the requirements for LVV specialist certification (Table 7-6-1), and
b) is missing proof of LVV specialist or accepted overseas certification, ie:
i. the vehicle is not fitted with a valid LVV certification plate, or
ii. the operator is not able to produce a valid modification declaration or authority card , or
iii. the vehicle has not been certified to an accepted overseas system as described in Technical bulletin 13 .
8. A motor vehicle that has had an airbag system removed or made inoperable and been certified as above does not:
a) have all OE signs, lights, or other devices that indicated the vehicle was fitted with an airbag removed, or
b) if the signs, lights, or other devices cannot be readily removed, have a label that indicates an airbag has been removed permanently attached in a prominent location where it is clearly visible to any occupant of the seating position that was previously protected by the airbag.
Note 1 Definitions
Modify means to change a vehicle from its original state by altering, substituting, adding or removing a structure, system, component or equipment, but does not include repair.
Repair means to restore a damaged or worn vehicle, its structure, systems, components or equipment to within safe tolerance of its condition when manufactured, including replacement with undamaged or new structures, systems, components or equipment.
Note 2
Some modifications are permitted, but they must always be LVV certified. The only modifications permitted are:
- fitting a switch to render an airbag temporarily inoperable, and
- the removal or permanent deactivation of an airbag in a vehicle that:
- is at least 14 years old, or
- has been adapted for a person with a disability, or
- has been extensively modified for motorsport use.
Table 7-6-1. Modifications that do not require LVV certification
Fitting of or modification to: | LVV certification is never required: |
|---|---|
Any modification for the purposes of law enforcement or the provision of emergency services |
|
Summary of legislation
Applicable legislation
Mandatory equipment
1. A frontal impact airbag and its operating system must remain operational if the vehicle was originally manufactured with a frontal impact airbag.
2. An airbag warning light system must remain operational if it was fitted by the vehicle manufacturer.
3. A motor vehicle must not have a sign, light, or other device that indicates the vehicle is fitted with an airbag if it is not fitted with an airbag.
4. A motor vehicle must not have a light or other device indicating an airbag operating system is operable if it is inoperable.
Permitted equipment
5. A switch may be installed as OE to render an airbag temporarily inoperable.
Condition and performance
6. An airbag and its operating system must be safe and in good condition.
7. An airbag warning light fitted by the manufacturer must remain operational.
Modification
8. A motor vehicle that has had an airbag removed or made inoperable must either:
a) have all OE signs, lights, or other devices that indicated the vehicle was fitted with an airbag removed, or
b) if the signs, lights, or other devices cannot be readily removed, have a label that indicates an airbag has been removed permanently attached in a prominent location where it is clearly visible to any occupant of the seating position that was previously protected by the airbag.
9. A modification that affects an airbag system must be inspected and certified by an LVV Specialist Certifier, unless the vehicle is:
a) excluded from the requirement for LVV specialist certification (Table 7-6-1), and
b) has been inspected in accordance with the requirements in this manual, including those for equipment, condition and performance.
Page amended 1 December 2016 (see amendment details).
7-7 Interior impact
Reasons for rejection
Condition and performance
1. Where an interior fitting, control or surface has been added, removed, substituted or has deteriorated, the likelihood of injury to occupants has not been minimised.
Modification
2. A modification (Note 1) affects an interior fitting, control or surface, and:
a) is not excluded from the requirements for LVV specialist certification (Table 7-1-1), and
b) is missing proof of LVV specialist or accepted overseas certification, ie:
i. the vehicle is not fitted with a valid LVV certification plate, or
ii. the operator is not able to produce a valid modification declaration or authority card , or
iii. the vehicle has not been certified to an accepted overseas system as described in Technical bulletin 13.
Note 1 Definitions
Corrosion damage is where the metal has been eaten away, which is evident by pitting. The outward signs of such corrosion damage is typically displayed by the lifting or bubbling of paint. In extreme cases, the area affected by the corrosion damage will fall out and leave a hole.
Modify means to change a vehicle from its original state by altering, substituting, adding or removing a structure, system, component or equipment, but does not include repair.
Repair means to restore a damaged or worn vehicle, its structure, systems, components or equipment to within safe tolerance of its condition when manufactured, including replacement with undamaged or new structures, systems, components or equipment.
Table 7-1-1. Modifications that do not require LVV certification
Fitting of or modification to: | LVV certification is not required provided that: |
|---|---|
Stereo equipment and speakers |
|
| After-market instruments and switches; cell-phone installations |
|
Fitting of or modification to: | LVV certification is never required: |
|---|---|
Any modification for the purpose of law enforcement or the provision of emergency services |
|
Summary of legislation
Condition and performance
1. Interior fittings, controls and surfaces in the passenger compartments must be such that the likelihood of injury to occupants is minimised.
Modification
2. A modification that affects the interior fittings, controls, or surfaces must be inspected and certified by an LVV specialist certifier, unless the vehicle:
a) is excluded from the requirement for LVV specialist certification (Table 7-7-1), and
b) has been inspected in accordance with the requirements in this manual, including those for equipment, condition and performance.
Page amended 1 December 2016 (see amendment details).
7-12 Speedometer
Reasons for rejection
Mandatory equipment
1. A motorcycle first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 December 1951 that is capable of a speed exceeding 50km/h is not fitted with a speedometer, and the vehicle operator cannot produce acceptable written evidence (Note 2) that:
a) the speedometer has been removed for repair, or
b) there are no undue delays by the vehicle owner in having the speedometer replaced.
Condition and performance
2. The speedometer:
a) does not operate as intended when the vehicle is moving forward (Note 3), or
b) is obscured from the driver’s position, or
c) does not indicate the vehicle’s speed in km/h or mph, or:
3. Reason for rejection 2(a), 2(b) or 2(c) applies, and the vehicle operator cannot produce acceptable written evidence (Note 2) that repair of the speedometer or associated equipment is impracticable or that a suitable replacement is not available.
Note 1
Speedometer means an instrument in a motor vehicle that continuously indicates to the driver the forward speed of the vehicle in either kilometres per hour (km/h) or miles per hour (mph). For clarification, this definition does not include the speed provided by a GPS system.
Note 2
Acceptable written evidence is documentation provided by the speedometer repairer or supplier. A copy of the documentation must be kept on file with the checksheet.
Note 3
If an odometer is not fitted, not working or unable to be read an appropriate note must be entered into the ‘Comments’ section of the checksheet and '000001' entered into the odometer field of the checksheet and '000001' entered into WoF online or LANDATA. This may display as “1” on some screens.
Summary of legislation
Applicable legislation
Mandatory equipment
1. A motorcycle first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 December 1951 that is capable of a speed exceeding 50km/h must be fitted with a speedometer.
2. A vehicle is not required to have a speedometer if the speedometer or associated equipment:
a) has been removed for repair and there are no undue delays by the vehicle owner in having it replaced, or
b) is out of repair, repair is impracticable and a suitable replacement is not available.
Speedometer performance
3. The speedometer must be in good working order and operate while the vehicle is moving forward.
Modification
4. A speedometer that is affected by a modification:
a) must meet the requirements for equipment, condition and performance, and
b) does not require LVV specialist certification.
Page amended 1 October 2022 (see amendment details)
7-13 Audible warning devices
Reasons for rejection
Mandatory equipment
1. A motorcycle:
a) is not fitted with a horn, or
b) is fitted with a bell or whistle (Note 2), or
c) is not an emergency vehicle (Note 1) and is fitted with a siren (Note 2).
2. A horn cannot be easily operated from the driver’s seating position.
Performance
3. The horn does not operate when activated.
4. The horn operates when not activated.
5. The sound from the horn is not steady and continuous, eg the horn plays a tune.
6. The horn is not audible at a distance of 100m.
7. A siren fitted to an emergency vehicle operates when not activated.
Note 1 Definition
Emergency vehicle means a vehicle used for the attendance of emergencies and operated:
a) by an enforcement officer, or
b) by an ambulance service, or
c) as a fire service vehicle, or
d) as a civil defence emergency vehicle, or
e) as a New Zealand Defence Force emergency vehicle.
Note 2
A vehicle may be fitted with a bell, whistle or siren that is part of an anti-theft car alarm, personal security alarm or reversing warning device.
Summary of legislation
Applicable legislation
Mandatory equipment
1. A motorcycle must be fitted with a device (horn) that is audible to other road users.
Permitted equipment
2. A motorcycle may be fitted with a bell, whistle or siren, only as follows:
a) a siren fitted to an emergency vehicle (Note 1), or
b) a siren, bell or whistle that is part of an anti-theft car alarm, personal security alarm or a reversing warning device.
Performance
3. The device must be in good working order.
4. The device must be capable of giving a warning that is audible under normal traffic conditions from a distance of at least 100m.
Modification
5. An audible warning device that is affected by a modification:
a) must meet the requirements for equipment and performance, and
b) does not require LVV specialist certification.