Reasons for rejection

Glazing condition

1. A piece of glazing is not mechanically sound, or is not securely affixed to the vehicle.

2. A windscreen or front-side window is so dirty or obstructed that the driver’s vision is unreasonably impaired.

3. A windscreen has damage that prevents the wiper blades from working properly.

4. A windscreen has scratches, discoloration or other defects that unreasonably impair the driver’s vision or compromise the strength of the windscreen.

Glazing performance

5. A modification has:

a) unreasonably impaired vision through a windscreen or a front-side window, or

b) adversely affected the strength or mechanical performance of the glazing.

Summary of legislation

Glazing condition

1. Glazing must be mechanically sound, strong and securely affixed to the vehicle.

2. A windscreen and front-side windows must be clean and free of obstruction to ensure the driver has sufficient vision through the glazing to operate the vehicle safely.

3. A windscreen must not have scratches and other defects that:

a) unreasonably impair vision, or

b) compromise its strength.

4. A laminated windscreen must not show signs of discoloration that could unreasonably impair the driver’s vision.

5. Glazing in roof panels may be tinted.

6. Overlays must not have any bubbling or other defects that could unreasonably impair vision.

Glazing performance

7. A modification must not:

a) unreasonably impair vision through a windscreen or a front-side window, nor

b) adversely affect the strength or mechanical performance of the glazing or the vehicle.

Reasons for rejection

Mandatory equipment

1. A vehicle with a windscreen is not fitted with a sun visor for the driver’s use if it is reasonable and practical to do so (Note 1).

Condition

2. A sun visor:

a) is insecurely mounted, or

b) for the driver cannot be adjusted from the normal driving position, or

c) cannot maintain its adjusted position, or

d) has been modified or has deteriorated, and the likelihood of injury to vehicle occupants has not been minimised.

Performance

3. A driver’s sun visor does not effectively aid the driver’s vision by intercepting the glare from the sun.

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation

• Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Equipment 2004
• Land Transport Rule: Interior Impact 2001.

Mandatory equipment

1. A vehicle with a windscreen must be fitted with a sun visor for the driver’s use if it is reasonable and practicable to do so (Note 1).

Permitted equipment

2. Additional sun visors may be fitted in other positions.

Sun visor performance

3. A driver’s sun visor must be effective.

Reasons for rejection

Mandatory equipment

1. A vehicle that has a windscreen is not fitted with a windscreen wipe system.

2. A vehicle manufactured on or after 1 January 2001 that is fitted with a windscreen is not fitted with a windscreen wash system.

3. A vehicle manufactured on or after 1 January 1960 is fitted with wipers that are not power driven.

Condition

Windscreen wipe system

4. The wiper operating device is missing.

5. A wiper arm or wiper blade is:

a) missing, or

b) insecure, or

c) damaged so as to affect the performance of the wipers.

6. The wiper operating mechanism is:

a) missing, or

b) insecure, or

c) damaged so as to affect the performance of the wipers.

Windscreen wash system

7. A wash system component is missing or insecure.

8. The wash operating device is missing.

Performance

Windscreen wipe system

9. A windscreen wiper does not wipe the windscreen effectively, preventing adequate forward vision by the driver.

10. The wipe operating device is unable to activate the wipe system.

Windscreen wash system

11. A windscreen wash nozzle does not discharge washer liquid directly onto the windscreen.

12. The wash operating device is unable to activate the wash system.

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation

• Land Transport Rule: Glazing, Windscreen Wipe and Wash, and Mirrors 1999.

Mandatory equipment

1. A vehicle manufactured before 1 January 2001 that is fitted with a windscreen must have a windscreen wipe system.

2. A vehicle manufactured on or after 1 January 2001 that is fitted with a windscreen must have a windscreen wipe and wash system.

3. Windscreen wipers must be power driven, unless they follow OE specifications in a vehicle manufactured before 1 January 1960.

Permitted equipment

4. A vehicle may be fitted with a wash system when this is not required.

Condition

5. A vehicle’s windscreen wipe system must be efficient and within the vehicle manufacturer’s operating limits.

Performance

6. The equipment fitted must be capable of keeping an adequate area of the windscreen clean and clear so that the vehicle may be operated safely under all reasonably foreseeable conditions.

Reasons for rejection

Mandatory equipment

1. A vehicle fitted with a permanent cab is not fitted with a rear-view mirror.

2. A vehicle with tint film overlays on a rear or rear-side window is not fitted with an exterior rear-view mirror on each side.

Condition

3. A rear-view mirror:

a) is not mounted securely, or

b) cannot be adjusted, or

c) cannot maintain its adjusted position, or

d) is corroded or dirty, or

e) is damaged so that it increases the risk of injury to vehicle occupants.

Performance

4. A rear-view mirror:

a) does not provide a clear view to the rear of the vehicle, or

b) is not sufficiently isolated from vibrations.

Summary of legislation

Applicable legislation

• Land Transport Rule: Glazing, Windscreen Wipe and Wash, and Mirrors 1999.

Mandatory equipment

1. A vehicle must be fitted with a rear-view mirror.

2. A vehicle with tint film overlays on the rear or rear -side windows must be fitted with a left-hand and a right-hand exterior mirror.

Permitted equipment

3. Additional rear-view mirrors may be fitted.

Condition

4. A rear-view mirror must be:

a) securely attached so that the risk of injury is minimised, and

b) mounted so that vibration does not inhibit the driver’s required clear view to the rear, and

c) sufficiently adjustable, and able to maintain its position.

Performance

5. A rear-view mirror must provide a clear view to the rear of:

a) the motor vehicle itself, and

b) the vehicle’s load, and

c) any towed trailer and its load.

6. A rear-view mirror must be sufficiently isolated from vibrations.