WoF rule changes: what you need to know

New vehicles

• From November 1, 2026 new light vehicles will need their second WoF after four years. Under the current system, this is three years.

Vehicles aged 4–14 years

• From November 1, 2026, vehicles in this age group that were registered on or after November 1, 2019, will move from annual to two‑yearly WoFs.
• From November 1 2027, the same two‑yearly cycle will apply to vehicles registered on or after November 1, 2013.

This means that, over time, vehicles between four and 14 years old will only need a WoF every two years.

Older vehicles and motorcycles

• Light vehicles over 14 years old will require annual WoFs from November 1, 2026. This replaces the current six‑monthly inspections that apply to some older vehicles.
• Motorcycles registered before January 1, 2000, will also move to annual inspections from November 1, 2026.

Rental vehicles

• Light rental vehicles will shift from six‑monthly to annual WoFs.

WoF and Certificate of Fitness (CoF) – which is the separate safety inspection for commercial, heavy, and passenger-service vehicles such as buses and large freight trucks inspections will be expanded to include basic checks of certain Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), such as:

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB)
• Lane Keep Assist (where fitted)

Inspectors will check for warning lights related to these systems, rather than testing their full operation.

Alongside this, the Government plans to:

• Increase penalties for expired WoFs and non‑compliant tyres and wheels.
• Improve public information so drivers better understand the need for regular vehicle maintenance between WoF visits.

For many people, particularly those with newer vehicles, moving to two‑yearly inspections will feel like a sensible, low‑risk change that will make car ownership simpler.

When the AA surveyed Members, views were evenly split between those in favour of less frequent inspections and those against it.

We recognise that many Members will welcome less time spent booking and attending inspections, however, vehicle owners will need to become more vigilant.

Longer gaps between WoFs mean drivers will need to take more responsibility for monitoring their vehicle’s condition – checking tyres, brakes and warning lights, and acting early if something doesn’t feel or sound right.

From November 1, 2026, the fine for operating a vehicle with a WoF expired by more than two months will increase from $200 to $350. The fine for non‑compliant wheels and tyres will also increase from $150 to $350 and up to $1,000 (maximum court‑ordered fine).

The AA is cautious about extending the first WoF for new vehicles to four years, as a vehicle’s age does not necessarily reflect how far it has been driven, its condition or how it has been maintained.

The AA is also wary of inspections of safety technology relying mainly on warning lights rather than more comprehensive system checks.

These are significant changes that put the frequency of inspections in New Zealand more in line with other countries. The AA hopes that it does not lead to fewer safe cars on the road; it will be vital that the Government monitors the real-world impacts closely to make sure safety stays strong.