Call to allow vehicle registrations post-lockdown

Officials from across the automotive industry are pushing for the NZTA to allow registration plates to be issued once the country moves to Covid-19 alert level three.

While dealers can sell vehicles once the lockdown is lifted at 11.59pm on April 27, their trade may be limited as the rules do not currently allow for the registration of imported vehicles to take place.

This restriction is in place because issuing a number plate is considered a face-to-face activity, but industry organisations are eager to see motor vehicle registration services made available as soon as possible. The AA is among those in discussions with the NZTA about the matter. 

Jonathan Sergel, AA’s general manager of motoring services, says registration plates should be allowed to be issued for dealers and business customers at level three, even if limits remain for in place for individual members of the public.

“We’re focusing on motor vehicle registration because there’s a lot of dealers that want to start selling their cars and while technically they can under level three, they can’t if it’s an import and needs to be registered,” he explains. “This is a pinch point that hopefully we can solve. We want to get cars up for sale and get the paperwork sorted for dealers.

“We are doing a lot to try to support trade under level three. Cars can be processed through compliance and the next step is to register them. We’re hot on the case of trying to get NZTA to allow us to open this area up, particularly for business customers where we can process it on their behalf and leave the plate for them to pick up in a contactless way.

“During the pandemic, the NZTA have been very communicative and open to helping industry organisations to get back up and running. There’s a groundswell of demand, particularly from the AA, to try to get this activity changed under level three and we’re hopeful we will.”

The NZTA have been contacted for comment.

Sergel, pictured, says the AA is also launching dealer appraisals and vehicle pre-purchase inspections under level three as those services can be delivered in a contactless manner.

“There’s a lot we’re trying to do to help the industry speed up and find some normality,” he adds. “We have been very focused on level three for the last two or three weeks and looking at how we and other businesses can operate safely in that new environment.

“We have been operating as an essential service provider during lockdown and it’s been nice to help those people stay on the road and we have learnt a lot from those restrictions with regards to social distancing in the workshop and managing customer interactions. 

“This means at level three we can open the doors with clarity about what we can do and how we can make it work for everyone and keep people safe.”