Traders puzzle over feebate rule

A number of dealers have been wondering if re-registered New Zealand fleet vehicles will have to pay fees or receive rebates once the clean car discount comes into force from April 1.

The Imported Motor Vehicle Industry Association (VIA) has sent out a message to members clarifying the situation after receiving a number of enquiries on the subject.

Malcolm Yorston, technical manager, says the Land Transport (Clean Vehicle Discount Scheme Charges) Regulations 2022 that is key to the feebate scheme has been signed off and published by the government.

“VIA has studied the regulations and can confirm that re-registrations of light vehicles previously registered in NZ are not required to pay the penalty, nor will they get a rebate,” he explains in the March 16 alert.

“Regulation 7 (1) states, ‘the person who registers, for the first time, any new or used eligible light vehicle with carbon dioxide emissions of 192 grams or more per kilometre…’. This excludes vehicles previously on the NZ vehicle register.”

Yorston notes this means there is no need for dealers to rush to register vehicles on their yard that have been previously registered in New Zealand and have since been re-complied but not registered.

Members with questions can contact VIA on 0800-842-842 or email info@via.org.nz.