Fears over WOF decision

The Motor Trade Association (MTA) is disappointed with the government’s decision to extend the expiry of warrant of fitness (WOF) labels until the end of November.

Greig Epps, the MTA’s manager of advocacy and strategy, says the association is concerned that a lengthy deadline will lead to complacency among vehicle owners.

He adds it will also place a huge strain on the understaffed inspection sector at its busiest time of the year.

“We saw with the extension given last year that drivers held off getting their cars inspected well past the vehicle’s expiry date,” says Epps, pictured.

“We were well into 2021 before the backlog was cleared and inspectors worked tirelessly to get that done.”

Because of this, the MTA prefers no extension be given and for enforcement agencies to exercise discretion.

Epps recently suggested a new approach from the government was needed for dealing with documents that expire during lockdowns in order to avoid a repeat of the “logjam in the inspection process” that occurred last year.

He notes there is a continuing obligation on owners to maintain safe vehicles throughout the year. Epps emphasises the WOF inspection does not guarantee roadworthiness until the warrant expiries without car regular maintenance.

Some drivers have been concerned their insurance would not be valid without the extension.

However, the MTA notes advice from the Insurance Council of NZ that insurers will be looking at the actual condition of the vehicle more than the inspection label’s expiry.

Epps adds new and used vehicles that arrived during Covid-19 lockdown will be sitting at the ports needing entry certification – and these will also be competing for scarce inspection resources.

“Our message to owners is to get in as soon as possible for an overdue inspection.

“November and December are always the busiest months. It will be much worse if people delay getting their vehicles inspected until the end of the extension period.”