Fewer checks for vintage cars
Vintage light vehicles and private motorhomes will move to annual vehicle inspections rather than six-monthly ones from September 1, the government has announced.
Minister of Transport Chris Bishop says the decision to reduce the frequency of warrant of fitness (WOF) and certificate of fitness (COF) inspections was made after public consultation on the measures this year.
He describes the changes as commonsense and says public support was overwhelmingly in favour of the proposals, which were announced in February.
A total of 13,242 submissions were received and 89 per cent of those supported changing private heavy motorhome COF inspections from six-monthly to annual.
Meanwhile, support for changing the frequency of WOF checks for light vehicles over 40 years old from every six months to yearly came in at 98 per cent.
“Everyone loves spotting a beautifully kept vintage car out for a Sunday drive, and cruising around our beautiful country in a motorhome is a classic Kiwi dream,” adds Bishop.
“There are about 128,000 vintage vehicles and 39,000 private motorhomes registered in New Zealand. Until now, their owners have had to front up for a warrant or certificate of fitness inspection every six months – even though these vehicles are driven far less than your average modern car.
“Evidence shows that vintage vehicles and motorhomes are half as likely to have a contributing fault in a serious crash – even after adjusting for how many of them are on the road.
“And when it comes to passing a WOF inspection, vintage vehicles perform better than vehicles under 40 years old. In fact, once a vehicle hits 40, its pass rates go up – proof that hitting middle age isn’t all bad news.”
The new rules will apply from September 1 after Bishop amended the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002.
He notes the government also plans to soon review the frequency and requirements of WOF and COF inspections for other light vehicles as part of its land transport rules reform programme.
