Rules revamp – technical stuff

The NZTA has opened consultation over the government’s transport rules reform programme, including changes to in-service inspections.

In the spotlight is the frequency of warrants of fitness (WOFs) for light vehicles, which include cars, motorcycles, mopeds, vans, people movers, trailers, taxis and ride-shares, and certificates of fitness (COFs) covering the same classes.

For new vehicles, their first WOF will be issued for four years under the proposals. A warrant every two years will be required for those from four to 10 years old. Light vehicles over 10 years will need to have an annual inspection.

As for light rentals less than five years old, they will have to complete a COF A once a year.

The scope of WOF and COF A inspections is also set to change to require checks of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). Inspectors will verify that fault lights for important features, such as automatic emergency braking and lane-keep assist, are not showing.

Then there’s enforcement and public awareness, such as the possibility of higher fines or demerit points for not having a valid WOF or COF A and other offences, examples being bald or damaged tyres. Public education would help people understand how to maintain their vehicles between inspections.

“New Zealand checks vehicles more often than most countries, but this doesn’t always lead to better safety outcomes,” says an NZTA spokesman.

“The changes proposed aim to reduce unnecessary costs for low-risk vehicles while still maintaining safety standards for higher-risk vehicles. Vehicles less likely to be involved in crashes when mechanical faults are a contributing factor would need fewer inspections overall.”

The agency says there is no draft amendment rule accompanying this consultation. Making these changes would require changes to the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002.

If a decision to change this rule is made, James Meager, the Associate Minister of Transport, is likely to use the order in council process. Rules made by order in council are signed by the Governor-General on the recommendation of the relevant minister.

A discussion document about the proposed changes and an online form for completion can be accessed via the NZTA’s online consultation hub. The last day for feedback, which will be considered by Meager before he makes decisions, is December 17. Questions can be emailed to rules@nzta.govt.nz. Click here for more details about the land-transport rules reforms.

Changes to entry compliance

The government is now considering new safety requirements for vehicles entering New Zealand’s fleet.

For new and used light and heavy vehicles, automatic emergency braking, lane-keep support systems, and acoustic vehicle-alert systems for “quiet” electric and hybrid vehicles are on the table.

For new and used heavy vehicles, mandatory electronic stability control and anti-lock braking systems are being considered.

“If these safety features become mandatory, more vehicles in New Zealand will have them sooner,” says the NZTA. “This could help lower the number and seriousness of crashes that cause most deaths and serious injuries.”

There is no draft amendment rule accompanying this consultation either. Making these features compulsory would require changes to four land-transport rules – heavy-vehicle brakes 2006, light-vehicle brakes 2002, steering systems 2001 and vehicle equipment 2004. If a decision to change any of these rules is made, the order in council process is likely to be used.

Heavy-vehicle driver rules

The final raft of changes affects drivers and operators of heavy vehicles, and road-controlling authorities. Feedback is being sought on:

• Permit requirements for 50MAX vehicles.

• H-plate display requirements for high-productivity motor vehicles (HPMVs).

• Minor amendments to the Land Transport Rule: Heavy Vehicles 2004 to incorporate by reference the bolster attachment codes of practice and to remove the unused definition of “low-volume vehicles”.

“Updating and complying with current rule requirements often creates substantial administrative burden for the government, public and industry,” says the NZTA. 

“This reform package aims to remove these burdens enabling a more flexible, modern approach to regulating land transport. We're seeking feedback on the draft amendment rule to give effect to the proposed changes.”

The draft amendment rule proposes amendments to the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2016 (VDAM) and Land Transport Rule: Heavy Vehicles 2004 (HV Rule).

The NZTA will analyse submissions and work with the Ministry of Transport to advise Chris Bishop, Minister of Transport, as to whether the rule amendments proposed should proceed. It anticipates final decisions on rule amendments in May next year.

Links for consultation hub

• Plans for changes to light-vehicle inspections.

• Considering new safety features for imports.

• Simplifying permits for heavy vehicles.