Land Transport Rules Reform

The Government is progressing a work programme “to increase productivity and efficiency through comprehensively reforming New Zealand’s land transport rules” (ref 19 June press release here).

Already completed is reducing the frequency of vintage vehicle WOF and motorhome COF inspections, which came into force on 1 September.

A further six workstreams are planned over the next 18 months:

1.      Considering additional safety requirements for vehicle imports.

2.      Reviewing WOF/COF frequency and inspection requirements for light vehicles.

3.      Simplifying heavy vehicle driver licencing, weight thresholds, and freight permitting.

4.      Enabling digital driver licences and, digital alternatives to WOF/COF/rego stickers, allowing NZTA to electronically collect, store and send regulatory notices, enabling online theory tests, and simplifying identification requirements for NZTA customers.

5.      Improving lane use and use of traffic control devices, and minor system improvements, which will include enabling e-scooters in cycle lanes and children to ride bikes on footpaths, minimum overtaking gaps when passing cyclists, horses etc, and requiring vehicles to give way to buses exiting bus stops.

6.      Overhauling the vehicle regulatory system including simplifying and refocusing import requirements and streamlining recognition of overseas standards.

“The programme includes some longer-term pieces of work that will not be complete within the 18 months, such as overhauling the vehicle regulatory system to reduce complexity and better align with other jurisdictions’ requirements. Another longer-term piece of work will be reviewing the Vehicle Dimension and Mass rule because requirements have not kept up with changes in the international automotive industry.”