Land Transport Rule

Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002

Rule 35001/1

Note: This Rule should be read in conjunction with the other Rules relating to vehicle standards compliance, which are available in a consolidated version. It should also be read with Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance (Whole of Vehicle Marking) Amendment 2009.

Contents

Objective of the rule

Consultation

Part 1     Rule requirements

Section 1     Application

Section 2     Appointments of vehicle inspectors and inspecting organisations

Section 3     Monitoring and reviewing of performance, and suspension and revocation of appointments

Section 4     Inspection of vehicles at the border

Section 5     Inspection of vehicles for conditional operation before entering or re-entering service

Section 6 Inspection and certification of vehicles for entry or re-entry into service

Section 7     Inspection and certification of vehicles for operation in service

Section 8     Verification and recording of vehicle loading and weight limits

Section 9     Evidence of vehicle inspection, conditional permits and certificates of loading

Section 10     Operation of vehicles

Section 11     Additional powers of the Director

Section 12     Transitional provisions and savings

 

Part 2     Definitions

Part 3     Schedules

 

Objective of the rule

Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002 is authorised by the Land Transport Act 1998 and implements the Director’s function under that Act in exercising control over the entry of vehicles into, and operation of vehicles in, the land transport system.

The rule revokes and replaces Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 1998, which came into force on 1 March 1999 and set in place a consolidated legal framework for the inspection and certification of motor vehicles. The rule has been revised to link more explicitly to the Land Transport Act 1998. The revised rule clarifies inspection and certification requirements for ‘agricultural’ vehicles operated at speeds exceeding 30 km/h and for vehicles operated conditionally before entering service.

The rule has also been revised to include three proposals originally discussed in the context of the Vehicle Safety Proposals Consultation Paper, released for public comment in June 2001. The main change introduced by the rule is the removal of the distinction between requirements for vehicles with a warrant of fitness that were new when entering service in New Zealand, and vehicles that were used imports. All these vehicles now require an annual warrant of fitness inspection until they are six years old, and a six-monthly inspection thereafter.

 

Extent of consultation

Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 1998 underwent four rounds of consultation with industry groups, interested government agencies and the public. Consultation with representative industry sectors in New Zealand through the Vehicle Standards Advisory Committee complemented the consultation mechanisms inherent in the rule-making process. There was also liaison with Australian authorities in the vehicle standards area, and research into trends for the global harmonisation of vehicle standards.

Consultation on the proposed revision of Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 1998 began within the context of the Vehicle Safety Proposals Consultation Paper in June 2001. Submissions received on the five proposals relevant to this rule were summarised and were taken into account in drafting the revised rule.

The yellow (public consultation) draft of the revised rule was sent to key groups and individuals for consultation in September 2001. Others who had registered an interest in the rule were advised that the draft was available. The draft rule was also accessible on the Land Transport Safety Authority’s website. The availability of the draft was publicised in 15 metropolitan and regional daily newspapers, the New Zealand Gazette, Te Maori News and industry publications. Copies of the draft rule were sent to overseas libraries and transport authorities. The deadline for submissions was 9 November 2001. Twenty-five submissions were received.

Issues identified in submissions and in consultation on the vehicle safety proposals were taken into account in redrafting this rule, before it was submitted to Cabinet, and to the Minister of Transport for signature.

 

Part 1     Rule requirements

Section 1     Application

1.1     Title

This rule is Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002.

 

1.2     Scope of the rule

1.2(1)     This rule applies to:

1.2(2)     In this rule, every reference to a vehicle is a reference to a motor vehicle.

1.2(3)     In this rule, every reference to a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation is a reference to a certifier for the purposes of the Land Transport (Offences and Penalties) Regulations 1999 and the Land Transport (Certification and Other Fees) Regulations 1999.

 

1.3     Date when rule comes into force

1.3(1)     This rule revokes and replaces Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 1998.

1.3(2)     This rule comes into force on 1 April 2002.

 

1.4     Application of rule provisions

1.4(1)     If there is a conflict between a provision of this rule and a provision of another land transport rule relating to vehicles, the provision of this rule applies.

1.4(2)     For the avoidance of doubt, a reference to a certifier in any other land transport rule relating to vehicles is a reference to a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation appointed under this rule.

 

Section 2     Appointments of vehicle inspectors and inspecting organisations

2.1     Vehicle inspectors and inspecting organisations

2.1(1)     Unless 5.2(1) applies, only vehicle inspectors and inspecting organisations appointed under 2.2 may carry out inspection and certification activities as specified in this rule.

2.1(2)     Vehicle inspectors and inspecting organisations must carry out inspection and certification activities competently and diligently and in accordance with the conditions of their appointment and with this rule.

 

2.2     Appointment of vehicle inspectors and inspecting organisations

2.2(1)     The Director may appoint vehicle inspectors and inspecting organisations to carry out any or all of the following activities:

2.2(2)     Vehicle inspectors and inspecting organisations may carry out only those inspection and certification activities for which they have been appointed under 2.2(1).

 

2.3     Requirements and conditions of appointment

2.3(1)     The Director may specify the period of appointment for a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation and may impose requirements and conditions as to the performance of the inspection and certification activities, including the performance of those activities at individual sites.

2.3(2)     Without limiting 2.3(1), requirements and conditions imposed under 2.3(1) may apply to:

2.3(3)     It is a condition of an appointment under 2.2 that a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation continues to be a fit and proper person in accordance with 2.6.

2.3(4)     It is a condition of an appointment under 2.2 that a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation:

 

2.4     Delegations

2.4(1)     A vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation may not delegate any function or power to carry out inspection and certification activities for which they were appointed, except under conditions specified by the Director in writing.

2.4(2)     A delegation by a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation of any power to carry out inspection and certification activities does not affect the responsibility of the inspector or organisation for the actions of a person acting under that delegation.

 

2.5     Application for appointment

2.5(1)     An application for appointment under 2.2 must:

2.5(2)     In considering an application for appointment under 2.2, the Director must:

2.5(3)     For inspection and certification under 2.2(1)(a), (g), (i) or (j), an interest arising from an applicant’s activities in modifying, repairing or selling vehicles or alternative fuel systems is not sufficient in itself to result in the applicant being considered unsuitable for appointment.

2.5(4)     The Director may seek relevant information in relation to 2.5(2) from:

2.5(5)     The Director may obtain, with the consent of the relevant person listed in 2.5(4), additional information about that person relevant to an application for appointment under 2.2.

2.5(6)     If an application for appointment under 2.2 is declined, the Director must notify the applicant of this, in writing, with the reasons for the decision to decline the application, and the applicant may appeal against that decision under section 106 of the Land Transport Act 1998.

 

2.6     Fit and proper person criteria

2.6(1)     In determining whether an applicant is a fit and proper person for the purposes of this rule, the Director may have regard, and give such weight as the Director considers appropriate, to the following matters:

2.6(2)     If the Director proposes to take into account any information that is, or may be, prejudicial to an applicant about whom information has been sought under 2.5(4), the Director must disclose that information to the applicant and give the applicant a reasonable opportunity to refute or comment on it.

2.6(3)     Nothing in 2.6(2) requires the Director to disclose any information if such disclosure would be likely to endanger the safety of any person.

2.6(4)     If the Director does not disclose information in accordance with 2.6(3), the Director must inform the applicant:

 

Section 3     Monitoring and reviewing of performance, and suspension and revocation of appointments

3.1     Procedures for monitoring and reviewing performance

3.1(1)     The Director may monitor and review the performance of a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation in complying with the requirements and conditions imposed by the Director under 2.3, including the performance of inspection and certification activities at individual sites.

3.1(2)     In monitoring and reviewing performance under 3.1(1), the Director may require a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation to undergo such monitoring and review, and to provide such information as the Director reasonably considers relevant.

3.1(3)     A vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation must comply with a requirement from the Director under 3.1(2).

3.1(4)     A vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation must bear the costs of the monitoring and reviewing of their performance in accordance with any prescribed fee.

 

3.2     Action following failure to comply with conditions of appointment or with this rule

3.2(1)     If the Director has reason to believe that a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation has failed to comply with any of the conditions of their appointment, or has failed to comply with this rule, the Director may require the inspector or organisation to undergo such an investigation and to provide such information as the Director reasonably considers appropriate.

3.2(2)     Subject to 3.2(3), if, following an investigation under 3.2(1), the Director is satisfied that a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation has failed to comply with any of the conditions of their appointment, or failed to comply with this rule, the Director may do one or more of the following:

3.2(3)     Subject to 3.3, before carrying out an action under 3.2(2)(b) or (c), the Director must notify the vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation in writing of:

3.2(4)     The Director must provide a copy of a notice given under 3.2(3) to:

3.2(5)     If a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation is notified under 3.2(3), they must ensure that all information that they wish the Director to consider in relation to the action that is being considered is received by the Director within the period specified in the notice or within any further period that the Director may allow.

3.2(6)     The Director must consider the submissions made and information supplied under 3.2(5), and must:

3.2(7)     The Director may require a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation to bear the costs associated with an investigation under 3.2(1) or remedial action required under 3.2(2)(a) in accordance with any prescribed fee.

3.2(8)     A vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation must comply with a requirement of the Director under 3.2(1), 3.2(2)(a) or 3.2(7).

 

3.3     Immediate suspension or imposing of conditions

3.3(1)     Despite 3.2(1) to 3.2(3), if the Director has reason to believe that a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation has failed to comply with a condition of their appointment or with this rule, and that this presents a significant risk to land transport safety, the Director may suspend, with immediate effect, the whole or any part of the appointment, or impose any conditions on the appointment.

3.3(2)     When, under 3.3(1), the Director suspends the whole or any part of an appointment, or imposes conditions on the appointment, the Director must notify the vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation in writing of the:

3.3(3)     The Director must, as soon as practicable, consider any submission made under 3.3(2)(b) and notify the vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation in writing of the result of any such consideration.

3.3(4)     The Director may at any time withdraw a suspension or condition imposed under 3.3(1).

3.3(5)     A suspension or condition imposed under 3.3(1) remains in force until the Director has determined the action to be taken and that action has been taken.

3.3(6)     A person against whom a decision is taken under 3.3(1) may appeal against that decision under section 106 of the Land Transport Act 1998.

 

Section 4     Inspection of vehicles at the border

4.1     Application

4.1(1)     This section applies, at the time of importation into New Zealand, to all vehicles imported on or after 1 March 1999 for operation on a road, except:

4.1(2)     Section 213 of the Land Transport Act 1998 applies to vehicles inspected under this section.

 

4.2     Inspection requirements

Vehicles to which this section applies must be inspected by a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation appointed under 2.2(1)(k) in accordance with requirements and conditions imposed by the Director under 2.3.

 

4.3     Information to be recorded

A vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation must record and provide to the Director, or to other persons specified by the Director, the following information about a vehicle inspected under 4.2:

 

Section 5     Inspection of vehicles for conditional operation before entering or re-entering service

5.1     Application

5.1(1)     This section applies to a vehicle to which section 6 applies that is to be operated, before being certified for entry or re-entry into service, under the conditions in 10.3 and for the purposes in 10.4.

5.1(2)     A vehicle fitted with an alternative fuel system that is in working order must not be given a conditional permit unless a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation appointed under 2.2(1)(j) has ensured that the vehicle has an alternative fuel installation certificate and a current alternative fuel inspection certificate.

 

5.2     Inspection requirements and conditions

5.2(1)     An operator to whom a valid trade plate has been issued may inspect a vehicle for operation under 10.3(1) on an annex B conditional permit, in accordance with requirements imposed by the Director by notice in the Gazette.

5.2(2)     A vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation appointed under 2.2(1)(b), (d), (e) or (f) may inspect a vehicle for operation under 10.3(2) on an annex C conditional permit, in accordance with requirements and conditions imposed by the Director under 2.3.

 

5.3     Determining whether a vehicle is safe for conditional operation

5.3(1)     Following an inspection under 5.2(1), a vehicle’s operator must determine on reasonable grounds whether or not the vehicle is safe to be operated under the relevant conditions in 10.3(1), and only for any of the purposes in 10.4.

5.3(2)     Following an inspection under 5.2(2), a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation must determine on reasonable grounds whether or not the vehicle is safe to be operated under the relevant conditions in 10.3(2), and only for any of the purposes in 10.4.

 

5.4     Record of determination

5.4(1)     When a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation has determined under 5.3(2) whether or not a vehicle is safe to be operated on an annex C conditional permit, the inspector or organisation must make a record of determination that records that the vehicle is either:

5.4(2)     A vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation must retain a record of determination or provide it to the Director, or to a person specified by the Director.

 

5.5     Conditional permits

5.5(1)     When a vehicle’s operator determines under 5.3(1) that a vehicle is safe to be operated, the operator must complete an annex A form and complete and sign an annex B conditional permit in accordance with section 9.

5.5(2)     When a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation determines under 5.3(2) that a vehicle is safe to be operated, the organisation must issue an annex C conditional permit in accordance with section 9.

 

Section 6     Inspection and certification of vehicles for entry or re-entry into service

6.1     Application

This section applies to all vehicles entering or re-entering service, except:

 

6.2     When a vehicle must be certified for entry into service

6.2(1)     A vehicle to which section 4 applies must be inspected in accordance with that section before it can be certified for entry into service under section 6.

6.2(2)     A vehicle that has been deregistered in New Zealand must be certified for entry into service under section 6 before it can re-enter service.

6.2(3)     A vehicle that has been certified for entry into service more than two years previously but has not entered service must be inspected and certified under section 6 before it can enter service.

6.2(4)     A vehicle that has been inspected for entry into service but has not entered service must have a current warrant of fitness or certificate of fitness if operated on trade plates for the purposes of demonstration.

6.2(5)     If an application for a change of use has been made under section 16 of the Transport (Vehicle and Driver Registration and Licensing) Act 1986 and additional requirements apply to the vehicle in its new use, then the vehicle must be inspected and certified under section 6 before it can re-enter service.

 

6.3     Inspection and certification of vehicles

6.3(1)     Before entering or re-entering service, a vehicle must be inspected and certified by a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation appointed under 2.2(1)(d), (e) or (f).

6.3(2)     The inspection and certification of a vehicle under 6.3(1) must be carried out in accordance with requirements and conditions imposed by the Director under 2.3.

6.3(3)     The inspection and certification of a vehicle under section 6 must include the inspection of associated documents to determine whether or not the vehicle complied with applicable requirements when manufactured.

6.3(4)     For the purposes of inspection and certification under section 6, the Director may require one or more of the following:

6.3(5)     A statement of compliance in 6.3(4)(a) may be issued for a vehicle or for a specific aspect of a vehicle only if the manufacturer or manufacturer’s representative, or a relevant component manufacturer or component manufacturer’s representative, is able to support the validity of the statement in accordance with any of the following, as appropriate:

6.3(6)     A vehicle manufacturer or manufacturer’s representative, or a relevant component manufacturer or component manufacturer’s representative, must comply, within a reasonable time, with any request from the Director to provide the information or document listed in 6.3(5)(a) to (e).

 

6.4     Determining compliance of a vehicle

6.4(1)     A vehicle may be certified for entry or re-entry into service only if a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation has identified the vehicle and has determined, on reasonable grounds, that it:

6.4(2)     For the purposes of 6.4(1)(c), a vehicle complies with an applicable requirement if it:

6.4(3)     A vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation, in making a determination under 6.4(1) must take into account:

 

6.5     Specialist inspection and certification

6.5(1)     Specialist inspection and certification is required for the following specific aspects:

6.5(2)     A vehicle requiring specialist inspection and certification under 6.5(1) may be certified for entry or re-entry into service only if it has been certified in accordance with 6.5(5).

6.5(3)     Low volume vehicle specialist inspection and certification, or heavy vehicle specialist inspection and certification, is not required if a modified vehicle:

6.5(4)     Specialist inspection and certification of a vehicle under 6.5(2) and 6.5(5) must be carried out by a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation in 6.5(1), in accordance with requirements and conditions imposed by the Director under 2.3.

6.5(5)     A specific aspect of a vehicle may be certified for compliance with 6.5 if a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation has identified the vehicle and has determined, on reasonable grounds, that the specific aspect:

6.5(6)     A specific aspect of a vehicle complies with an approved vehicle standard in an applicable requirement in 6.5(5)(c) if it:

 

6.6     Record of determination

6.6(1)     When a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation has determined whether or not a vehicle, or specific aspect of a vehicle, complies with 6.4(1) or 6.5(5), the inspector or organisation must make a record of determination that either:

6.6(2)     A vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation must provide a record of determination to the Director, or to a person specified by the Director.

6.6(3)     A vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation must provide written notification of a determination made under 6.6(1)(b) to the owner of the vehicle.

 

6.7     Providing the Director with other information

If requested by the Director, a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation who has made a determination under 6.4(1) or 6.5(5) must provide the Director, or a person specified by the Director, with other information about the vehicle inspected.

 

6.8     Evidence of vehicle inspection

When a record of determination has been made under 6.6(1)(a), the inspecting organisation must, in accordance with section 9:

 

6.9     Low volume vehicles

When a record of determination has been made under 6.6(1)(a) certifying a modification to a light vehicle in accordance with the Low Volume Vehicle Code, the inspecting organisation must issue a low volume vehicle plate, label or authority card as specified in the Code.

 

Section 7     Inspection and certification of vehicles for operation in service

7.1     Application

7.1(1)     This section applies to all vehicles that are operated in service, except:

7.1(2)     A vehicle, when inspected and certified under 7.3, must comply with applicable requirements only as far as is practicable for its design or type, if it is:

 

7.2     Vehicles that may not be certified for operation in service

A vehicle may not be certified for operation in service if it:

 

7.3     Inspection and certification of vehicles for operation in service

7.3(1)     Inspection and certification of a vehicle for operation in service must be carried out by a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation appointed under 2.2(1)(a) or (b).

7.3(2)     Inspection and certification of a vehicle fitted with an alternative fuel system that is in working order must be carried out by a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation appointed under 2.2(1)(j), who must ensure that the vehicle has an alternative fuel installation certificate before it is issued with an alternative fuel inspection certificate.

7.3(3)     The inspection and certification of a vehicle under 7.3(1) or 7.3(2) must be carried out in accordance with requirements and conditions imposed by the Director under 2.3.

7.3(4)     The inspection and certification of a vehicle under 7.3(1) or 7.3(2) must include the inspection of associated documents and take into account vehicle standards markings, compliance plates and compliance labels in determining whether or not the vehicle or alternative fuel system complies with applicable requirements.

 

7.4     Determining compliance of a vehicle

7.4(1)     A vehicle may be certified for operation in service only if a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation has identified the vehicle and has determined, on reasonable grounds, that the vehicle:

7.4(2)     For the purposes of 7.4(1)(c), a vehicle complies with an applicable requirement if it:

7.4(3)     A vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation, in making a determination under 7.4(1), must take into account:

 

7.5     Specialist inspection and certification

7.5(1)     Specialist inspection and certification is required for the following specific aspects:

7.5(2)     A vehicle requiring specialist inspection and certification under 7.5(1) may be certified for operation in service only if it has been certified in accordance with 7.5(5).

7.5(3)     Low volume vehicle specialist inspection and certification or heavy vehicle specialist inspection and certification is not required if a modified vehicle:

7.5(4)     Specialist inspection and certification of a vehicle under 7.5(2) and 7.5(5) must be carried out by a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation appointed under 2.2 in accordance with requirements and conditions imposed by the Director under 2.3.

7.5(5)     A specific aspect of a vehicle may be certified for compliance with 7.5 if a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation has identified the vehicle and has determined, on reasonable grounds, that the specific aspect:

7.5(6)     A specific aspect complies with an approved vehicle standard in an applicable requirement in 7.5(5)(c) if it:

 

7.6     Record of determination

7.6(1)     When a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation has determined whether or not a vehicle or specific aspect of a vehicle complies with 7.4(1) or 7.5(5), the inspector or organisation must make a record of determination that either:

7.6(2)     A vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation must provide a record of determination to the Director, or to a person specified by the Director.

7.6(3)     A vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation must provide written notification of a determination made under 7.6(1)(b) to the owner of the vehicle.

 

7.7     Providing the Director with other information

If requested by the Director, a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation who has made a determination under 7.4(1) or 7.5(5) must provide the Director, or a person specified by the Director, with other information about the vehicle inspected.

 

7.8     Determining that a vehicle is safe to be operated subject to conditions

7.8(1)     Following an inspection under 7.3, a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation may determine, on reasonable grounds, that a vehicle is safe to be operated, subject to specified conditions.

7.8(2)     A condition under 7.8(1) may include a determination that a vehicle:

7.8(3)     A determination under 7.8(1) must take into account information obtained from carrying out an inspection under 7.3 and, if specified by an applicable requirement, or by the Director, relevant specialist inspection and certification under 7.5 and, if appropriate, inspection and certification under 7.3(2).

 

7.9     Evidence of vehicle inspection

When a record of determination has been made under 7.6(1)(a), the inspecting organisation must, in accordance with section 9:

 

7.10     Conditional permits

When a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation has determined, under 7.8, that a vehicle in Schedule 2:

 

7.11     Low volume vehicles

When a record of determination has been made under 7.6(1)(a) certifying a modification to a light vehicle in accordance with the Low Volume Vehicle Code, the inspecting organisation must issue a low volume vehicle plate, label or authority card as specified in the Code.

 

Section 8     Verification and recording of vehicle loading and weight limits

8.1     Application

This section applies to vehicles listed in Schedule 2 and not listed in Schedule 3 that are operated in service, except for light rental service vehicles that are not passenger service vehicles.

 

8.2     Pre-requisite for verification and recording of vehicle loading and weight limits

8.2(1)     A vehicle’s loading and weight limits may be verified and recorded only if a record of determination has been made confirming that the relevant specialist certification has been obtained for a specific aspect of the vehicle, and that aspect has been certified in accordance with 6.5(2) or 7.5(2).

8.2(2)     Specialist certifications relevant to 8.2(1) are:

 

8.3     Verification of loading and weight limits

8.3(1)     Inspection and certification of a vehicle for a certificate of loading must be carried out by a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation appointed under 2.2(1)(c).

8.3(2)     The inspection of a vehicle and associated documents, if any, under 8.3(1) must be carried out in accordance with requirements and conditions imposed by the Director under 2.3.

8.3(3)     The following loading and weight limits must be determined:

 

8.4     Record of loading and weight limits

A vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation must make a record of the loading and weight limits determined under 8.3 and provide this to the Director in a form, and containing information, as specified by the Director.

 

8.5     Certificates of loading

When a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation provides a record under 8.4, the inspecting organisation must issue a certificate of loading in accordance with section 9.

 

Section 9     Evidence of vehicle inspection, conditional permits and certificates of loading

9.1     Scope

This section sets out requirements for:

 

9.2     Evidence of vehicle inspection

A warrant of fitness, a certificate of fitness or an alternative fuel inspection certificate must be issued as evidence of vehicle inspection required for operation of the vehicle under section 10.

 

9.3     Requirements for warrants of fitness, certificates of fitness and alternative fuel inspection certificates

9.3(1)     A warrant of fitness, a certificate of fitness or an alternative fuel inspection certificate must be in a form, and contain information, as required by the Director.

9.3(2)     A warrant of fitness, a certificate of fitness or an alternative fuel inspection certificate must specify an expiry date in accordance with 9.5 or 9.11, as applicable.

9.3(3)     A warrant of fitness or certificate of fitness may be issued only:

9.3(4)     A warrant of fitness, certificate of fitness and alternative fuel inspection certificate must be affixed:

 

9.4     Conditional permits

9.4(1)     An annex B conditional permit must be in a form, and contain information including an annex A form, as required by the Director, by notice in the Gazette.

9.4(2)     An annex C conditional permit or in-service conditional permit must be in a form, and contain information, as specified by the Director.

 

9.5     Expiry dates for warrants of fitness and certificates of fitness

9.5(1)     Subject to 9.5(3), when a vehicle is certified for operation in service before the sixth anniversary of the date of its first registration in New Zealand or any other country:

9.5(2)     Subject to 9.5(3), when a vehicle is certified for operation in service on or after the sixth anniversary of the date of its first registration in New Zealand or any other country:

9.5(3)     The expiry date specified in 9.5(1) or 9.5(2) is the last day of the relevant month, rather than the same day of that month, if the reference date specified in 9.5(4) is one of the following dates: 29 February; 31 March; 31 May; 29, 30 or 31 August; 31 October; or 31 December.

9.5(4)     The reference date, for the purposes of 9.5(3), is the date of issue of the warrant of fitness or certificate of fitness, unless 9.5(5) applies.

9.5(5)     If a warrant of fitness or certificate of fitness is current at the date of inspection under section 7, the reference date, for the purposes of 9.5(1) to 9.5(3), is:

 

9.6     Expiry dates for conditional permits

9.6(1)     The expiry date of an annex B conditional permit is a date that is 28 days after the date of completion of the permit under 5.5(1).

9.6(2)     The expiry date of an annex C conditional permit is a date that is six months after the date of issue of the permit.

9.6(3)     The expiry date of an in-service conditional permit is a date that is 28 days after the date of issue of the permit.

 

9.7     When warrants of fitness, certificates of fitness, alternative fuel inspection certificates and conditional permits cease to be current

A vehicle’s warrant of fitness, certificate of fitness, alternative fuel inspection certificate or conditional permit ceases to be current after its expiry date, or if:

 

9.8     Alternative expiry dates for certificates of fitness

9.8(1)     The Director may specify a number of months between the reference date and the expiry date specified in 9.5(1)(b) or 9.5(2)(b) of a vehicle’s certificate of fitness from a minimum of three months to a maximum of nine months.

9.8(2)     The number of months, in respect of a vehicle specified in 9.8(1), must be based on an assessment of the vehicle’s risk to safety having regard to information from previous inspections of vehicles operated by the operator of that vehicle.

 

9.9     Certificates of loading

A certificate of loading for a vehicle issued under 8.5 must contain:

 

9.10     Validity of certificate of loading

9.10(1)     Before issuing a certificate of fitness, a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation must determine that a current certificate of loading is still valid, if one or more of the following events has occurred since the current certificate of loading was issued:

9.10(2)     If a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation has determined that a current certificate of loading for a vehicle is no longer valid, they must request the vehicle’s operator to surrender the certificate to the Director.

 

9.11     Expiry dates for alternative fuel inspection certificates

The expiry date of an alternative fuel inspection certificate is the earlier of:

 

9.12     Inspection and certification for in-service fitness at change of ownership

9.12(1)     Subject to 9.12(4), a person who sells a vehicle that may not be operated on a road without a current certificate of fitness must ensure that it has a current certificate of fitness or current in-service conditional permit at the time of the sale.

9.12(2)     Subject to 9.12(4), a person who sells a heavy vehicle that may not be operated on a road without a current warrant of fitness must ensure that it has a current warrant of fitness at the time of the sale.

9.12(3)     Subject to 9.12(4), a person who sells a vehicle, other than one in 9.12(2), that may not be operated on a road without a current warrant of fitness must ensure that it has been certified for in-service fitness within one month before the date of delivery of the vehicle to the purchaser.

9.12(4)     Subclauses 9.12(1), 9.12(2) and 9.12(3) do not apply if the purchaser undertakes to the seller in writing at the time of delivery of the vehicle that:

 

Section 10     Operation of vehicles

10.1     Application

This section applies to the operation of vehicles other than those listed in 7.1(1)(a) to (j).

 

10.2     Operation of vehicles with evidence of vehicle inspection or certificates of loading

10.2(1)     Subject to 10.2(2) to 10.2(4), a person may not operate a vehicle unless:

10.2(2)     Despite 10.2(1), a person may operate a vehicle in service after the expiry of a warrant of fitness, a certificate of fitness or an alternative fuel inspection certificate if the vehicle is being operated solely for the purpose of bringing it into compliance and it is safe to be operated for that purpose.

10.2(3)     Despite 10.2(1), a person may operate a vehicle if a conditional permit has been issued in accordance with 9.4, the permit is carried in the vehicle, and the vehicle is being operated in accordance with 10.3 and 10.4, or in accordance with 10.5.

10.2(4)     Despite 10.2(1), a person may operate a vehicle:

 

10.3     Operation on annex B or annex C conditional permits

10.3(1)     A person may not operate a vehicle before it enters or re-enters service on an annex B conditional permit unless:

10.3(2)     A person may not operate a vehicle before it enters or re-enters service on an annex C conditional permit unless:

 

10.4     Purposes for conditional operation of a vehicle before entering or re-entering service

The purposes referred to in 5.1(1), 5.3, 10.3 and 10.5 are:

 

10.5     Conditional operation of vehicles in service

10.5(1)     A person may operate a partially completed heavy vehicle on an annex C conditional permit solely for one or more of the purposes in 10.4.

10.5(2)     A person may operate a vehicle in Schedule 2 on an in-service conditional permit only in accordance with any conditions specified under 7.8(1).

 

10.6     Operation of a low volume vehicle

10.6(1)     A low volume vehicle plate or label issued under 6.9 or 7.11 must be affixed to the vehicle when it is operated.

10.6(2)     A low volume vehicle authority card issued under 6.9 or 7.11 must be provided:

 

10.7     Surrender of evidence of vehicle inspection, conditional permits and certificates of loading

If evidence of vehicle inspection, a conditional permit or a certificate of loading, issued for a vehicle under this rule, is revoked under 11.3, the vehicle’s operator must surrender it to the Director.

 

Section 11     Additional powers of the Director

11.1     Water-damaged vehicles

The Director may, by notice in the Gazette, specify the extent of water damage that the Director considers would make it impracticable to reasonably determine, by inspection, that a vehicle having suffered that damage is safe to be operated.

 

11.2     Director may carry out functions of vehicle inspectors and inspecting organisations

The Director may carry out any function specified in this rule as a function of a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation, including the inspection and certification of vehicles.

 

11.3     Revocation of evidence of vehicle inspection, conditional permits and certificates of loading

11.3(1)     The Director may revoke, by giving written notice to a vehicle’s operator, evidence of vehicle inspection or a conditional permit issued under this rule if the Director believes, on reasonable grounds, that:

11.3(2)     The Director may revoke, by giving written notice to a vehicle’s operator, a certificate of loading issued for that vehicle under this rule if the Director believes, on reasonable grounds, that the certificate is not valid.

 

11.4     Reinspection and recertification of vehicles

If a warrant of fitness, a certificate of fitness, an alternative fuel inspection certificate, a conditional permit or a certificate of loading has been revoked under 11.3, the Director may require in writing that a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation:

 

Section 12     Transitional provisions and savings

12.1     Appointments and approvals

Subject to 2.3(2), 2.4 and 2.6, a person who, at the commencement of this rule, is appointed under Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 1998 continues to be appointed in accordance with the conditions of their appointment.

 

12.2     Inspection and certification requirements

Inspection and certification requirements and conditions imposed on a person appointed under Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 1998 are requirements and conditions imposed under this rule.

 

12.3     Verification and certification

Verifications of compliance and certifications made under Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 1998 are determinations under section 5 to section 7, and verifications under section 8, of this rule, as appropriate.

 

12.4     Record of certification

12.4(1)     A record of certification made under Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 1998 is, as appropriate:

12.4(2)     A record of certification made under Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 1998 that has an expiry date remains in force until that date.

 

12.5     Exemptions allowing temporary operation of vehicles

Despite section 5, a vehicle may continue to be operated under an exemption granted under section 166 of the Land Transport Act 1998 for the purposes of allowing a vehicle to be operated temporarily without a record of certification made under Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 1998, until the exemption expires.

 

12.6     Agricultural vehicles

Despite 7.9(c), a tractor or machine used solely in agricultural, land management or roading operations, whether for traction or otherwise, that is operated at a speed exceeding 30 km/h, may be operated on a road with a current certificate of fitness until 1 April 2003.

 

12.7     When a warrant of fitness for a used imported vehicle ceases to be current

12.7(1)     Subject to 9.5(3), when, before 1 October 2002, a vehicle is certified for operation in service before the sixth anniversary of the date of its first registration in any country other than New Zealand, the expiry date for a warrant of fitness is the same day of the month as the reference date in 9.5(4) or 9.5(5), six months after that date.

12.7(2)     Subject to 9.5(3), when, on or after 1 October 2002, a vehicle is certified for operation in service before the sixth anniversary of the date of its first registration in any country other than New Zealand, 9.5(1)(a) applies.

 

Part 2     Definitions

Agricultural
in relation to purposes or operations, means connected directly with the operation or management of a farm.
All-terrain vehicle
means a special purpose vehicle, with or without motor cycle controls and equipment, that:
  • (a) is principally designed for off-road use; and
  • (b) has three or more wheels; and
  • (c) has an engine capacity exceeding 50 ml; and
  • (d) has a gross laden weight of less than 1000 kg.
Alternative fuel inspection certificate
means evidence of vehicle inspection relating to the periodic in-service inspection and certification of an alternative fuel system.
Alternative fuel installation certificate
means an inspection and certification document relating to the installation of an alternative fuel system.
Alternative fuel system
means a system to which regulations 90A to 90Q of the Traffic Regulations 1976 apply.
Alternative fuel system inspection and certification
means inspection and certification of an alternative fuel system comprising either:
  • (a) specialist inspection and certification required for the issuing of an alternative fuel installation certificate; or
  • (b) in-service inspection and certification required for the issuing of an alternative fuel inspection certificate.
Annex A form
means a form, completed by a vehicle’s operator, on which addresses between which a vehicle may be operated under 10.3(1) are listed.
Annex B conditional permit
means a conditional permit, in a form specified by the Director under 9.4(1), completed under 5.5(1).
Annex C conditional permit
means a conditional permit, in a form specified by the Director under 9.4(2), issued under 5.5(2) or 7.10(b).
Applicable requirement
means any requirement specified or incorporated in an Act, regulation, code or rule listed in Schedule 1 that applies to the design, construction, condition, equipment, modification, repair or maintenance of a specific vehicle.
Approved vehicle standard
means a vehicle standard with which a vehicle is required to comply by an applicable requirement.
Authority
means the Land Transport Safety Authority of New Zealand continued by section 184 of the Land Transport Act 1998.
Border inspection
means the inspection of a vehicle to which section 4 applies at the time of its importation into New Zealand.
Certificate of fitness
means evidence of vehicle inspection issued under 6.8(a) or 7.9(a) to a vehicle to which section 7 applies that is listed in Schedule 2 but not listed in Schedule 3.
Certificate of fitness inspection and certification
means periodic in-service inspection and certification of a vehicle to which section 7 applies that is listed in Schedule 2 but not listed in Schedule 3.
Certificate of loading
means a certificate issued under 8.5 to a vehicle that requires verification of its loading and weight limits.
Certificate of loading inspection and certification
means inspection and certification of a vehicle, required for the issuing of a certificate of loading.
Certify
means:
  • (a) in relation to a vehicle, or specific aspect of a vehicle, to make a record of determination under 6.6(1)(a) or 7.6(1)(a) that confirms that the vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation has determined that the vehicle or specific aspect of the vehicle complies with the requirements in this rule; or
  • (b) in relation to a vehicle’s loading and weight limits, to make a record under 8.4 of the determination under 8.3 of a vehicle’s loading and weight limits.
Class
in relation to vehicles, means a category of vehicle of one of the Groups A, L, M, N, and T, as specified in Table A: Vehicle classes.
Compliance label
means an attachment to a vehicle in the form of a label that confirms compliance of the vehicle or a specific aspect of the vehicle with requirements in this rule.
Compliance plate
means an attachment to a vehicle in the form of a plate that confirms compliance of the vehicle or a specific aspect of the vehicle with requirements in this rule.
Conditional permit
means a permit issued under 5.5 or 7.10 that confirms that a determination has been made that the vehicle is safe to be operated under specified conditions.
Deregistered
means that a vehicle’s New Zealand registration has been cancelled in accordance with section 27 or section 28 of the Transport (Vehicle and Driver Registration and Licensing) Act 1986.
Director
means the Director of Land Transport Safety appointed under section 186 of the Land Transport Act 1998.
Enter service
in relation to a vehicle, means to begin to be operated in service on the road in New Zealand for the first time in compliance with registration requirements of the Transport (Vehicle and Driver Registration and Licensing) Act 1986.
Entry inspection and certification
means inspection and certification of a vehicle to which section 6 applies that is entering or re-entering service.
Evidence of vehicle inspection
has the same meaning as in the Land Transport Act 1998.
Gross laden weight
has the same meaning as in the Land Transport Act 1998.
Gross vehicle mass
means either:
  • (a) the maximum permitted mass of the vehicle, which includes the mass of the accessories, the crew, the passengers and load, and is, unless (b) applies, the gross vehicle mass specified (subsequent to the latest modification, if any) by the manufacturer of the vehicle; or
  • (b) if a person approved for the purpose by the Director determines that the gross vehicle mass should differ from that specified by the manufacturer, taking into account evidence on the capability of the systems and components of the vehicle, or the effects of any modification, that mass determined by that person.
Heavy vehicle
means a vehicle that is either:
  • (a) of Class MD3, MD4, ME, NB, NC, TC or TD; or
  • (b) a vehicle (not of a class specified in Table A: Vehicle classes) with a gross vehicle mass that exceeds 3500 kg.
Heavy vehicle entry inspection and certification
means inspection and certification of a heavy vehicle to which section 6 applies that is entering or re-entering service.
Heavy vehicle specialist inspection and certification
means specialist inspection and certification of specific aspects of a heavy vehicle.
Hours of darkness
means:
(a) any period of time between half an hour after sunset on one day and half an hour before sunrise on the next day; or
(b) any other time when there is not sufficient daylight to render clearly visible a person or vehicle at a distance of 100 m.
In-service conditional permit
means an inspection and certification document, allowing operation of a vehicle under specified conditions only, issued under 7.10.
Inspecting organisation
means a person or organisation appointed by the Director under 2.2(1) who is responsible for inspection and certification outcomes.
Inspection and certification
means the performance of two or more of the following, for the purposes of determining compliance with applicable requirements:
  • (a) examining vehicles;
  • (b) determining whether or not a vehicle or specific aspect of a vehicle complies with applicable requirements;
  • (c) issuing evidence of vehicle inspection, a conditional permit or a certificate of loading;
  • (d) recording and making available information about vehicles (including their systems, components, devices, fittings and equipment).
Inspection and certification document
means a document required, produced or issued in the inspection and certification process, including a plate, a label, an electronic record and a check sheet.
Inspection and certification outcome
in relation to a vehicle, means:
  • (a) production of a record of determination as appropriate to the inspection and certification activity; or
  • (b) provision of other records and information about the vehicle to the Director or other persons; or
  • (c) production of evidence of vehicle inspection, conditional permits or certificates of loading.
Land transport document
has the same meaning as in the Land Transport Act 1998.
Light vehicle
means a vehicle except one defined as a ‘heavy vehicle’.
Light vehicle repair specialist inspection and certification
means specialist inspection and certification of repairs to significant damage or deterioration to the structure, chassis, body-to-chassis attachment, suspension or occupant protection system of a light vehicle.
Low volume vehicle
means a vehicle of a class specified in Table A: Vehicle classes, other than Class MD3, MD4, ME, NB, NC, TC or TD, that is:
  • (a) manufactured, assembled or scratch-built in quantities of 200 or less at any one location in any one year, by a manufacturer whose total production of vehicles does not exceed 200 units over the same period, and where the construction of the vehicle directly or indirectly affects compliance of the vehicle with any of the vehicle standards prescribed by New Zealand law; or
  • (b) modified uniquely, or in quantities of 200 or less at any one location in any one year, in such a way as to affect compliance of the vehicle, its structure, systems, components or equipment, with a legal requirement relating to safety performance applicable at the time of the modification.
Low Volume Vehicle Code
means the Code of the Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association Incorporated.
Low volume vehicle plate, label or authority card
means a plate, label or authority card issued in accordance with the Low Volume Vehicle Code.
Low volume vehicle specialist inspection and certification
means specialist inspection and certification of a light vehicle as specified in the Low Volume Vehicle Code.
Low volume vehicle type approval
means a type approval for a modification issued in accordance with the Low Volume Vehicle Code.
Make
in relation to a vehicle, means the name given for market identification purposes to a group or groups of vehicles by a company or organisation that owns that name.
Manufacturer’s operating limits
means:
  • (a) in relation to a vehicle, the allowance provided by the vehicle manufacturer in terms of performance capability and dimensions, relative to deterioration, malfunction or damage beyond which the safe performance of the vehicle, as defined by the vehicle manufacturer, is compromised; and
  • (b) in relation to a system, component or item of equipment, incorporated in or attached to a vehicle, the allowance provided by the system, component or equipment manufacturer in terms of performance capability and dimensions, relative to the deterioration, malfunction or damage, beyond which the safe performance of the system, component or item of equipment (and consequently the vehicle) is compromised.
Modify
in relation to a vehicle, means to change the vehicle from its original state by altering, substituting, adding or removing any structure, system, component or equipment; but does not include repair.
Motor vehicle
means a vehicle drawn or propelled by mechanical power; and includes a trailer; but does not include:
  • (a) a vehicle running on rails;
  • (b) an invalid carriage;
  • (c) a trailer (other than a trailer designed solely for the carriage of goods) that is designed and used exclusively as part of the armament of the New Zealand Defence Force;
  • (d) a trailer running on one wheel and designed exclusively as a speed measuring device or for testing the wear of vehicle tyres;
  • (e) a vehicle designed for amusement purposes and used exclusively within a place of recreation, amusement, or entertainment to which the public does not have access with motor vehicles;
  • (f) a pedestrian-controlled machine.
New
in relation to a vehicle, means a vehicle that:
  • (a) has not been registered and operated in New Zealand or any other country; and
  • (b) has not been operated on a road in New Zealand or any other country as a demonstration or courtesy vehicle; and
  • (c) has not been used for training or testing purposes; and
  • (d) is not a scratch-built vehicle that contains components that have been fitted to a vehicle that has been operated on the road in New Zealand or in any other country.
New light vehicle entry inspection and certification
means entry inspection and certification of a new light vehicle to which section 6 applies that is entering service.
Operate
in relation to a vehicle, means to drive or use the vehicle on a road, or to cause or permit the vehicle to be on a road or to be driven on a road, whether or not the person is present with the vehicle.
Operation in service
in relation to a vehicle, means to be operated on the road in New Zealand after having been registered in compliance with requirements in the Transport (Vehicle and Driver Registration and Licensing) Act 1986.
Owner
has the same meaning as in the Land Transport Act 1998.
Passenger service
vehicle has the same meaning as in the Transport Services Licensing Act 1989.
Record of determination
means a record, in paper or electronic form, that a vehicle or specific aspect of a vehicle complies or does not comply with requirements in this rule.
Re-enter service
in relation to a vehicle previously certified for entry into service on the road in New Zealand that has been deregistered, means to begin to be operated in service again.
Registered
in relation to a vehicle, means registered under the Transport (Vehicle and Driver Registration and Licensing) Act 1986.
Registration number
means the combination of numbers or letters, or numbers and letters on a registration plate, issued under the Transport (Vehicle and Driver Registration and Licensing) Act 1986.
Rental service vehicle
has the same meaning as in the Transport Services Licensing Act 1989.
Repair
means to restore a damaged or worn vehicle, its structure, systems, components or equipment; and includes the replacement of damaged or worn structures, systems, components or equipment with equivalent undamaged or new structures, systems, components or equipment.
Safe tolerance
means the tolerance within which the safe performance of the vehicle, its structure, systems, components or equipment is not compromised, having regard to any manufacturer’s operating limits.
Scratch-built vehicle
means a vehicle that is either:
  • (a) assembled from previously unrelated components and construction materials that have not been predominantly sourced from donors of a single make or model and that, in its completed form, never previously existed as a mass-produced vehicle, although the external appearance may resemble or replicate an existing vehicle; or
  • (b) a modified production vehicle that contains less than the following componentry from a mass-produced vehicle of a single make and model:
    • (i) 40% of the chassis rails and 50% of the crossmembers, or alternately 40% of a spaceframe, or 40% of the floorpan of a unitary constructed body, whichever is appropriate; and
    • (ii) for light vehicles, 40% of the bodywork (based on surface area of body panels but not including the floorpan, internal bracing, sub panels, bulkheads or firewall).
Specialist inspection and certification
means inspection and certification of a specific aspect of a vehicle.
Statement of compliance
means a statement in a format specified by the Director confirming that a vehicle or component complied with one or more approved vehicle standards when manufactured.
Trade plate
has the same meaning as in the Transport (Vehicle and Driver Registration and Licensing) Act 1986.
Transport service vehicle
has the same meaning as in the Transport Services Licensing Act 1989.
Type approval
means a document confirming that a specified vehicle model, model variant, or component complies with an approved vehicle standard or with the Low Volume Vehicle Code.
Used light vehicle
means a light vehicle, including a light vehicle that has been used for the purpose of demonstration in connection with the sale of a similar vehicle, that has, at any time before being offered or displayed for sale:
  • (a) been registered under:
    • (i) the Transport Act 1962; or
    • (ii) the Transport (Vehicle and Driver Registration and Licensing Act) 1986; or
    • (iii) any corresponding legislation in any other country; or
  • (b) been used for a purpose not connected with its manufacture or sale.
Used light vehicle entry inspection and certification
means inspection and certification of a used light vehicle to which section 6 applies that is entering or re-entering service.
Vehicle identification number (VIN)
means a group of letters and numbers consisting of 17 characters that:
  • (a) is affixed to a vehicle in accordance with the relevant standard prescribed under regulation 90V of the Traffic Regulations 1976; and
  • (b) is capable of being decoded to provide identifying information about that vehicle.
Vehicle inspector
means an individual appointed by the Director under 2.2(1) to carry out inspection and certification activities in accordance with requirements and conditions imposed by the Director.
Vehicle recovery service vehicle
has the same meaning as in the Transport Services Licensing Act 1989.
Vehicle standard
means a technical specification with which a vehicle, its structure, systems, components or equipment must comply, and which is adopted by:
  • (a) the New Zealand Standards Council; or
  • (b) any international, national or regional organisation with functions similar to the New Zealand Standards Council.
Warrant of fitness
means evidence of vehicle inspection issued under 6.8(b), 7.9(b) or 7.9(c) to a vehicle in 7.9(b) or 7.9(c).
Warrant of fitness inspection and certification
means periodic in-service inspection and certification of a vehicle in 7.9(b) or 7.9(c).
Water damage
in relation to a vehicle, means damage to a vehicle’s critical safety system as a result of exposure to water.

 

Table A     Vehicle classes

Class Description
AA (Pedal cycle) A vehicle designed to be propelled through a mechanism solely by human power.
AB (Power-assisted pedal cycle) A pedal cycle to which is attached one or more auxiliary propulsion motors having a combined maximum power output not exceeding 200 watts.
LA (Moped with two wheels) A motor vehicle (other than a power-assisted pedal cycle) that:
  • (a) has two wheels; and
  • (b) either:
    • (i) has an engine cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 ml and a maximum speed not exceeding 50 km/h; or
    • (ii) has a power source other than a piston engine and a maximum speed not exceeding 50 km/h.
LB (Moped with three wheels) A motor vehicle (other than a power-assisted pedal cycle) that:
  • (a) has three wheels; and
  • (b) either:
    • (i) has an engine cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 ml and a maximum speed not exceeding 50 km/h; or
    • (ii) has a power source other than a piston engine and a maximum speed not exceeding 50 km/h.
LB 1 A Class LB motor vehicle that has one wheel at the front and two wheels at the rear.
LB 2 A Class LB motor vehicle that has two wheels at the front and one wheel at the rear.
LC (Motor cycle) A motor vehicle that:
  • (a) has two wheels; and
  • (b) either:
    • (i) has an engine cylinder capacity exceeding 50 ml; or
    • (ii) has a maximum speed exceeding 50 km/h.
LD (Motor cycle and side-car) A motor vehicle that:
  • (a) has three wheels asymmetrically arranged in relation to the longitudinal median axis; and
  • (b) either:
    • (i) has an engine cylinder capacity exceeding 50 ml; or
    • (ii) has a maximum speed exceeding 50 km/h.
Side-car A car, box, or other receptacle attached to the side of a motorcycle and supported by a wheel.
LE (Motor tri-cycle) A motor vehicle that:
  • (a) has three wheels symmetrically arranged in relation to the longitudinal median axis; and
  • (b) has a gross vehicle mass not exceeding one tonne; and
  • (c) either:
    • (i) has an engine cylinder capacity exceeding 50 ml; or
    • (ii) has a maximum speed exceeding 50 km/h.
LE 1 A Class LE motor vehicle that has one wheel at the front and two wheels at the rear.
LE 2 A Class LE motor vehicle that has two wheels at the front and one wheel at the rear.
Passenger vehicle A motor vehicle that:
  • (a) is constructed primarily for the carriage of passengers; and
  • (b) either:
    • (i) has at least four wheels; or
    • (ii) has three wheels and a gross vehicle mass exceeding one tonne.
MA (Passenger car)
A passenger vehicle (other than a Class MB or Class MC vehicle) that has not more than nine seating positions (including the driver's seating position).
MB (Forward control passenger vehicle)
 A passenger vehicle (other than a Class MC vehicle):
  • (a) that has not more than nine seating positions (including the driver's seating position); and
  • (b) in which the centre of the steering wheel is in the forward quarter of the vehicle's total length.
MC (Off-road passenger vehicle)
 A passenger vehicle, designed with special features for off-road operation, that has not more than nine seating positions (including the driver's seating position), and that:
  • (a) has four-wheel drive; and
  • (b) has at least four of the following characteristics when the vehicle is unladen on a level surface and the front wheels are parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal centre-line and the tyres are inflated to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure:
    • (i) an approach angle of not less than 28 degrees;
    • (ii) a breakover angle of not less than 14 degrees;
    • (iii) a departure angle of not less than 20 degrees;
    • (iv) a running clearance of not less than 200 mm;
    • (v) a front-axle clearance, rear-axle clearance, or suspension clearance of not less than 175 mm.
Omnibus A passenger vehicle that has more than nine seating positions (including the driver's seating position). An omnibus comprising two or more non-separable but articulated units shall be considered as a single vehicle.
MD (Light omnibus) An omnibus that has a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 5 tonnes.
MD 1 An omnibus that has a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes and not more than 12 seats.
MD 2 An omnibus that has a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes and more than 12 seats.
MD 3 An omnibus that has a gross vehicle mass exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 4.5 tonnes.
MD 4 An omnibus that has a gross vehicle mass exceeding 4.5 tonnes but not exceeding 5 tonnes.
ME (Heavy omnibus) An omnibus that has a gross vehicle mass exceeding 5 tonnes.
Goods vehicle A motor vehicle that:
  • (a) is constructed primarily for the carriage of goods; and
  • (b) either:
    • (i) has at least four wheels; or
    • (ii) has three wheels and a gross vehicle mass exceeding one tonne.
For the purpose of this description:
  • (a) a vehicle that is constructed for both the carriage of goods and passengers shall be considered primarily for the carriage of goods if the number of seating positions multiplied by 68 kg is less than 50% of the difference between the gross vehicle mass and the unladen mass;
  • (b) the equipment and installations carried on special purpose vehicles not designed for the carriage of passengers shall be considered to be goods;
  • (c) a goods vehicle that has two or more non-separable but articulated units shall be considered to be a single vehicle.
NA (Light goods vehicle) A goods vehicle that has a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes.
NB (Medium goods vehicle) A goods vehicle that has a gross vehicle mass exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 12 tonnes.
NC (Heavy goods vehicle) A goods vehicle that has a gross vehicle mass exceeding 12 tonnes.
Trailer A vehicle without motive power that is constructed for the purpose of being drawn behind a motor vehicle.
TA (Very light trailer) A single-axled trailer that has a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 0.75 tonnes.
TB (Light trailer) A trailer (other than a Class TA trailer) that has a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes.
TC (Medium trailer) A trailer that has a gross vehicle mass exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 10 tonnes.
TD (Heavy trailer) A trailer that has a gross vehicle mass exceeding 10 tonnes.

 

Part 3     Schedules

Schedule 1     Acts, regulations, the Low Volume Vehicle Code and rules

Acts, regulations, the Low Volume Vehicle Code and rules that may be applicable to vehicles certified under this rule.

 

Schedule 2     List of vehicles

 

Schedule 3     List of vehicles

 

Land Transport Rule - Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002 - Rule 35001/1
Land Transport Safety Authority of New Zealand, Te Mana Marutau Waka Whenua o Aotearoa