Registered person’s responsibilities

If a motor vehicle is registered in your name, you're responsible for making sure it meets all the requirements.

Registration

All vehicles driven on the road must be registered and issued with registration plates – commonly called number plates. They must be clearly visible on your car.

Vehicle registration

Warrant of fitness or certificate of fitness

All vehicles on New Zealand roads must have a current warrant of fitness (WoF) or certificate of fitness (CoF).

Warrant of fitness

Licensing (rego)

Licensing is sometimes confused with registration. Licensing is the payment of a fee to use a vehicle on the road. All vehicles used on the road must be licensed regularly and must display a current licence label on the windscreen.

Vehicle licensing (rego) 

Road user charges

Light vehicles – those with a GVM of 3500kg or less – must display a current RUC licence if powered by a fuel type other than petrol, LPG or CNG.

Heavy vehicles – those with a GVM of more than 3500kg – must display a current RUC licence, regardless of fuel type.

About RUC

Buying or selling a motor vehicle

You’re legally required to let Waka Kotahi know as soon as you buy or sell a motor vehicle. The best way to do this is online.

Buying and selling a vehicle