Find out what your motorcycle must have before you can ride or park on the road.

Warrant of fitness (WoF)

Privately operated motorcycles must have a current WoF. Commercial vehicles must have a current certificate of fitness (CoF).

A current WoF shows the vehicle has been inspected by an approved WoF inspector and was roadworthy at the time of the last WoF inspection.

The WoF label must be attached to the motorcycle where it’s clearly visible.

A sample of a Warrant of Fitness label, featuring the Waka Kotahi logo and circles and squares for selecting the month and year.

Warrant of fitness label

Important

As well as the warrant of fitness, a motorcycle must display a current licence label and a number plate on the back that can be clearly seen.

Features your motorcycle must have

An image of a motorcycle showing all the features your motorcycle must have

To meet the WoF standard, your motorcycle must be in good condition, for example, no rust around safety areas, and it must have the following equipment in good working order:

A   Mudguards.

B   A working horn.

  A good headlight that can be dipped when another vehicle comes towards you.

D   A working speedometer.

E   Safe steering.

 A rear-view mirror that gives a clear view behind.

G  A red stop light at the back.

 A red reflector at the back.

  Safe tyres – the tread depth must be no less than 1.5 millimetres right around the tyre. Ensure tyre pressure is to the manufacturer’s specifications.

J  Flashing direction indicator lights at the front and back.

K   Good front and rear brakes.

 Good footrests for both the rider and pillion passenger.

M   A good silencer and exhaust system.

 One or more red position lights and a white number plate light at the back.

Note: this checklist is a guide only. When inspecting your vehicle, the inspector will use the criteria in the Vehicle inspection requirements manual.

Vehicle inspection requirements(external link)

Important

You must keep your vehicle up to WoF standard at all times. 
You can be fined if you ride any vehicle that isn’t up to WoF standard on a road. A police officer can stop you for a roadside vehicle check at any time.