Light buses are defined as buses that carry more than nine people but are still light vehicles, ie they weigh less than 3500kg when fully loaded.

There are two classes:

Requirements for light buses (classes MD1 and MD2)

All light buses must meet emission standards.

Your vehicle must also meet the requirements of the Land Transport Rule: Passenger Service Vehicles 1999, if:

  • it has less than 12 seats and you carry paying passengers

  • it has more than 12 seats, whether or not you carry paying passengers.

Requirements for light buses (classes MD1 and MD2)

Vehicle has to meet standard if made on or after...

What sort of standard?

Under what legislation?

1 January 2006

Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004

27 February 2005

Installation standard for lighting on this class of vehicles
OR
fitting requirements in Lighting Rule*

Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004

1 October 2002

Light-vehicle brakes

Land Transport Rule: Light-vehicle Brakes 2002

1 March 1999

Class MD1 only
Head restraints (if fitted)

Land Transport Rule: Head Restraints 2001

1 March 1998

Class MD1 only
Door retention systems

Land Transport Rule: Door Retention Systems 2001

1 March 1998

Class MD1 only
External projections

Land Transport Rule: External Projections 2001

1 January 1996

Rear-view mirrors

Land Transport Rule: Glazing, Windscreen Wipe and Wash, and Mirrors 1999

1 January 1996

Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004

1 January 1992

Rear reflectors

Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004

1 January 1992

Tyres and wheels**

Land Transport Rule: Tyres and Wheels 2001

1 January 1991

Glazing

Land Transport Rule: Glazing, Windscreen Wipe and Wash, and Mirrors 1999

Varies

Seatbelts and seatbelt anchorages**

Land Transport Rule: Seatbelts and Seatbelt Anchorages 2002

* The number, position and performance of lighting equipment on vehicles manufactured after 27 February 2005 must meet EITHER an installation standard OR the relevant requirements in 3.3, 4.3, 6.3, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 8.3 and 9.3 of Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004.

** You may fit components that meet New Zealand requirements to your vehicle after it arrives in the country.