Heavy trailers

A heavy trailer is defined as a trailer with a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of more than 3500kg.

There are two classes of heavy trailer:

All heavy trailers first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 July 2008 need to be fitted with ABS, EBS or LSV.

Requirements for heavy trailers
(classes TC and TD)

Vehicle has to meet standard if made on or after...	What sort of standard?	Under what legislation?
1 January 2006	End-outline marker lamps (if fitted) High-mounted stop lamps (if fitted) Rear fog lamps (if fitted) Side-marker lamps (if fitted)	Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004 and Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting Amendment 2005
27 February 2005	Installation standard for lighting on class TC vehicles OR fitting requirements in Lighting Rule*	Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004
1 October 2004	Tyres and wheels**	Land Transport Rule: Tyres and Wheels 2001
1 January 1996	Direction indicators Front position lamps (if fitted) Rear position lamps Registration-plate illumination lamps Stop lamps	Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004
1 January 1992	Rear reflectors	Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004
* 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 tyres that meet New Zealand standards to your vehicle after it arrives in the country.

Your vehicle has to be entry certified when it first arrives in New Zealand.
You must register and license your vehicle and take it for regular certificate of fitness inspections.

See the full list of vehicle standards.