A warrant of fitness (WoF) is a regular check to ensure that your vehicle meets required safety standards.
It’s your job to keep your vehicle up to WoF condition at all times. For example, while tyres on your vehicle may pass on the day of your warrant inspection, you’ll need to replace them as soon as the tread gets to the minimum depth. If you wait until the next inspection before replacing them, you increase your risk of having a crash or receiving a fine.
When are WoFs required
- New vehicle that’s never been registered (Wof is issued for three years)
- Registered less than two years ago (third anniversary of when it was first registered)
- Registered more than two years ago, but less than three years ago (WoF is issued for 12 months)
- Registered on or after 1 January 2000 (WoF is issued for 12 months)
- Registered before 1 January 2000 (WoF is issued for 6 months)
Where can you go for a WoF
There are roughly 3200 WoF Agents in New Zealand. Be careful when you decide which agent to use, a cheap WoF can sometimes be dangerous.
Why do we need a WoF
It is illegal to drive a vehicle without a valid WoF. This will occur if..
You can drive your vehicle on the road under these circumstances only when taking it somewhere for repair or to get a new WoF - providing it’s safe to do so.
What is inspected during a WoF
The WoF inspection is a general safety check. The aspects checked are set out in our Vehicle inspection requirements manual(external link) (VIRM) and include:
- tyre condition (including tread depth)
- brake operation
- structural condition (rust is not allowed in certain areas)
- lights
- glazing (is your windscreen safe?)
- windscreen washers and wipers
- doors (do they open and close safely?)
- safety belts (must not be damaged or overly faded; buckles must work properly)
- airbags (if fitted)
- speedometer (must be working)
- steering and suspension (must be safe and secure)
- exhaust (there must be no leaks and the exhaust must not be smoky or louder than the original exhaust system)
- fuel system (there must be no leaks).
If you’ve modified your car, motorcycle, van or other light vehicle you may need a low volume vehicle certificate.
Information from https://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicles/warrants-and-certificates/warrant-of-fitness/. Please refer to this website for up to date information on WoF