2025 NZ WOF Changes: The Complete Guide for Kiwi Drivers
Major changes are coming to New Zealand's Warrant of Fitness (WOF) system from 2025–2026. From longer inspection intervals to digital licences and new safety-tech checks, this guide explains what's changed already, what's still just a proposal, and what it all means for your WOF and your tyres.
⚡ TL;DR — The 30-Second Summary
✅ Already changed (Sept 2025): Vintage vehicles 40+ years old & heavy motorhomes now need WOF only once a year (was 6-monthly)
🕒 NOT changed yet: 1986–1999 cars still need a WOF every 6 months
💭 Proposed (consultation closes 17 Dec 2025): First WOF at 4 years, 2-yearly WOFs for 4–10 year vehicles, ADAS warning light checks, higher fines + demerit points for bald tyres
🛞 Tyres: Rules unchanged (1.5mm minimum stays). But enforcement may tighten — we recommend replacing at 3mm, not waiting until the legal limit
This guide is continually updated as WOF rules evolve. Latest update: 9 December 2025.
🚗 What WOF Schedule Applies to MY Vehicle?
Find your vehicle below — this is what applies RIGHT NOW (December 2025):
Changes Already in Effect Live
Several WOF-related changes have already come into force during 2025. These aren't proposals — they're the rules right now. (Looking for tyre rules? They haven't changed.)
Vintage Vehicles & Motorhomes: Annual WOFs From 1 Sept 2025
This change sounds simple but causes a lot of confusion. Let's break it down properly.
Understanding the Current WOF Frequency System
New Zealand's WOF frequency is based on when your vehicle was first registered anywhere in the world — not when it arrived in NZ, and not its manufacture date. This matters because many imported Japanese cars were registered in Japan years before arriving here.
| Vehicle Category | WOF Frequency | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Brand new (never registered) | First WOF valid for 3 years, then every 12 months | You buy a 2025 Toyota RAV4 from dealer — first WOF due 2028 |
| First registered on or after 1 January 2000 | Every 12 months | 2005 Honda Accord, 2015 Mazda 3, 2020 Suzuki Swift |
| First registered 1986–1999 | Every 6 months (unchanged) | 1995 Toyota Corolla, 1998 Nissan Pulsar, 1999 Subaru Legacy |
| First registered 1985 or earlier (40+ years old) | Every 12 months (NEW from Sept 2025) | 1985 Ford Escort, 1972 Holden Kingswood, 1965 MG Midget |
The "40 Years" Rule is Rolling
The vintage vehicle exemption is based on the vehicle being over 40 years old — this is a rolling threshold, not a fixed date. As each year passes, more vehicles become eligible:
| Year | Vehicles Now Eligible for 12-Monthly WOF |
|---|---|
| 2025 | First registered 1985 or earlier |
| 2026 | First registered 1986 or earlier |
| 2027 | First registered 1987 or earlier |
| 2030 | First registered 1990 or earlier |
| 2040 | First registered 2000 or earlier (all pre-2000 vehicles now annual) |
Why the change? NZTA data shows that vehicles over 40 years old actually have higher WOF pass rates than newer vehicles. This is because vintage car owners typically maintain them more carefully, drive fewer kilometres, and often store them in garages. The change affects approximately 128,000 vehicles.
Heavy Motorhomes: Also Now Annual
Private motorhomes with a Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) over 3,500kg have also moved from 6-monthly Certificate of Fitness (CoF) to annual inspections. This affects around 39,000 motorhomes.
Important: The vehicle must also not be operated under a Transport Service Licence (TSL). If you rent out your motorhome commercially (e.g., through Camplify or similar platforms), it doesn't qualify for the 12-monthly CoF — you'll need to stick with 6-monthly inspections.
Source: NZTA Warrant of Fitness page | Vehicle Inspection Portal announcement
Technical & Administrative Updates Various 2025
Several behind-the-scenes changes have been implemented that affect how WOF inspections are conducted:
Electronic Check Sheets & Signatures (10 March 2025)
Inspecting organisations can now use electronic check sheets instead of paper forms. Digital signatures—including typed names, stylus signatures, and PDF e-signatures—are now legally accepted. This modernisation makes the process more efficient while maintaining accurate records.
Duplicate Label Register (1 April 2025)
All WOF inspection stations must now maintain a register tracking when and why duplicate WOF labels are issued. This combats fraudulent label use and improves accountability.
LVVTA Plate Verification (30 July 2025)
This is an important one for modified vehicles. WOF inspectors must now verify that any LVVTA (Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association) certification plates match the actual modifications on your vehicle. This crackdown follows the discovery of counterfeit LVVTA plates being sold on platforms like AliExpress.
If your vehicle has genuine modifications certified by an LVVTA certifier, you have nothing to worry about. But if you've purchased a plate online without proper certification, your vehicle will fail its WOF.
UK/GB Import Alignment (30 July 2025)
Vehicles imported from the United Kingdom or Great Britain are now assessed against Australian standards. Importers need to provide invoices demonstrating legal entitlement to the vehicle.
Got a classic car from 1985 or earlier? You now only need a WOF once a year instead of every 6 months. This started 1 September 2025.
Got a car from 1986–1999? Nothing changes for you yet — you still need a WOF every 6 months. The only way this changes is if the proposed frequency reforms (below) get approved.
Got a car from 2000 onwards? Nothing changes — you already get 12-monthly WOFs.
Own a heavy motorhome (over 3,500kg) with a toilet? You now only need a CoF once a year instead of every 6 months.
Modified vehicle with LVVTA plate? Inspectors now verify your plate against the official database. Fake plates = fail.
Proposed WOF Frequency Changes Under Consultation
The most significant proposed changes relate to how often vehicles need a WOF. Currently, New Zealand has one of the most frequent vehicle inspection regimes in the world. The government is considering aligning more closely with international standards.
What's Being Proposed — Detailed Breakdown
| Vehicle Age | Current Requirement | Proposed Change | Real-World Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand new vehicles | First WOF at 3 years | First WOF at 4 years | Buy a 2025 car today → First WOF due 2029 instead of 2028 |
|
4–10 years old (registered 2015–2021) |
Every 12 months | Every 2 years | 2018 Mazda CX-5 → WOF every 2 years instead of annual |
|
Over 10 years old (registered 2014 or earlier) |
Every 12 months (post-2000) Every 6 months (1986–1999) |
Every 12 months (all) | 1995 Toyota Corolla → Would move from 6-monthly to annual |
| Taxis, rideshares, rentals under 5 years | CoF A every 6 months | CoF A every 12 months | 2022 Toyota Camry Uber → Annual instead of 6-monthly |
International Comparison
To put this in perspective, here's how different countries handle vehicle safety inspections:
| Country/Region | Inspection Frequency |
|---|---|
| 🇳🇿 New Zealand (current) | Annual for most; 6-monthly for pre-2000 vehicles |
| 🇦🇺 Australia (most states) | Only when vehicle changes ownership (no regular inspections) |
| 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | First MOT at 3 years, then annual |
| 🇩🇪 Germany | First inspection at 3 years, then every 2 years |
| 🇨🇦 Canada (most provinces) | Only when vehicle changes ownership |
| 🇺🇸 United States | Varies by state — many have no inspections at all |
New Zealand's current system of annual (or 6-monthly for older vehicles) inspections is unusually frequent by international standards. The argument for reform is that modern vehicles are more reliable and don't need checking as often.
Arguments For & Against
Supporters of less frequent WOFs argue that modern vehicles are more reliable, that the inspection system catches relatively few dangerous faults, and that the cost and inconvenience burden on vehicle owners is disproportionate to the safety benefit. NZTA data shows that vehicle defects contribute to only about 1.7% of deaths and serious injuries on New Zealand roads.
Critics point to New Zealand's older vehicle fleet (average age around 15 years), our challenging road conditions, and concerns that owners won't maintain vehicles properly without regular inspection deadlines. The AA has expressed particular concern about tyre and brake maintenance.
"Less frequent checks could work, but only if there's a significant investment in public education about vehicle maintenance—particularly tyres and brakes, which are the most common failure points."
Nothing has changed yet. The government is considering making WOFs less frequent — potentially your first WOF at 4 years old instead of 3, and every 2 years for cars aged 4-10.
Don't change your habits yet. Until this is officially announced, your current WOF schedule stays exactly the same. We'll update this page when a decision is made.
New ADAS Safety Checks Under Consultation
Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) have become common in modern vehicles — even many mid-range cars now come with features that were once exclusive to luxury models. The government is proposing to add ADAS functionality to the WOF inspection scope.
What is ADAS?
ADAS refers to electronic systems that help drivers avoid accidents. Common ADAS features include:
| Feature | What It Does | Would Be Checked? |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) | Automatically applies brakes if a collision is imminent and you don't react in time | ✓ Yes |
| Lane Keep Assist (LKA) | Gently steers the vehicle back into your lane if you start to drift | ✓ Yes |
| Lane Departure Warning (LDW) | Alerts you (usually a beep or vibration) when you're drifting out of your lane | ✓ Yes |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Maintains speed and distance from the car ahead automatically | Not currently proposed |
| Blind Spot Monitoring | Warns you when a vehicle is in your blind spot | Not currently proposed |
How the Check Would Work
The proposed check is relatively simple: WOF inspectors would look at your dashboard to see if any warning lights are displayed for AEB, LKA, or LDW systems.
If your vehicle is equipped with these features and a warning light is on, you would fail. The inspector wouldn't be testing the actual functionality of the systems — just whether the vehicle's own diagnostics indicate a problem.
If your car has ADAS and these rules come into effect:
- Check for warning lights at start-up (AEB, LKA, LDW symbols)
- If you've had a windscreen replaced, confirm ADAS recalibration was done
- Bring any calibration paperwork to your WOF appointment
- If warning lights are on, get the system checked before your WOF
Japanese imports from this era often have basic ADAS. European vehicles tend to have more comprehensive systems. If you're unsure whether your car has these features, check your owner's manual or look for warning symbols on your dashboard when you first start the car.
Impact on Windscreen Replacements
This has significant implications for windscreen repairs. Many ADAS systems use cameras mounted behind the windscreen (usually behind the rear-view mirror).
After a windscreen replacement, these cameras need professional recalibration to ensure they're pointing in the right direction with the correct field of view. Recalibration costs typically range from $150–$400 depending on the vehicle.
Some vehicles require static calibration (done in a workshop with targets), while others need dynamic calibration (done by driving on specific roads).
Key takeaway: If ADAS checks become part of the WOF, skipping recalibration after windscreen work could mean a failed warrant. When getting quotes, always ask whether ADAS recalibration is included.
Source: NZTA Vehicle Inspection Portal
Does your car have AEB, Lane Keep Assist, or Lane Departure Warning? If so, under the proposed rules, these systems would need to be working (no warning lights) to pass your WOF. This isn't required yet — it's part of the December 2025 consultation.
Had your windscreen replaced recently? If your car has a camera behind the mirror, you may need ADAS recalibration ($150–$400). If these rules come in, an un-recalibrated camera could mean a failed WOF.
Got an older car without ADAS? This won't affect you at all. The check only applies to vehicles that have these systems fitted.
Digital Licences & WOF Records Coming Soon
New Zealand is moving towards digital vehicle documentation. A bill enabling digital driver's licences passed its first reading in Parliament in August 2025, with implementation expected in late 2025 or mid-2026.
Digital Driver's Licence
The digital licence will be stored on your smartphone via a government app, verified through your RealMe account. It will be legally equivalent to your physical card — you'll be able to show it to Police, use it for age verification at liquor stores, and present it when needed.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| How it works | Download government app → Verify via RealMe → Licence stored on phone |
| Legal status | Legally equivalent to physical card — accepted by Police, age verification, etc. |
| Physical licence | Remains valid — your choice whether to carry digital, physical, or both |
| Security | Cannot be screenshotted or faked — uses cryptographic verification |
| Timeline | Government says "on track for late 2025" — no firm date announced |
Minister for Digitising Government Judith Collins has indicated a keen desire to see digital licences launched before the end of 2025, noting "the main thing is not to stuff it up."
Digital WOF & Registration
Paper WOF stickers may eventually become optional. Here's how the system currently works and what might change:
| Aspect | Now | Future (Proposed) |
|---|---|---|
| WOF record | Paper sticker on windscreen + centralised database | Database only — sticker optional |
| Police checks | Visual check of sticker OR database lookup | Database lookup via number plate |
| Your check | Look at sticker OR use NZTA website/app | NZTA app only (sticker phased out) |
NZTA estimates that going fully digital could save around $17 million annually in printing and postage costs. However, this change is further away than digital driver's licences — no firm timeline has been announced.
Source: RNZ Digital Licences Report | Digital Government NZ
Digital driver's licence coming soon: You'll be able to show your licence on your phone instead of carrying the plastic card. Both will be valid — it's your choice which to use. Expected late 2025 or early 2026.
WOF stickers might go digital too: Instead of the paper label on your windscreen, Police would just scan your plate. But this is further away — keep your sticker current for now.
Want to check a vehicle's WOF status? You can already do this online at the NZTA website — just enter the number plate.
Increased Penalties & Demerit Points Under Consultation
The government is proposing significant increases to penalties for vehicle safety offences. The logic is straightforward: if WOF inspections become less frequent, the consequences for driving an unsafe vehicle need to be more severe to maintain road safety.
Current vs Proposed Penalties
| Offence | Current Penalty | Proposed Changes |
|---|---|---|
| Expired WOF/CoF | $200 fine only No demerit points |
Higher fine + demerit points |
| Bald or damaged tyres | $150 fine only No demerit points |
Higher fine + demerit points |
|
Vehicle defects (lights, brakes, suspension, etc.) |
$150 fine only No demerit points |
Higher fine + demerit points |
How Demerit Points Work
New Zealand's demerit point system is designed to penalise repeat offenders. Here's the current system:
| Points Accumulated (2 years) | Consequence |
|---|---|
| 100 points | 3-month licence suspension |
| 100+ points after suspension | 6-month licence suspension |
To put this in perspective: Speeding 10-20 km/h over the limit is 20 points. Running a red light is 20 points. Using a phone while driving is 20 points. If vehicle defect offences attract similar demerit points (20-25 points each), a couple of tyre infringements combined with other offences could push you towards suspension.
When Could This Come Into Effect?
The penalty changes are part of the broader consultation that closes 17 December 2025. If approved, implementation would likely be phased in alongside the WOF frequency changes. Earliest possible start would be late 2026.
Source: NZTA Light Vehicle Inspection Consultation
Fines are going up: The government wants to increase penalties for expired WOFs, bald tyres, and vehicle defects. Not confirmed yet, but likely to happen.
Big change — demerit points: Currently, bald tyres just mean a fine. Under the proposal, you'd also get points on your licence. Accumulate 100 points in 2 years = licence suspension.
Why the change? If cars are only checked every 2 years instead of annually, Police enforcement needs to be stronger to catch unsafe vehicles between inspections.
🚨 If you remember nothing else: expired WOF + bald tyres could soon mean fines AND points on your licence — not just a slap on the wrist.
Electric & Hybrid Vehicle Requirements
As EVs and hybrids become more common on New Zealand roads (now over 5% of the fleet), the WOF system is adapting to address their unique safety considerations. Here's what's currently checked and what might change.
Current EV/Hybrid WOF Checks Already in Effect
Electric and hybrid vehicles already have specific WOF checks that don't apply to conventional petrol/diesel vehicles:
| Component | What Inspectors Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| High voltage wiring | Security, condition, no damage to orange cables | EV batteries operate at 400-800+ volts — exposed wiring is extremely dangerous |
| Battery housing | Integrity, no damage or leaks | Damaged battery packs can catch fire or release toxic chemicals |
| Regenerative braking | System operation | EVs rely heavily on regen braking — if it fails, brake wear increases dramatically |
| Inverter & cooling system | Function, no leaks | Overheating can damage expensive components or cause fires |
| Charging port | Condition, no damage | Damaged ports can cause electrical faults or fires during charging |
Proposed: AVAS Checks Under Consultation
EVs and hybrids are significantly quieter than conventional vehicles at low speeds — great for reducing noise pollution, but potentially dangerous for pedestrians, cyclists, and especially vision-impaired people who can't hear them coming.
AVAS (Acoustic Vehicle Alerting System) is an artificial sound generator that makes EVs audible at low speeds (typically under 20-30 km/h). Most EVs sold since 2019 have AVAS fitted. Under the proposal:
- AVAS would need to be operational to pass WOF
- Retrofit kits may be approved for older EVs from around 2028
- The system must produce a consistent sound (not music or custom sounds)
- Key point: Existing EV owners won't be forced to retrofit until at least 2031 — this mainly affects new imports first
Mandatory ADAS for Imports Under Consultation
For vehicles entering New Zealand (not the existing fleet), the government is proposing mandatory safety features:
| Proposed Requirement | Vehicle Type | Potential Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) | All light vehicles | 2028-2030 |
| Lane Keep Support | All light vehicles | 2028-2030 |
| AVAS | EVs and hybrids | 2028 |
| Electronic Stability Control | Heavy vehicles | TBC |
Source: VIRM Electric and Hybrid Vehicles section | Vehicle Importers Association
Already own an EV or hybrid? Your WOF already includes checks on battery housing, high-voltage wiring, and charging systems. Nothing new there — you're already covered.
Future requirement: EVs might need a working "pedestrian warning sound" (the hum at low speeds) to pass WOF. If your EV is older and doesn't have AVAS, retrofit kits may become available around 2028.
Planning to import a used car? New rules may require safety tech like auto-braking on imported vehicles. This could affect prices and availability of older Japanese imports. If you're looking at importing, do it sooner rather than later.
Tyre Rules: What's Staying the Same No Changes
Despite the various proposed changes to the WOF system, the rules around tyres remain completely unchanged. There are no proposals to change tread depth requirements, axle matching rules, or any other tyre-related WOF criteria.
The 6 WOF Tyre Rules Explained
Here are the current tyre requirements that inspectors check during your WOF — with detailed explanations of what each rule actually means:
🚗 Current NZ WOF Tyre Requirements
What this means in practice:
- The 1.5mm minimum is the legal limit — not the safe limit
- At 1.5mm, your braking distance in wet conditions is significantly longer than with new tyres
- Our recommendation: Replace tyres at 3mm for general driving, 4mm if you do a lot of wet weather or motorway driving
- Most new tyres have 7-8mm of tread, so 1.5mm means you've used about 80% of the tyre's life
- Use the 20-cent coin test: insert a 20c coin into the groove — if you can see the "20" text, you're getting close to the limit
→ Full guide: How to check your tyre tread depth
What this means in practice:
- Size: Both front tyres must be identical size (e.g., both 205/55R16). Same for both rears.
- Construction: You can't mix radial and bias-ply tyres on the same axle (this is rare these days as almost all modern tyres are radial)
- Pattern type: You can't put a directional tyre (V-shaped pattern) on one side and a symmetrical tyre on the other
- What's OK: Different brands on the same axle (as long as size/type match), different tyres front vs rear (common on performance cars)
- What's NOT OK: One 195/65R15 and one 205/55R16 on the same axle, mixing run-flat with non-run-flat on same axle
→ Full guide: Understanding tread pattern types | → Check if your tyres are WOF-compatible
What this means in practice:
- This rule prevents people from fitting oversized tyres that affect speedometer accuracy and can cause rubbing
- Example: If your original tyre has a 630mm diameter, you can go up to 661mm maximum (630 × 1.05)
- Going larger than 5% requires LVV (Low Volume Vehicle) certification — a formal modification process
- Diameter also affects your odometer reading (larger tyres = fewer rotations = shows fewer km than actually travelled)
- Use our calculator to check any proposed size change before you buy
→ Tyre Calculator: Check diameter difference between sizes
What this means in practice:
- Speed ratings are shown as letters: T=190km/h, H=210km/h, V=240km/h, W=270km/h, Y=300km/h
- Check your vehicle's placard (usually on the driver's door jamb) for the minimum required speed rating
- Example: If your placard shows "H" rating required, you can fit H, V, W, or Y rated tyres — but not T
- Going lower than the requirement is a WOF fail
- This matters even though NZ's speed limit is 100km/h — the rating indicates the tyre's construction and heat tolerance at sustained speeds
→ Full guide: Tyre speed ratings explained
What this means in practice:
- Load index is shown as a number: 91=615kg, 94=670kg, 99=775kg, 106=950kg per tyre
- Especially important for: Utes, vans, and vehicles that tow or carry heavy loads
- Light truck (LT) tyres have higher load ratings than passenger (P) tyres of the same size
- Example: A Ford Ranger might need 265/70R17 116S — that "116" is the load index (1250kg per tyre)
- Under-rated tyres can overheat and fail catastrophically when loaded
→ Full guide: Tyre load ratings explained
What counts as damage (automatic WOF fail):
- Bulges or bubbles — indicates internal damage to the carcass (often from pothole impacts)
- Exposed cords — you can see the internal fabric/steel layers through the rubber
- Cuts or tears — that penetrate to the cords or are deep enough to compromise structure
- Sidewall damage — scrapes, gouges, or cracks in the sidewall
- Uneven wear — feathering, cupping, or one-sided wear (often indicates alignment/suspension issues)
- Age cracking — visible cracks in the rubber, especially on older tyres (even if tread is OK)
- Repairs in wrong location — sidewall repairs are not permitted; some shoulder repairs may fail
Source: VIRM Tyre Inspection Requirements
Why Tyres Matter More With Less Frequent WOFs
If WOF inspection intervals are extended, the responsibility for tyre safety shifts more heavily onto vehicle owners. Tyres are your only contact with the road — they affect your braking distance, cornering grip, and wet weather performance.
A monthly visual check takes just a few minutes. Look for uneven wear patterns (which might indicate alignment or suspension issues), check for cuts, bulges or objects embedded in the tread, and use the tread wear indicators (TWI) built into your tyres to monitor remaining tread depth. If any indicator is flush with the tread surface, it's time for new tyres.
Tyre rules aren't changing. Everything stays the same: 1.5mm minimum tread, matching tyres on each axle, no damage or bulges.
But tyres matter more now: If WOFs become less frequent, you're responsible for checking your own tyres between inspections. A quick monthly look can catch problems before they become dangerous (or expensive).
Our recommendation: Replace tyres at 3mm tread, not 1.5mm. The legal minimum is the bare minimum for safety — you'll have much better grip with more tread, especially in wet conditions.
📅 Key Dates Timeline
Frequently Asked Questions
📋 All 2025 WOF Changes at a Glance
Quick reference: What's happening, what's not, and what you need to do
🔮 What This Means Long-Term
These reforms signal a clear shift toward owner accountability. If WOF intervals extend to 2 years, the days of "I'll wait for the inspector to tell me" are ending.
Monthly self-checks — tyres, brakes, lights, wipers — become crucial. A quick walk-around before you drive takes 30 seconds and could prevent a roadside fine, a failed WOF, or worse.
The good news? Taking responsibility for your vehicle's condition isn't just about avoiding penalties. It's about keeping your family safe on every trip.
The government wants your feedback on WOF frequency changes, ADAS checks, and penalty increases. Whether you're for or against these proposals, now is the time to make your voice heard.
Submit Your Feedback to NZTA →Need New Tyres Before Your Next WOF?
With potential demerit points coming for bald tyres, don't wait until you're at the legal limit. Browse our range of quality tyres with free North Island delivery, or use our tools to check your current tyres meet WOF requirements.
💡 Tip: Replacing all four tyres at once? Ask us about bundle pricing — often cheaper than buying individually.
Stay Informed
We'll keep this guide updated as new information becomes available and proposals are confirmed or rejected. The landscape of vehicle safety regulation in New Zealand is changing, and staying informed helps you make the right decisions for your vehicle and your family's safety.
Have questions about tyre compliance or need help choosing the right tyres for your vehicle? Get in touch with our team—we're always happy to help Kiwi drivers stay safe on the road.
