NZ Vehicle RUC Guide
Road User Charges explained — who pays, what it costs, and how to stay compliant
If you drive a diesel vehicle, EV, plug‑in hybrid, or anything over 3.5 tonnes, you’re likely in the Road User Charges (RUC) system. This page explains the basics in plain English — and helps you avoid the classic “ran out of RUC” surprise.
🚗 WHO HAS TO PAY RUC?
RUC applies based on weight and fuel type. Here’s the quick way to think about it.
✅ You MUST buy RUC if…
- Your vehicle weighs over 3,500kg GVM (no matter the fuel).
- Your vehicle is 3,500kg or less and runs on:
- Diesel (including diesel hybrids)
- Electricity (EVs)
- Other fuels not taxed at source (includes plug‑in hybrids)
🚫 You usually DON’T buy RUC if…
- Your light vehicle (≤3,500kg) only uses:
- Petrol fuel tax in pump price
- CNG or LPG
- That also includes petrol hybrids that can’t plug in.
🧾 Common exemptions
- Some vehicles can be exempt if they’re unsuitable for road use, or used almost exclusively off‑road.
- Some very light EVs (≤1,000kg) can be exempt.
- Some heavy EVs (over 3,500kg) may be treated differently (check current rules).
💰 RUC COSTS + QUICK ESTIMATOR
RUC licences are purchased in 1,000km blocks. Your rate per 1,000km depends on your RUC vehicle type and RUC weight — plus there’s an administration fee per transaction.
📌 What determines your rate?
- RUC vehicle type (axles/tyres/powered vs trailer).
- RUC weight band — based on the lesser of your GVM and the allowed mass under the VDAM Rule.
- Transaction/admin fee applies each time you buy.
🧮 Example (light diesel)
A common example light vehicle rate is $76 per 1,000km (GST incl.) plus admin fees.
| Distance | Units | Example Cost |
|---|---|---|
| 1,000km | 1 | $76 + admin |
| 5,000km | 5 | $380 + admin |
| 10,000km | 10 | $760 + admin |
🔧 Quick RUC Estimator
Good for planning — always confirm your exact rate via the official calculator.
🛒 HOW TO BUY A RUC LICENCE
You can buy RUC online or at approved agents. Online is usually the fastest.
🌐 Buy online
- Quickest/easiest option (NZTA).
- You can buy up to six licences in one go.
- You’ll receive a temporary label by email to print and display (valid for 21 days).
- Your physical label is posted out.
🏪 Buy at an agent
- Waka Kotahi agents include places like AA and PostShops.
- Good option if you prefer over-the-counter help.
- Double-check all details before you leave (fixes are easier same-day).
🧾 What you’ll need
- Plate number
- Current distance recorder reading (odometer/hubodometer)
- RUC vehicle type and RUC weight (for correct rate)
- Heavy vehicles may need the distance recorder serial number
🏷️ WHERE TO DISPLAY YOUR RUC LABEL
RUC is enforced via roadside checks and inspection readings — so displaying/carrying the correct licence matters.
🚙 Light vehicles
- Display the RUC label on the inside windscreen, passenger side.
- The side showing the plate number must be visible from outside the vehicle.
🚚 Heavy vehicles & trailers
- Labels must be displayed the same way as light vehicles or carried.
- If carried, you must show them to an enforcement officer if asked.
- Additional licences must also be displayed or carried.
🔎 Details must match
Your licence details must match the vehicle/equipment:
- RUC vehicle type
- Plate number
- Distance recorder serial number
- Distance recorder readings
📲 eRUC VS “ELECTRONICALLY ASSISTED” RUC
These sound similar, but they’re not the same.
✅ eRUC (Electronic RUC)
- Automates the RUC purchasing process.
- More accurate distance recording.
- Provides records that can support off‑road refund claims.
ℹ️ Electronically assisted RUC
- Digital RUC display + app.
- Does not record distance travelled.
- Still relies on you to manage distance tracking.
🧾 Off‑road refunds
If you legitimately run off-road (farm/private roads), keep good records. eRUC can help by storing the data needed to support refund claims.
🔁 BUYING OR SELLING A RUC VEHICLE
This is where people get caught out. A quick check before purchase can save a headache later.
Buying
- Make sure the vehicle has a current RUC licence displayed (it hasn’t travelled past the max distance on the label).
- If it isn’t current, you can become liable for the unlicensed distance.
- If you can’t check the label, call NZTA to check the licence is current.
Selling
- You must make sure the RUC licence is current.
- It’s an offence to sell a vehicle without a current RUC licence.
- Unused RUC distance should be sold with the vehicle (licences belong to the vehicle and can’t be transferred).
Mods & upgrades
Big changes to GVM or axle/wheel configuration can change your RUC type/weight — and your rate.
🧭 FUTURE CHANGES (PETROL VEHICLES + DIGITAL RUC)
NZ is moving towards a modernised RUC system designed to scale to the entire fleet (including petrol vehicles). Timelines can change — but these are the milestones described in the current transition documents.
What’s changing?
- Shift from paper labels towards digital records.
- Allow a broader range of electronic RUC devices (including built‑in vehicle tech).
- Enable more flexible payments (eg, post‑pay, monthly billing).
- Open the market so private providers can deliver RUC services.
Timeline (high level)
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2026 | System reforms intended to be in place by end of 2026. |
| 2027 | Reformed system “open for business” for providers (diesel, heavy, EV). |
| 1 July 2027 | Heavy EVs intended to become subject to RUC. |
| Beyond 2027 | Petrol vehicles brought into RUC (no fixed date set yet). |
What to do now
- If you’re already paying RUC: nothing changes today — keep your licence current.
- Expect more digital options over time (apps/devices/providers).
- If you run a fleet: eRUC is worth looking at early.
❓ RUC FAQ (QUICK ANSWERS)
Click a question to expand.
Light petrol vehicles (≤3.5t) typically pay road funding through fuel levies in the pump price instead of RUC. Transition documents indicate petrol vehicles will move into RUC beyond 2027, once the system is ready.
You buy RUC in 1,000km units and you must buy a new licence before you travel past the end distance on your current label. Many people buy in larger chunks (eg 5,000–10,000km) to reduce how often they need to transact.
Light vehicles: inside windscreen, passenger side, with the plate number visible from outside.
Heavy/trailers: display the same way or carry it and show it when asked.
eRUC records distance and automates purchasing. Electronically assisted RUC is a digital display/app but does not record distance travelled.
No. RUC licences belong to the vehicle they were bought for and can’t be transferred. If you’re selling, you’ll need to recover the unused distance in the sale price.
NZTA can issue an invoice/assessment for unlicensed distance based on recorded readings (eg, roadside checks or inspection readings). The simplest solution is to top up early and set a reminder before you reach your end reading.
Information sourced from Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency and published RUC transition materials.
Always check official sources for current rates, exemptions, and process changes.
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