Warrant of Fitness changes proposed by NZTA may reduce costs for Kiwi drivers 

Changes to the Warrant of Fitness and Certificate of Fitness systems proposed by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi look to reduce what drivers have to pay in keeping their vehicle on the road. 

The government agency has asked for feedback on the new policies that would extend the intervals in which drivers would need to get their vehicles checked. 

The proposed changes are; warrants of fitness to be issued for four years on new vehicles, vehicles between four and ten years old will need a WoF check every two years, and vehicles over ten years old will need an annual check. 

As for Certificate of Fitness changes, it would only affect CoF A light rental vehicles under five years old, which would need to be checked once per year.

This request for feedback arrives alongside Associate Transport Minister James Meager’s comments surrounding the current system. 

“New Zealand currently has one of the most frequent regimes globally. We want to make sure we’re not placing unnecessary costs or time pressures on Kiwis, while still keeping everyone safe on the road,” Mr Meager says.

“We’re looking at how other jurisdictions handle this. For example, Europe checks light vehicles every two years, and most states in Australia and provinces in Canada only require a WOF when the vehicle changes ownership, or when a defect is identified.”

Those looking to voice their feedback can do so through the NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi’s website, where submissions are open until December 17, 2025.