Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds.
Southland motorists will benefit from new Warrant of Fitness changes, saving them time and money.
The changes will mean that most light vehicles, like cars, under 14 years old will move to two-yearly Warrant of Fitness inspections – up from yearly.
New vehicles will go four years before their second warrant is due, while older vehicles, motorcycles, and light rental vehicles will move from six-monthly to yearly inspections.
I know many people will welcome these changes, especially when many households are feeling pressure due to high petrol and diesel prices and because they will reduce the amount of time involved in taking vehicles in for a warrant.
Modern cars and light vehicles are significantly safer and more reliable, but our rules haven’t kept pace, imposing unnecessary costs on motorists.
As a result, these simple changes will deliver massive benefits for local people.
The cost-benefit analysis shows the changes are expected to deliver between $2.6 billion and $4.1 billion in net benefits over 30 years through reduced inspection fees, less time spent on compliance, and fewer unnecessary repairs.
Compared to other countries, New Zealand has very frequent inspections for light vehicles.
Other countries including Ireland, Germany, Japan, and Australia inspect every one to two years or at ownership change and achieve comparable or better safety outcomes.
The Government consulted on these changes last year, with 74 percent of respondents in support of reducing inspections for lower-risk vehicles.
The changes come into effect from 1 November 2026.