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Exceptions to the standards

Updated: 27 November 2009

Most cars, goods and passenger vans, utes, four-wheel drives and people-movers must meet a range of standards before they can be registered for use on New Zealand roads. We require less of some vehicles. Bicycles and power-assisted bicycles don't have to meet standards, though they must still be safe on the road. Motorcycles don't have to meet emissions standards. Cars over 20 years old don't have to meet frontal impact standards. This section explains the exceptions to our standards requirements.

Exceptions for older vehicles

If your vehicle was manufactured before 1990 it may be excluded from many of the standards requirements. However, your vehicle must still meet the general safety requirements in the Land Transport Rules, and it must have at least front seat passenger safety belts if manufactured after 1955.

An 'historic vehicle' must meet the safety requirements applying at the time it was manufactured. Visit the Vintage Car Club of New Zealand's website to find out more.

Exceptions for left-hand drives and temporary imports

As we drive on the left side of the road in New Zealand, vehicles have to be right-hand drive.

In most cases, if you bring a left-hand drive vehicle here, you'll need to have it converted. You may be able to get an exemption for a light vehicle that is for your own use. See the requirements.

But you may not need to meet these standards if you're temporarily importing your vehicle, usually for less than 12 months.

Exceptions for vehicles not meeting all required standards

Where your vehicle meets some but not all the standards, you may be able to apply for an exemption. Please be aware, there is no guarantee this will be granted. We judge exemption applications on a case-by-case basis against restrictive criteria set in legislation (section 166 of the Land Transport Act 1998).

Want to apply for an exemption?

Complete the application form.

Before bringing a vehicle to New Zealand

It's best to ensure that any vehicle you're planning to import meets all our standards.

Other exceptions

Your vehicle may not have to meet all the standards if:

  • you're emigrating here or returning to New Zealand and you want to bring with you a vehicle that you already own. See the exception requirements.
  • the vehicle you're importing is a 'special interest vehicle' - it has historic value or is a collector's item. See the exception requirements.
  • the vehicle is a motorsport vehicle for which you're seeking exemption through a Motorsport Authority card. How do I arrange a card? (external link)

What are the general vehicle requirements?

See the full requirements applying to your vehicle before you can use it on the road.

Related links