What are trade plates and where do they go?
Trade plates have a reflective yellow background and black lettering .They start or end with the letter 'X' and are valid until 31 December of the year shown on the plate.
You must display the plates on the rear of your vehicle, and upright so that every letter and figure is easily visible.
Who can use trade plates?
You can apply for trade plates if you're a:
- a motor vehicle trader
- manufacturer and assembler
- car wrecker (if you have a second-hand trader licence)
- government department
- delivering unregistered motor vehicles
- motor vehicle repairer
- proprietor of a transport museum.
Not sure if you're eligible?
Call our Transport Registry Centre to find out.
Using trade plates
You can only use trade plates for the purpose for which we supply them. So, if you're a car wrecker, you can use the plates on a car you're removing from the place where you've bought it to your destruction premises. If you use the plates for any other purpose, you can be fined for using an unregistered and unlicensed vehicle.
Only vehicle repairers, local authorities and vehicle inspection certifiers entitled to use trade plates on unlicensed vehicles, and then in very limited circumstances. See what these are.
Your trade plates are lost or stolen? Report the loss to the NZ Police.
How to apply for trade plates
Write to our Palmerston North Office explaining why you want trade plates.
You need to include proof of the business you're operating:
| Occupation/business | Documents we require before we'll send the application form |
|---|---|
| Trader | Trader registration number (You can get this from the Ministry of Economic Development) |
| Manufacturer/assembler | Business card or business letterhead paper |
| Car wrecker | Copy of second-hand trader licence and business card |
| Government department | Business card or business letterhead paper |
| Delivering unregistered motor vehicles | Business card or business letterhead paper |
| Motor vehicle repairer | Business card/business letterhead paper and advertising |
| Proprietor of a transport museum | Business card/business letterhead paper and advertising |
We'll then send you an application form for you to complete. (These application forms are not available through any of our agents.)
Trade plates on road user charges (RUC) vehicles
If you're using trade plates on vehicles to which RUC apply, you must display a current RUC licence.
These vehicles include those:
- over 3500kg (gross laden weight)
- powered by diesel or other fuel not taxed when sold.
You can buy RUC time licences through any of our agents
