Government Plans to Cut Annual Inspection Frequency for Vintage Cars, Motorbikes, and Motorhomes
The New Zealand Government has unveiled plans to reduce the mandatory safety inspection intervals for vintage cars, motorbikes, and motorhomes. Currently, these vehicles must undergo a warrant of fitness (WoF) and certificate of fitness (CoF) inspection every six months. Under the new proposed rule, these inspections would occur annually instead.
Eligible Vehicles and Inspection Statistics
The rule change would apply to vintage light vehicles that are over 40 years old and private motorhomes. According to Transport Minister Chris Bishop, statistics reveal higher pass rates for vintage cars compared to their contemporary counterparts.
“The stats show that people who drive vintage cars, they have a better track record in passing their WoFs. Therefore, this change brings the law in line with practical reality and common sense,” Minister Bishop explained.
Impact on Vehicle Owners
The proposed changes could significantly benefit many vintage automobile enthusiasts and motorhome owners who often argue that frequent inspections are unnecessary. Minister Bishop estimated that around 128,000 vintage vehicles and 39,000 private motorhomes would be affected by this new policy.
Bruce Lochore from the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association Inc highlighted that these vehicles carry much lower mileage compared to ordinary vehicles.
“Private motorhomes travel approximately 5000 kilometres annually. The mandated inspection every six months is overly compliance-driven for such infrequent use, making it a costly exercise for owners, often weighing up to $300 per inspection,” Lochore explained.
Cost and Maintenance Considerations
Garry Jackson, President of the New Zealand Federation of Motoring Clubs Inc (NZFMC), echoed Lochore’s sentiments.“The NZFMC has long advocated for reduced inspection frequencies for vintage vehicles. Compelling data and anecdotal evidence support this policy shift, as these classic cars are typically well-maintained by passionate owners,” Jackson said.
A study conducted by the NZFMC revealed that vintage vehicle owners invest significantly more in their vehicles than the average driver. The survey indicated an average annual spending of $6,355 per historic or classic vehicle owners across New Zealand.
“The amount of money that people spend on these vehicles is about four times higher than on ordinary cars,” Jackson pointed out. He further noted that there are often vehicles that fall into multiple age categories, particularly among vintage car owners who frequently maintain multiple vehicles.
Detailed Insights from Associations
Terry Collins, the principal policy advisor for the New Zealand Automobile Association Inc (NZAA), also expressed approval for the proposed change. However, he suggested a more nuanced inspection regime based on vehicle usage in addition to age changes.
“We’re thrilled with this proposal. But while the reduction in inspection frequency for vintage cars and motorhomes is a step in the right direction, it doesn’t go far enough. Implementing inspections based on distance travelled will better assess a vehicle’s condition and reduce unnecessary paperwork,” Collins explained.
The NZAA believes that tyre wear is a significant indicator of a vehicle’s utilisation, often failing inspections after reaching 40,000 kilometres.
Public Feedback and Timeline
Government authorities have opened a public consultation window for feedback on these proposed changes from February 24 to April 4, 2023. Interested parties can submit their views on the official NZ Transport Agency website—nzta.govt.nz.
Inviting public opinion is a crucial step towards creating inclusive policies that cater to diverse user needs and peculiarities. The proposed amendments acknowledge the peculiarities of vintage vehicle and motorhome usage, thereby streamlining maintenance requirements without compromising on safety.
Conclusion and Future Directions
The New Zealand Government’s proposal to adjust WoF and CoF inspection intervals to annually for vintage cars and motorhomes marks a positive shift in traffic safety regulations. This move aligns official mandates with real-life usage patterns, significantly reducing financial and logistical burdens for vehicle owners.
However, key stakeholders have proposed further reforms to create a more efficient inspection system that takes into account distance travelled, not just age. For instance, motor homes typically cover around 5000km per annum, compared with the average modern car’s annual mileage of 15,000-20,000km.
The association is keen on making sure this legislation benefits not just vintage car enthusiasts but also the broader automotive community. Minister Bishop’s emphasis on common sense and adherence to real-life statistics indicates a forward-thinking and owner-friendly approach to updating the nation’s safety regulations.
Now is the time for vehicle owners to lend their voices to this conversation. By providing feedback, you could help influence future policy changes to make road safety regulations more practical and cost-effective. Head over to nzta.govt.nz to have your say and ensure that your concerns are heard.
