Where to go for vehicle inspections
There are around 3200 WoF agents in New Zealand. Look in the Yellow Pages (external link) to find your nearest agent.
It's illegal to drive a vehicle…
- If it doesn't meet WoF requirements.
- If it doesn't display a valid WoF label.
You can drive your vehicle on the road under these circumstances only when taking it somewhere for repair or to get a new WoF – and it's safe to do so.
What a warrant inspection covers
The WoF inspection is a general safety check. The aspects checked are set out in our Vehicle inspection requirements manual (VIRM) and include:
- tyre condition (including tread depth)
- brake operation
- structural condition (rust is not allowed in certain areas)
- lights
- glazing (is your windscreen safe?)
- windscreen washers and wipers
- doors (do they open and close safely?)
- safety belts (must not be damaged or overly faded; buckles must work properly)
- airbags (if fitted)
- speedometer (must be working)
- steering and suspension (must be safe and secure)
- exhaust (there must be no leaks and the exhaust must not be smoky or louder than the original exhaust system)
- fuel system (there must be no leaks).
If you've modified your car, motorcycle, van or other light vehicle you may need low volume vehicle certification. Find out if you'll need a certificate plate and how to get one.
What a warrant is not
A WoF is not a pre-purchase inspection. It doesn't include many areas of a vehicle's condition. For example it doesn't check:
- engine, clutch, gearbox and differential
- lubricant levels and condition
- brake pad thickness or life expectancy
- paint work condition and rust in non-structural areas.
Your WoF label
If your vehicle passes its WoF inspection, the inspector will apply the WoF label on the inside of your front windscreen, on the driver's side. The punched out circle shows the month your warrant expires. You need to get your next warrant before the expiry date on the label.
Warrant of fitness label.
When your vehicle fails its WoF inspection
If your vehicle fails a WOF inspection you cannot drive it on the road unless you're taking it somewhere to get it repaired or get a new WoF – and it's safe to do so.
What you can do
If your vehicle fails because:
- of a smoky exhaust
- you've modified it
- of damaged safety belts.
Have a question?
Contact us if you need more information about WoF inspections.
