You can drive as though all documents are current for six months
Venkat Raman
Auckland, April 9, 2020
Transport Minister Phil Twyford has confirmed that the New Zealand Land Transport Agency (NZTA) will extend all driving licences, warrants of fitness (WOF) and vehicle registration that expired on or after January 1, 2020 for a period of six months from today (April 10, 2020).
That is effectively until October 10, 2020.
He said that people need not worry about getting fined for having an expired document if driving to use essential services or as an essential worker during the Covid-19 Alert Level 4 lockdown.
“That is why we have provided an extension to give certainty to the public that they will not be issued infringement notices for using their vehicles appropriately. It will still be up to drivers to keep their vehicles safe and I urge owners to follow the advice of NZTA and regularly self-check their vehicle,” he said.
This information has been on the Covid-19 Question and Answer advertisements this week.
Do the TWIRL test
Mr Twyford asked drivers before they set off, to give their vehicles a TWIRL- check Tyres, Windscreen, wipers, mirrors, and Indicators, look for Rust, and test your Lights.
“We are allowing essential repairs, like sorting out punctured tyres or damaged windscreens. If anything looks out of order, please go get it fixed as soon as you can. Drivers will still need to be medically fit to drive, comply with relevant restrictions and conditions on their licence and obey all road rules. Any licence suspensions and disqualifications will also continue to apply,” he said.
Other changes include license endorsements that expire on or after March 1, 2020 will be extended and there will be a suspension of the requirement to display a current vehicle licence (Rego) if it expired on or after January 1, 2020.
No licence for Easter Outing
Mr Twyford however warned that the extension of licences, WOF and Registration does not give permission for people to go out during the Easter Weekend for non-essentials.
“Previously only essential service workers’ vehicles could access repairs and certification services. Other people are only able to get critical repairs done for the purpose of accessing essential services. The planned process around renewals once the restrictions are lifted will be communicated at a later date,” he said.
