Cars and Parts

Left Hand Drive Rules

NZ Left Hand Drive Rule Changes 2010

Also important information for 1990s vehicles:
NZ Vehicle Exhaust Emissions Rules

Previously, in order to import and register a LHD vehicle less than 20 years old into New Zealand, the owner had to have owned and operated the vehicle overseas for a period of at least 90 days. However, this concession has been removed and replaced with a system that allows such vehicles to be registered if they meet certain criteria to be considered a 'special interest vehicle'. In order to register a LHD vehicle under this system, you will need to meet a number of specific conditions and apply for a Category A left-hand drive vehicle permit.

What do the changes mean for me?
The new requirements mean motoring enthusiasts will be able to import left-hand drive vehicles that are designated as special interest vehicles, provided that all the specified requirements are met.

HOW TO APPLY FOR A CATEGORY A LEFT-HAND DRIVE VEHICLE PERMIT FOR CLASS MA VEHICLES LESS THAN 20 YEARS OLD

Step 1
Contact your nearest Transport Service Delivery Agent
(TSDA) who are: NZAA, SAFER VEHICLE TESTING, VINZ, VTNZ

The TSDA will determine all the information required for the vehicle permit has been provided along with other entry-level certification requirements.

Step 2
Read the details and requirements carefully before you fill in the Application form for Category A left-hand drive vehicle permit available from the TSDA or it can be downloaded from the NZTA website: www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/app-cat-a-lhd-permit/

If you ticked each box we expect to see the evidence unless it is the exact year, make, model, model code that has previously been issued a permit. Refer to LHDVP vehicles list attached.

An acknowledgement is only sent to those applicants who supply an electronic mailing address.

The time frame for processing requests is 10 working days, from receipt of the correctly completed application.

Step 3
The permits are issued to a manufacturer’s chassis/vin number and sent to the TSDA who signed as the Declaration witness.

For general inquiries you can ring (0800)108 809 or Email: info@nzta.govt.nz You may email your permit application to: exemptions@nzta.govt.nz

Notes:

• If you haven’t yet purchased a vehicle and are not able to supply a VIN, you can still submit your application without this. A permit cannot be granted until a VIN is supplied, but you will be advised whether the vehicle model identified in the application is eligible for a permit.
• Please make sure you include all of the supporting documentation you need to show that your vehicle meets the eligibility criteria set out for obtaining a permit. If information is missing, it will take longer to process your application.
• For more information on LHD vehicle requirements, please see Factsheet 12 at http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/factsheets/12/importing-a-left-hand-drive- vehicle.html, and Factsheet 12a at http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/factsheets/12a/category-a.html