New WOF rules from 1 November 2026: what changes, and when your next WOF is due
Most cars go to a WOF every two years, new cars wait four years for their second, and six-monthly WOFs end. Here's every change, by car, and how to work out yours.
October 10, 2026
New Zealand's warrant of fitness rules change on 1 November 2026. NZTA confirmed the dates on 25 September. For most drivers it means fewer WOFs: over a million cars move to one every two years.
Your current WOF isn't affected. It runs to the expiry date on its label, and the new gap starts from your next WOF after 1 November.
Type your plate to see your car's next WOF dates: it looks your car up and works out how often it'll need one.
When are your WOFs due?
Type your plate to see your next WOF dates and roughly what they'll cost.
What changes, by car
| Your car | Until 31 October 2026 | From 1 November 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Brand new | Second WOF at 3 years | Second WOF at 4 years |
| 4 to 14 years old, first registered from 1 November 2019 | Every year | Every 2 years |
| 4 to 14 years old, first registered 1 November 2013 to 31 October 2019 | Every year | Every year, then every 2 years from 1 November 2027 |
| 14 to 26 years old | Every year | Every year (no change) |
| First registered before 1 January 2000 | Every 6 months | Every year |
| Motorbikes first registered before 2000 | Every 6 months | Every year |
| Motorbikes from 2000 on | Every year | Every year (no change) |
| Rental cars (on a COF) | Every 6 months | Every year |
"First registered" means first registered anywhere in the world, so an imported car counts from its first registration overseas, not when it arrived here.
Why two steps?
Cars first registered between November 2013 and October 2019 wait until 1 November 2027 to go two-yearly. NZTA staggered the change to spread out the number of WOFs due at once. If your car is in that group, it stays on yearly WOFs for one more year.
What's new in the inspection itself
From 1 November, inspectors also check that no warning or fault light is showing for automatic emergency braking or lane keep assist, on cars that have them. What that means for your WOF.
Fines go up
The fine for driving with a WOF more than two months out of date goes from $200 to $350. The fine for tyres or wheels that aren't up to standard goes from $150 to $350, and a court can now fine up to $1,000. More on the new fines.
Why the rules are changing
New Zealand inspected light vehicles more often than almost anywhere. Most of Europe tests every two years, and the UK every year. The government puts the net benefit at $2.6 billion to $4.1 billion over 30 years.
The catch: two years is a long time for a tyre to wear or a bulb to go. The Motor Trade Association says around 30 to 35% of cars aged 8 to 10 fail on something safety-critical at their WOF. You're still responsible for keeping your car safe between inspections, so it's worth checking a few things yourself.
When is my next WOF due?
- Look at the label on your windscreen. That date doesn't change.
- When you get your next WOF after 1 November 2026, the inspector issues it for the new length: two years for most cars under 14.
- Not sure which group your car's in? Put in its first registration date.
Need somewhere to get it done? Find a WOF near you: VTNZ, VINZ, AA and local garages, nearest first.
Source: NZTA, changes to WOF and COF A from 1 November 2026 and the full table.
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