Six-monthly WOFs end: what it means for older cars and motorbikes
From 1 November 2026, cars and motorbikes first registered before 2000 go from a WOF every six months to one a year.
October 10, 2026
If you drive something first registered before 1 January 2000, the new rules halve your WOFs. From 1 November 2026 no light vehicle in New Zealand needs a WOF every six months.
When are your WOFs due?
Type your plate to see your next WOF dates and roughly what they'll cost.
Who this affects
| Vehicle | Until 31 October 2026 | From 1 November 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Cars, vans and utes first registered before 1 January 2000 | Every 6 months | Every year |
| Motorbikes first registered before 1 January 2000 | Every 6 months | Every year |
| Vintage and veteran vehicles (over 40 years old) | Every year | Every year (no change) |
| Rental cars on a COF | Every 6 months | Every year |
About 374,000 older vehicles move to yearly inspections. Vehicles over 40 years old already went yearly in an earlier change.
When does my car switch?
Your current WOF runs to the date on its label. When you get your next one after 1 November 2026, it's issued for a year instead of six months.
Keep an eye on it between WOFs
An older car can change a lot in a year. A few things are worth checking every month or so:
- Rust: sills, floor pans, around the suspension mounts and under the doors. Rust in structural areas is a common fail on older cars, and it's cheaper to fix early.
- Brake and fuel lines: older steel lines corrode. Look for weeping or crusty patches.
- Rubber: perished bushes, wiper blades, tyres that look cracked even with good tread. Tyres over about 6 years old harden even if they're barely used.
- Lights and seatbelts: the quick fails.
Our full between-WOFs checklist covers the rest.
Fines
The fine for a WOF more than two months out of date rises to $350 on the same day. With a WOF only once a year, put the expiry date in your calendar.
See how often any car needs a WOF · Find a WOF near you
Source: NZTA.
Roadtrip
What any drive costs, in your car
Type your plate and Roadtrip works out what any drive costs in your exact car, with road user charges for diesels and EVs, and splits it between everyone in the car. Free, with no ads.
