How often do you need a WOF?
New Zealand's WOF rules change on 1 November 2026. Type your plate to see how often your car will need one, and when.
No plate handy?
Put in when the car was first registered, in New Zealand or overseas. It's on the registration papers.
From 1 November 2026
Every year, then every 2 years from November 2027 until June 2032
What's changing
For light vehicles: cars, utes, vans and motorbikes. Trucks, buses and taxis have COFs instead.
New cars (first registered from 1 November 2026)
From 1 November 2026: first WOF at 4 years, then every 2 years
Before: first WOF at 3 years, then yearly
First registered from 1 November 2019, under 14
From 1 November 2026: every 2 years
Before: every year
First registered November 2013 to October 2019
From 1 November 2026: every year, then every 2 years from 1 November 2027
Before: every year
Over 14 years old
From 1 November 2026: every year
Before: every year
First registered before 2000
From 1 November 2026: every year
Before: every 6 months
Motorbikes from before 2000
From 1 November 2026: every year
Before: every 6 months
Rental cars (on a COF)
From 1 November 2026: every year
Before: every 6 months
| Vehicle | Until 31 October 2026 | From 1 November 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| New cars (first registered from 1 November 2026) | First WOF at 3 years, then yearly | First WOF at 4 years, then every 2 years |
| First registered from 1 November 2019, under 14 | Every year | Every 2 years |
| First registered November 2013 to October 2019 | Every year | Every year, then every 2 years from 1 November 2027 |
| Over 14 years old | Every year | Every year |
| First registered before 2000 | Every 6 months | Every year |
| Motorbikes from before 2000 | Every 6 months | Every year |
| Rental cars (on a COF) | Every 6 months | Every year |
NZTA confirmed the changes on 25 September 2026. The same day, the fine for a WOF more than two months out of date goes up from $200 to $350, and for tyres and wheels that don't pass, from $150 to $350. Inspections also start checking warning lights for driver-assist features like automatic emergency braking and lane keeping.
Rules from NZTA and the AA. Check NZTA for your own vehicle.
Questions
Does my current WOF still count?
Yes. Your current WOF runs to the expiry date on its label. The new gap starts from your next WOF after 1 November 2026.
Why are the rules changing?
The government says modern cars are safer and more reliable, and most comparable countries inspect cars every one to two years. It expects the change to save motorists money and time.
Do I still need to keep my car safe between WOFs?
Yes. A car has to be safe to drive all the time, not just on WOF day. Check your tyres, lights and wipers yourself, especially with two years between inspections.
Guides to the new rules
- The new WOF rules, explainedEvery change by car, and when your next WOF is due
- What to check between WOFsTen minutes a month covers what an inspector would catch
- WOF and tyre fines rise to $350What changes, and how to avoid them
- Buying a used car under the new rulesWhy a fresh WOF matters more now
- Six-monthly WOFs endWhat it means for pre-2000 cars and motorbikes
- Driver-assist warning lightsThe new AEB and lane keep check
More for your car
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