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Warrant of Fitness

A warrant of fitness (WOF) is a periodic safety inspection that is compulsory for light vehicles (such as most cars, vans, utes and 4WDs).
  • Vehicles first registered anywhere less than six years ago must have WOF inspections every 12 months
  • All other vehicles must have WOF inspections every six months

Failed WOF

If your vehicle has failed a warrant check, you have 28 days to have the fault remedied and have the vehicle re-checked without paying another check fee. However, the vehicle should not be driven if the warrant is expired or it has failed a check, except from your place of residence to the garage concerned to have the fault fixed and/or re-examined. 

If your vehicle is displaying an expired WOF, you will be issued with a $200 infringement. Even if you display your WOF check sheet outlining what faults need to be corrected, you will still be issued with an infringement notice. 

Displaying a WOF check sheet does not exempt you from being issued with an infringement notice. You should not be using the vehicle except to have the faults rectified. Diverting into town to get money from the bank is not a defence.

Visit Land Transport NZ for further information on the Warrant of Fitness.