Published Land Transport Rules

Most Rules are available in two electronic formats:

• HTML (click on the Rule name for the HTML format)
• PDF (to view and print PDFs you need to have a PDF reader such as Adobe Reader - it's free).

(Note: 'Consolidation' versions of Rules in the table below bring together a Rule and all of its amendments in one document.)

Dangerous Goods

This Rule sets out the requirements for the safe transport of dangerous goods on land in New Zealand. The Rule covers the packaging, identification and documentation of dangerous goods; the segregation of incompatible goods; transport procedures and the training and responsibilities of those involved in the transport of dangerous goods.

Title - links to HTML	PDF	Q&A
Dangerous Goods Consolidation Dangerous Goods 2005	PDF PDF (1.27 MB)	Q&A Changes from 1999

Door Retention Systems

This Rule covers the design, construction and maintenance of door retention systems used by passengers and drivers for entrance and exit.

Title - links to HTML	PDF	Q&A
Door Retention Systems Consolidation Door Retention Systems 2001	PDF PDF (274 KB)

Driver licensing

This Rule specifies the requirements for obtaining and renewing a driver licence in New Zealand. It sets out the requirements for the holder of a driver licence to obtain or renew a licence endorsement that will enable the endorsement holder to use a motor vehicle for specified activities. The Rule also specifies the requirements for those who provide services related to the licensing of drivers.

Title - links to HTML	PDF	Q&A
Driver Licensing preface Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Consolidation Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Rule 1999 (on the Public Access to Legislation website) Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Rule 1999 Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Rule 2006 Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Rule (No 2) 2006 Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Rule 2008 Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Amendment Rule (No 2) 2008	PDF (15 KB) PDF PDF (801 KB) PDF (8.61 MB) PDF (80 KB) PDF (256 KB) PDF (201 KB)	Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A

External Projections

This Rule covers objects and fittings that protrude from the exterior of the motor vehicle. The Rule requires that external projections be designed and maintained with due regard to the safety of other motor vehicles, as well as the safety of pedestrians and cyclists.

Title - links to HTML	PDF	Q&A
External Projections Consolidation External Projections 2001	PDF PDF (273 KB)

Fuel Consumption Information

This Rule sets out requirements for the provision of fuel consumption information for light vehicles (vehicles with a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes) that enter the New Zealand fleet and are manufactured on or after 1 January 2000.

Title - links to HTML	PDF	Q&A
Fuel Consumption Information 2008	PDF (159 KB)	Q&A

Frontal impact

This Rule provides that the performance of a motor vehicle in relation to frontal impact must not be impaired by such factors as corrosion or structural damage; and requires specified vehicles to comply with an approved frontal impact standard. Frontal impact vehicle standards set the level of protection that must be provided for a vehicle’s driver and passengers in a frontal impact crash.

Title - links to HTML	PDF	Q&A
Frontal Impact preface Frontal Impact Consolidation Frontal Impact 2001 Frontal Impact Amendment 2005 Frontal Impact Amendment 2008	PDF (13 KB) PDF PDF (283 KB) PDF (33 KB) PDF (155 KB)	Q&A Q&A

Glazing, Windscreen Wipe and Wash, and Mirrors

This Rule establishes minimum safety levels for glazing, if fitted in a vehicle, ensuring adequate levels of visibility and structural strength. The Rule also sets out requirements for windscreen wipe systems and, for vehicles manufactured from 1992, windscreen wash systems. Requirements for the fitting of rear-view mirrors, and standards with which rear-view mirrors must comply, are also set out in the Rule.

Title - links to HTML	PDF	Q&A
Glazing, Windscreen Wipe and Wash, and Mirrors preface Glazing, Windscreen Wipe and Wash, and Mirrors Consolidation (2007) Glazing, Windscreen Wipe and Wash, and Mirrors 1999 Glazing, Windscreen Wipe and Wash, and Mirrors Amendment 2005 Glazing, Windscreen Wipe and Wash, and Mirrors Amendment 2007 Glazing, Windscreen Wipe and Wash, and Mirrors Advisory Circular 1999	PDF (13 KB) PDF PDF (160 KB) PDF (40 KB) PDF (50 KB) PDF (53 KB)	Q&A Q&A

Head Restraints

The Rule requires that, if head restraints are fitted to motor vehicles, they must be designed and maintained to protect the occupants’ heads and necks against whiplash injury in a crash.

Title - links to HTML	PDF	Q&A
Head Restraints Consolidation Head Restraints 2001	PDF PDF (273 KB)

Heavy vehicles

This Rule sets out requirements and standards for heavy vehicle safety. It applies to vehicles with a gross vehicle mass of more than 3500 kilograms.

Title - links to HTML	PDF	Q&A
Heavy Vehicles preface Heavy Vehicles Consolidation Heavy Vehicles 2004 Heavy Vehicles Amendment 2005 Heavy Vehicles Amendment 2007 Heavy Vehicles Amendment 2008	PDF (14 Kb) PDF PDF (828 KB) PDF (33 KB) PDF (54 KB) PDF (118 KB)	About | Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A

Heavy-vehicle brakes

This Rule sets out requirements to ensure that heavy vehicles and heavy-vehicle combinations can brake safely, with balanced brake performance, at any road-legal load condition. It applies to vehicles with a gross vehicle mass of more than 3500 kilograms.

Title - links to HTML	PDF	Q&A
Heavy-vehicle Brakes preface Heavy-vehicle Brakes Consolidation Heavy-vehicle Brakes 2006 Heavy-vehicle Brakes Amendment 2007 Heavy-vehicle Brakes Amendment 2009	PDF (13 KB) PDF PDF (648 KB) PDF (111 KB)	About | Q&A Q&A Q&A

Interior impact

This Rule covers the design, construction and maintenance of interior fittings in motor vehicles.

Title - links to HTML	PDF	Q&A
Interior Impact Consolidation Interior Impact 2001	PDF PDF (274 KB)

Light-vehicle brakes

This Rule specifies the types of brakes that must be fitted in most types of light vehicle, and the requirements for those brakes.

Title - links to HTML	PDF	Q&A
Light-vehicle Brakes preface Light-vehicle Brakes Consolidation Light-vehicle Brakes 2002 Light-vehicle Brakes Amendment 2007	PDF (12 KB) PDF PDF (393 KB) PDF (50 KB)	Q&A

Operator Licensing

This Rule sets out the requirements for obtaining and retaining a licence to operate a passenger, rental, vehicle recovery, or goods service. It also contains requirements that apply to transport service drivers, ‘dial-a-driver’ service drivers, hirers of rental service vehicles, and approved taxi organisations.

Title - links to HTML	PDF	Q&A
Operator Licensing preface Operator Licensing Consolidation Operator Licensing 2007 Operator Licensing Amendment 2008 Operator Licensing Amendment 2009	PDF (13 KB) PDF PDF (248 KB) PDF (166 KB) PDF (83 KB)	Q&A Q&A Q&A

Operator Safety Rating

This Rule sets out the key aspects of the operator rating system. The rating of operators will allow NZ Transport Agency compliance units, and Police enforcement units, to focus on operators of vehicles covered by the Rule.

Title - links to HTML	PDF	Q&A
Operator Safety Rating preface Operator Safety Rating Consolidation Operator Safety Rating 2008 Operator Safety Rating Amendment 2009	PDF (14 KB) PDF PDF (144 KB) PDF (88 KB)	Q&A Q&A

Passenger Service Vehicles

This Rule specifies the legal requirements for the design and construction of all passenger service vehicles in New Zealand. The definition of ‘passenger service vehicle’ also includes privately owned and operated vehicles that have more than 12 seats or that are heavy motor vehicles with more than nine seats.

Title - links to HTML	PDF	Q&A
Passenger Service Vehicles preface Passenger Service Vehicles Consolidation Passenger Service Vehicles 1999 Passenger Service Vehicles Amendment 2005 Passenger Service Vehicles Amendment 2007 Passenger Service Vehicles Amendment 2007 (No 2) Passenger Service Vehicles Amendment 2009	PDF (19 KB) PDF PDF (389 KB) PDF (32 KB) PDF (58 KB) PDF (111 KB)	Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A

Road user

This Rule establishes the rules under which traffic operates on roads.The Rule applies to all road users, whether they are drivers, riders, passengers, pedestrians, or leading or droving animals.

Title - links to HTML	PDF	Q&A
Road User preface Land Transport (Road User) Consolidation Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 (on the Public Access to Legislation website) Land Transport (Road User) Amendment Rule 2005 Land Transport (Road User) Amendment Rule 2007 Land Transport (Road User) Amendment Rule 2007 (No 2) Land Transport (Road User) Amendment Rule 2009 Land Transport (Road User) Amendment Rule 2009 (No 2)	PDF (19 KB) PDF PDF (200 KB) PDF (73 KB) PDF (81 KB) PDF (219 KB) PDF (96 KB) PDF (226 KB)	About | Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A

Seatbelts and Seatbelt Anchorages

This Rule states in which seating positions seatbelts must be fitted in vehicles, as well as the type of seatbelt that must be fitted.

Title - links to HTML	PDF	Q&A
Seatbelts and Seatbelt Anchorages preface Seatbelts and Seatbelt Anchorages Consolidation Seatbelts and Seatbelt Anchorages 2002 Seatbelts and Seatbelt Anchorages Amendment 2005 Seatbelts and Seatbelt Anchorages Amendment 2009	PDF (13 KB) PDF PDF (249 KB) PDF (32 KB) PDF (105 KB)	Q&A Q&A

Seats and Seat Anchorages

This Rule covers the design, construction and maintenance of seats and seat anchorages.

Title - links to HTML	PDF	Q&A
Seats and Seat Anchorages Consolidation Seats and Seat Anchorages 2002	PDF PDF (211 KB)

Setting of Speed Limits

This Rule establishes procedures whereby road controlling authorities may set enforceable speed limits on roads within their jurisdictions.

Title - links to HTML	PDF	Q&A
Setting of Speed Limits preface Setting of Speed Limits Consolidation Setting of Speed Limits 2003 Setting of Speed Limits Amendment 2005 Setting of Speed Limits Amendment 2007	PDF (13 KB) PDF PDF (470 KB) PDF (71 KB) PDF (54 KB)	Q&A Q&A

Steering systems

This Rule covers the design, construction and maintenance of steering systems in motor vehicles.

Title - links to HTML	PDF	Q&A
Steering Systems Consolidation Steering Systems 2001	PDF PDF (270 KB)

Traffic Control Devices

This Rule specifies the requirements for the design, construction, installation, operation and maintenance of traffic control devices, and sets out the functions and responsibilities of road controlling authorities in providing traffic control devices to give effect to their decisions on the control of traffic.

Title - links to HTML	PDF	Q&A
Traffic Control Devices preface Traffic Control Devices Consolidation Traffic Control Devices 2004 and Schedules Traffic Control Devices Amendment 2005 Traffic Control Devices Amendment 2006 Traffic Control Devices Amendment 2007	PDF (13 KB) PDF PDF (860 KB) PDF (106 KB) PDF (173 KB) PDF (134 KB)	Q&A Q&A Q&A

Tyres and Wheels

This Rule applies to tyres and wheels and their assembly with hubs and axles, on all motor vehicles and also on pedal cycles. The Rule specifies requirements with which a vehicle must comply for certification purposes and that apply throughout the vehicle’s on-road life.

Title - links to HTML	PDF	Q&A
Tyres and Wheels preface Tyres and Wheels Consolidation Tyres and Wheels 2001 Tyres and Wheels Amendment 2005 Tyres and Wheels Amendment 2007 Tyres and Wheels Amendment (No 2) 2007 Tyres and Wheels Amendment 2009 Tyres and Wheels Amendment (No 2) 2009	PDF (21 KB) PDF PDF (250 KB) PDF (31 KB) PDF (80 KB) PDF (79 KB) PDF (42 KB)	Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A

Vehicle Dimensions and Mass

This Rule specifies requirements for dimension and mass limits for vehicles operating on New Zealand roads. The Rule sets in place a regulatory regime so that vehicles, in particular, heavy truck and trailer combinations, are operated safely.

Title - links to HTML	PDF	Q&A
Vehicle Dimensions and Mass preface Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Consolidation Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002 Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Amendment 2005 Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Amendment 2007 Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Amendment (No 2) 2007 Vehicle Dimensions and Mass Amendment 2009	PDF (21 KB) PDF PDF (1.67 MB) PDF (56 KB) PDF (219 KB) PDF (107 KB) PDF (95 KB)	Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A

Vehicle Equipment

This Rule covers the safety and maintenance requirements for the following equipment fitted to motor vehicles: warning devices, speedometers, sun visors, mudguards, footrests on motorcycles and mopeds, child restraints, televisions, fuel tanks and fuel lines. The Rule applies to all motor vehicles except power-assisted pedal cycles.

Title - links to HTML	PDF	Q&A
Vehicle Equipment preface Vehicle Equipment Consolidation Vehicle Equipment 2004 Vehicle Equipment Amendment 2005 Vehicle Equipment Amendment 2007	PDF (13 KB) PDF PDF (175 KB) PDF (38 KB) PDF (180 KB)	Q&A Q&A Q&A

Vehicle Exhaust Emissions

This Rule is part of a series of legislative measures aimed at achieving improvements in air quality by reducing the levels of harmful emissions from motor vehicles. The Rule applies to motor vehicles that are required to be certified for entry into, or operation in, service.

Title - links to HTML	PDF	Q&A
Vehicle Exhaust Emissions preface Vehicle Exhaust Emissions Consolidation Vehicle Exhaust Emissions 2007 Vehicle Exhaust Emissions Amendment 2009	PDF (13 KB) PDF PDF (199 KB) PDF (139 KB)	Q&A Q&A

Vehicle Lighting

This Rule applies to all motor vehicles and also to vehicles of Class AA (pedal cycles). It sets out standards and safety requirements for lighting equipment that is fitted to a vehicle, to allow the vehicle to be operated safely under all driving conditions and not endanger the safety of other road users.

Title - links to HTML	PDF	Q&A
Vehicle Lighting preface Vehicle Lighting Consolidation Vehicle Lighting 2004 Vehicle Lighting Amendment 2005 Vehicle Lighting Amendment 2007 Vehicle Lighting Amendment (No 2) 2007 Vehicle Lighting Amendment 2009	PDF (21 KB) PDF PDF (236 KB) PDF (32 KB) PDF (51 KB) PDF (98 KB)	Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A

Vehicle Repair

This Rule sets a standard for repair for vehicles and requires repairers to use suitable methods in attaining that standard. The Rule applies to all repairs and to all vehicles and includes structural, mechanical and electrical repair.

Title - links to HTML	PDF	Q&A
Vehicle Repair Consolidation Vehicle Repair 1998	PDF PDF (108 KB)

Vehicle Standards Compliance

This Rule sets out requirements to control the entry of vehicles into, and operation of vehicles in, the land transport system. It also clarifies inspection and certification requirements for ‘agricultural’ vehicles operated at speeds exceeding 30 km/h and for vehicles operated conditionally before entering service.

Title - links to HTML	PDF	Q&A
Vehicle Standards Compliance preface Vehicle Standards Compliance Consolidation Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002 Vehicle Standards Compliance Amendment 2005 Vehicle Standards Compliance Amendment 2007 Vehicle Standards Compliance Amendment (No 2) 2007 Vehicle Standards Compliance (Whole of Vehicle Marking) Amendment 2009 Vehicle Standards Compliance Amendment (No 2) 2009	PDF (20 KB) PDF PDF (283 KB) PDF (68 KB) PDF (86 KB) PDF (119 KB) PDF (95 KB)	Q&A Q&A Q&A Q&A

Work Time and Logbooks

This Rule sets out how the limits to the work time hours for a driver of a vehicle that requires a Class 2, 3, 4, or 5 licence, or is used in a transport service (other than a rental service), or that is a vehicle used to carry goods for hire or reward, as prescribed by the Land Transport Act 1998, are to be administered.

Title - links to HTML	PDF	Q&A
Work Time and Logbooks preface Work Time and Logbooks Consolidation Work Time and Logbooks 2007 Work Time and Logbooks Amendment 2009	PDF (14 KB) PDF PDF (288 KB) PDF (90 KB)	Q&A Q&A

Printed Rules - retail outlets, subscribers and orders

Published Rules and accompanying advisory circulars are available to the general public and to one-off purchasers from booksellers that stock legislation.

For authorised retail stockists and Rule subscribers, an order form is available from Wickliffe Limited. If you would like to register your interest in having a standing order for Rules, please contact:

Wickliffe
Helpdesk: Freephone 0800 226 440
Orders: Fax 0800 802 126

Last updated: 20 November 2009