Short version: from 1 November 2026, light vehicles first registered on or after 1 November 2019 move from a yearly WoF to a WoF every 2 years, once they're past their early inspections. Cars registered before 2000 drop from 6-monthly to annual. Cars 14 to 26 years old stay annual. And the fine for a WoF more than two months out of date goes up from $200 to $350.
These are NZTA's announced changes, published in April 2026 after public consultation. They take effect through amendments to the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002.
How often you'll need a WoF
This is NZTA's table for light vehicles: cars, vans, people-movers and light trailers.
| Vehicle | Now | New rule | From |
|---|---|---|---|
| New light vehicle | Second WoF at 3 years | Second WoF at 4 years | 1 Nov 2026 |
| 4 to 14 years old, first registered on or after 1 Nov 2019 | Annual | Every 2 years | 1 Nov 2026 |
| 4 to 14 years old, first registered 1 Nov 2013 to 31 Oct 2019 | Annual | Every 2 years | 1 Nov 2027 |
| 14 to 26 years old | Annual | Annual (no change) | — |
| Registered before 1 Jan 2000 | Every 6 months | Annual | 1 Nov 2026 |
| Light rental vehicle | CoF every 6 months | Annual CoF | 1 Nov 2026 |
| Motorcycle registered before 1 Jan 2000 | Every 6 months | Annual | 1 Nov 2026 |
| Motorcycle registered on or after 1 Jan 2000 | Annual | Annual (no change) | — |
"First registered" is the date on the vehicle's registration record. For a used import, check that date rather than the year it arrived in New Zealand.
Which group is my car in?
- Registered in 2020 or later: you're in the first group to go two-yearly, from 1 November 2026.
- Registered November 2019: also the first group. The cut-off is 1 November 2019, not 1 January.
- Registered November 2013 to October 2019: you keep annual WoFs for one more year. Two-yearly starts from 1 November 2027.
- Registered 2000 to October 2013: nothing changes. Still annual.
- Registered before 2000: good news. Six-monthly becomes annual from 1 November 2026.
A two-yearly WoF doesn't mean you can skip maintenance. You still have to keep the car roadworthy between inspections: tyres, lights, brakes and wipers are your responsibility every day, not just on WoF day.
What else is changing
A bigger fine for an expired WoF
The infringement fee for driving with a WoF that expired more than two months ago goes up from $200 to $350.
Wheels and tyres
Penalties for non-compliant wheels and tyres go up from $150 to $350 as an infringement fee, and up to $1,000 as a maximum court-ordered fine.
Driver-assist warning lights
WoF and CoF A inspections will check that no warning or malfunction light is showing for automatic emergency braking (AEB) or lane keep assist, where the car has them. If one of those lights is on, get it looked at before you book.
What it means for your costs
WoF prices aren't set by NZTA. Each garage or testing station sets its own: $92 at most VTNZ branches and $81 for AA members ($91 for non-members) at most AA Auto Centres. If your car moves to two-yearly, you pay for half as many inspections over the same period. What a WoF costs, and what a fail costs.
Your rego doesn't change. You still need a current WoF to renew the licence, and the licence fees are the same whichever WoF schedule you're on.
Dates to know
- 1 November 2026: two-yearly WoF for cars first registered on or after 1 November 2019; annual WoF for pre-2000 cars and motorcycles; annual CoF for light rentals; the bigger fines.
- 1 November 2027: two-yearly WoF extends to cars first registered from 1 November 2013 to 31 October 2019.
NZTA says more detail is still to come, including an updated Vehicle Inspection Requirements Manual, so check the label on your windscreen and NZTA's page for your own car's next due date.
Common questions
Is the WoF going to every 2 years in NZ?
For many cars, yes. From 1 November 2026, light vehicles first registered on or after 1 November 2019 move to a WoF every 2 years once they're past their early inspections. Cars registered from November 2013 to October 2019 follow from 1 November 2027.
Does my 2015 car need a WoF every year?
Until 1 November 2027, yes. Cars first registered between 1 November 2013 and 31 October 2019 keep annual WoFs until then, and move to every 2 years after that.
How often does a car older than 2000 need a WoF?
Every 6 months today, and once a year from 1 November 2026.
What is the fine for no WoF in NZ?
If your WoF expired more than two months ago, the infringement fee goes up from $200 to $350 under the new rules.
Do I still need a WoF to pay my rego?
Yes. You need a current WoF or CoF to renew your vehicle licence. That doesn't change.
Sources: NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi, Changes to light vehicle inspections from 1 November 2026 (published 16 April 2026) and Changes to light vehicle inspections. Checked October 2026. General information, not legal advice.
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