AUCKLAND, 3 November 2026 — New Zealand's warrant of fitness rules changed on 1 November 2026. New light vehicles now need their second WoF after four years instead of three. Light vehicles aged four to fourteen years, registered on or after 1 November 2019, move from annual to two-yearly inspections. Light vehicles over 14 years old now need an annual WoF, ending six-monthly checks for the oldest cars.
Penalties rose at the same time. Driving with a WoF more than two months out of date now carries a $350 fine, up from $200. From November 2027, the two-yearly cycle extends to vehicles registered from November 2013. With longer gaps between inspections, looking after a vehicle yourself is the smart habit. A quick monthly check of tyres, lights, wipers and brakes goes a long way.
CARFIX's AI parts expert, Bob, makes that easy. He draws on a vector database of mechanical engineering knowledge and has a detailed understanding of fault codes. He also helps owners find the right part for the job. CARFIX keeps a record of every part it supplies against the car's rego and sees each car's WoF due date, so owners have a steady companion between inspections.
A WoF every two years means two years of you being the inspector. Tyres, lights, wipers, brakes: check them monthly, and ask me if something's not right.
Bob, CARFIX's AI parts expert