New rules come into force on Thursday for the use of winter tyres, also known as snow tyres.
The changes prohibit combining winter and ordinary tyres on the same vehicle and require a minimum tread depth of 4 millimetres for winter tyres.
The Transport Agency says the aim is to reduce the risk of crashes arising from the mis-use of snow tyres.
Spokesperson Andy Knackstedt says there have been serious and even fatal crashes where this has been a contributing factor.
Compliance checks will be made when vehicles enter New Zealand, and when inspections are made for a warrant or certificate of fitness, he says.
