9 Apr 2020

Expired warrants and regos get an extension

4:56 pm on 9 April 2020

The government is extending divers licenses, warrants of fitness and car registrations by up to six months due to the lockdown.

21993192 - male hands on steering wheel on the right with country side view

Photo: 123RF

All licenses, WoFs, CoFs and some vehicle certifications that expired on or after 1 January will be valid for up to six months from 10 April.

License endorsements that expire on or after 1 March 2020 will be extended and there will be a suspension of the requirement to display a current registration expired on or after 1 January 2020.

Transport Minister Phil Twyford said people shouldn't have to worry about getting fined for having an expired document if driving to use essential services or as an essential worker.

  • If you have symptoms of the coronavirus, call the NZ Covid-19 Healthline on 0800 358 5453 (+64 9 358 5453 for international SIMs) or call your GP - don't show up at a medical centre

"The extension will give people and businesses plenty of time after the lockdown to renew their documents without putting extra pressure on them when they are already likely to be stressed.

"It'll still be up to drivers to keep their vehicles safe and I urge owners to follow the NZ Transport Agency's advice and regularly self-check their vehicle.

"We're asking drivers before they set off, to give it a TWIRL - check your Tyres, Windscreen wipers, mirrors, and Indicators, look for Rust, and test your Lights," he said.

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Twyford said people are able to get critical repairs done for the purpose of accessing essential services, such fixing punctured tyres or damaged windscreens.

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