Plain language law

New Zealand law explained for everyone

Land Transport Act 1998

Enforcement of responsibilities - Enforcement powers for offences involving certain vehicles

124: Inspection of vehicles required to have evidence of vehicle inspection and certificate of loading

You could also call this:

“Checking vehicles that need safety papers”

You need to know about a law that lets enforcement officers check vehicles that must have proof of inspection and a certificate of loading. These officers can do several things:

They can ask you to show them the current proof that your vehicle has been inspected and its loading certificate. This means you need to keep these documents up to date and with you when you’re driving.

The officers can stop your vehicle while you’re driving on the road. They’re allowed to enter your vehicle and look around to make sure everything is okay.

If they want to, the officers can take your vehicle for a short drive to test if it’s working properly. You won’t have to pay for this test - the owner of the vehicle covers the cost.

The officers might need your help during their inspection or when they’re testing your vehicle. You should be ready to assist them if they ask.

Remember, these rules are there to make sure vehicles on the road are safe for everyone. The officers are just doing their job to keep you and others protected while driving.

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This page was last updated on

View the original legislation for this page at https://legislation.govt.nz/act/public/1986/0120/latest/link.aspx?id=DLM435124.

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123: Enforcement officer may seize and impound vehicle for up to 10 working days in relation to certain offences, or

"Police can take your car for up to 10 days if you're in a big accident or don't follow the rules"

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125: Stopping, inspection, and weighing of heavy vehicles and certain transport service vehicles, or

"Rules for checking and weighing big trucks and some work vehicles on the road"

Part 9 Enforcement of responsibilities
Enforcement powers for offences involving certain vehicles

124Inspection of vehicles required to have evidence of vehicle inspection and certificate of loading

  1. An enforcement officer may, at a reasonable time, exercise all or any of the following powers in respect of a vehicle that is required under this Act to have current evidence of vehicle inspection and a certificate of loading:

  2. require the owner or person for the time being in charge of the vehicle to produce current evidence of vehicle inspection and a current certificate of loading for that vehicle:
    1. stop, enter, and inspect any such vehicle while it is in use on a road:
      1. make a reasonable running test of the vehicle at the expense of the owner:
        1. require the owner or person for the time being in charge of the vehicle to provide reasonable assistance in the conduct of any such inspection or running test.

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