Vintage Vehicle Inspections Reduced to Annual Checks in New Policy

Transport Minister Chris Bishop announced on Thursday significant changes to vehicle inspection requirements for vintage vehicles in New Zealand. Starting in September 2023, light vehicles over 40 years old, as well as privately owned heavy motorhomes, will transition from biannual inspections to annual checks. This decision has been met with a mix of enthusiasm and cautious concern from the vintage vehicle community.

The announcement highlighted the cultural significance of vintage vehicles and motorhomes in New Zealand. Bishop remarked, “Everyone loves spotting a beautifully kept vintage car out for a Sunday drive, and cruising around our beautiful country in a motorhome is a classic Kiwi dream.”

Among those welcoming the changes is Colin Winter, a 79-year-old vintage vehicle enthusiast from Waverley. Winter owns three vintage Wolseley cars, manufactured between 1900 and 1967, a 1926 BSA Deluxe motorcycle, and a 1982 Honda. While he appreciates the reduction in inspections, he expressed a preference for more frequent checks, stating, “I’m going to wonder, we’re going to get a 12-month warrant of fitness, how hard are they going to be on our vehicles?”

Winter noted the potential for minor issues to escalate in the additional six months between inspections. Despite his concerns, he acknowledged that the inspection process was “no hassle” and valued having a second pair of eyes on his vehicles.

According to Winter, Dunedin boasts a vibrant community of vintage vehicle owners, with an estimated 200 to 300 vintage vehicles in the area. This community is further represented by the Wolseley Car Club NZ, whose president, Gordon Duthie, emphasized the economic impact of vintage vehicles. A recent member survey revealed that the vintage vehicle sector has an economic footprint of $16.5 billion. Duthie stated, “Anything that can be done to encourage vintage ownership and engagement should be welcomed.”

The rationale for the change was grounded in an analysis of vintage vehicle safety and accident involvement. Duthie noted that data confirmed a common-sense conclusion: collectible vehicles tend to be better maintained and are less frequently involved in accidents compared to newer cars. “Almost universally these are cars that are loved, looked after and continually well maintained. They’re also driven less often,” he explained.

Bishop reported overwhelming public support for the new inspection policy. A total of 13,242 submissions were received, with 98% of respondents supporting the changes for vintage light vehicles and 89% in favor of the changes for heavy motorhomes.

Looking ahead, the New Zealand government plans to review the frequency and inspection requirements for other light vehicles as part of the Land Transport Rules Reform Programme. Bishop noted that the focus on vintage and classic vehicles aligns with broader efforts to improve road safety while recognizing the unique culture surrounding these vehicles.

As the policy takes effect, the vintage vehicle community will be watching closely to see how the new annual inspection regime unfolds and what implications it may have for their cherished automobiles.