Categories for registering and licensing ATVs

Back to All-terrain vehicles: ATV registration licensing and safety

1. No road use

ATVs that will never be used on any road (under the legal definition of road) don't have to be registered or licensed.

2. Exempt Class A and Exempt Class B (also known as EA and EB)

Exempt Class A vehicles are not exempt from registration and licensing but are exempt from registration fees and the vehicle licence portion of the licensing fee. You still have to pay for other fees and levies included in the total licensing fee. For example, you still have to pay for the appropriate ACC levy, registration plates and labels.

Changes to exempt Class A vehicles

Changes that came into effect on 1 August 2011 mean some vehicles that previously qualified for 'exempt Class A' no longer qualify once their existing exempt Class A licence expires. For more information on these changes see the section Exempt Class A has changed.

Exempt Class B vehicles are exempt from the payment of some levies and charges such as ACC levies, road user charges and fuel excise equivalent duty.

For more information on EA and EB vehicles vehicles see factsheet 27, Exempt vehicles from registration and licensing.

3. Farm use

If you own an ATV in the 'farm use' category you must pay registration and licensing fees, but are exempt from the ACC levy.

'Farm use' ATVs may be driven along public highways in connection with the operation or management of a farm only when going from one farm to another that is owned and managed by the same person.

ATVs owned by farmers or farm managers are exempt from fuel excise duty under the provisions of the Transit NZ (Apportionment and Refund of Excise Duty) Regulations 1998. Please contact the Excise Officer, NZ Transport Agency, PO Box 1947, Palmerston North for more information about entitlements and claims for rebates.

You need a driver licence to drive a farm use ATV on the road.

All vehicles used on the road are required to meet certain safety requirements. ATVs in the farm use category aren't subject to warrant of fitness (WoF) inspections, but must be maintained in roadworthy condition.

4. Unrestricted private use

If you're going to use your ATV on public highways for greater distances than those described above, or for reasons other than those outlined above, your vehicle must display a 'G' licence label.

5. Unrestricted commercial use

ATVs that will be used to carry goods or passengers for a fee, or that will be hired out, fit into this category.

Licensing: To carry goods, you need to get a 'T' licence label. To carry passengers or hire out your ATV, you need an 'L' licence label.

ATVs requiring an 'L' licence label are subject to certificate of fitness (CoF) inspections. They must be upgraded to meet all relevant CoF requirements and comply with applicable vehicle standards, unless a specific exemption is granted.

Transport service licence: If you are an individual or company using ATVs commercially, you must hold the appropriate transport service licence for the vehicle(s). To apply for a transport service licence, call the contact centre on 0800 822 422. All registration and licensing fees must be paid in full. (Read Factsheet 47, Transport service licences, for more information.)

Driver licence: You must hold an appropriate class of driver licence if you drive an ATV in this category.

Exemptions and safety plans: Commercial ATV operators may be granted exemptions from specific legal requirements. (Exemptions are granted on a case-by-case basis.) To apply for an exemption, submit an individual safety plan to a vehicle compliance officer at your nearest NZ Transport Agency office. If the plan is approved, an exemption may be granted.

If you operate amphibious ATVs and intend to use the machines over water, you must also have your safety plan approved by Maritime New Zealand.

A safety plan has a better chance of being approved if it includes a provision for wearing helmets.