Skip to: Navigation | Content | Footer

Resources & manuals

Special interest vehicles (Factsheet 44b)

Published: 02 2009

This factsheet informs you of the changed requirements for importing certain vehicles that do not meet frontal impact or emissions standards.

Special interest vehicles

This factsheet informs you of the changed requirements for importing certain vehicles that do not meet frontal impact or emissions standards.

This factsheet applies to vehicles of class MA (passenger vehicle) only. Please confirm your vehicle belongs to class MA before importing under the ‘special interest’ category . Ask an Entry Certifier if you are unsure of your vehicle category, before you import (see contact list below.

If you are a motoring enthusiast wishing to import a vehicle that does not comply with New Zealand's frontal impact standards, there are certain changes to the Land Transport Rule: Frontal Impact 2001 that may affect you. Similar changes are also included in the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Exhaust Emissions 2007 (the Emissions Rule).

Previously, vehicles that did not meet one of the approved frontal impact protection standards in the Land Transport Rule: Frontal Impact 2001 could only enter service in New Zealand if they were granted an exemption. However, the requirements have changed. You may be able to import and register such a vehicle without needing an exemption, but to do so you will need to meet a number of specific conditions listed below and apply for a special interest vehicle permit.

What do the changes mean for me?

The changed requirements mean motoring enthusiasts will be able to bring in non-compliant vehicles that are designated as special interest vehicles, provided that all the specified requirements are met.

What requirements have to be met before my vehicle can be registered in New Zealand as a special interest vehicle?

Requirements that the vehicle must meet

To have a vehicle identified as a special interest vehicle, the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) must deem it to have historic value or it must meet three of the following four requirements:

  • The vehicle (or its make, model and submodel) is identified as being a collector's item in one of the following magazines or their respective websites – Australian classic car, Car and driver (US), Automobile (US), Motor (Australia), Motor trend (US), New Zealand autocar, New Zealand classic car, Road and track (US), Top gear (UK), Top gear NZ, Unique cars (Australia) or Wheels (Australia).
  • The vehicle's make and model has been (or was) manufactured in annual volumes of 20,000 units or less.
  • The vehicle is, and was manufactured as, a two-door coupe or a convertible.
  • The vehicle is, and was manufactured as, a high-performance vehicle.

You may be requested to submit additional information.

All general requirements for vehicles entering New Zealand are covered in Factsheet 44.

You must also comply with the following requirements:

  • You must be a New Zealand citizen or resident.
  • You must not have received a special interest vehicle permit during the two years before your application.
  • You must have another vehicle (eg car, ute, minivan) for your everyday use.
  • You must not have any other special interest vehicle registered in your name.
  • You must prove the other necessary standards for the vehicle year.

How do I apply for a permit to register a non-compliant vehicle in New Zealand?

You will need to apply to an entry certifier to obtain such a permit. A fee may be charged to process your application. The file will then be referred to the NZTA, who will make an assessment and decision.

If you do not complete this process, your vehicle will not be entry-certified and will not be able to be registered for use on New Zealand roads, unless you can prove that it meets approved frontal impact and emissions standards by other means.

Is there a limit to how many special interest vehicle permits that can be issued in any one calendar year?

Under the amended Frontal Impact Rule, the NZTA may not issue more than 200 special interest vehicle permits in any one calendar year. As a result, you may not be issued with a special interest vehicle permit if 200 such permits have already been issued in the calendar year in which you apply.

A special interest vehicle permit ceases to be valid if the vehicle is not inspected at the border or certified for entry within six months of the date of issue. A special interest vehicle permit that ceases to be valid in the calendar year it was issued will not be counted in the quota total mentioned above.

Are there any requirements attached to a special interest vehicle permit?

Yes, as follows:

  • A special interest vehicle cannot be sold or leased within four years of its registration in New Zealand.
  • A special interest vehicle cannot be used for hire or reward or in a transport service.

Can the NZTA grant exemptions?

The NZTA cannot grant exemptions from any conditions for special interest vehicles, including the quota total.

Does the Fuel Consumption Information Rule apply to special interest vehicles?

Land Transport Rule: Fuel Consumption Information 2008 (the Fuel Consumption Information Rule) sets out requirements for the provision of fuel consumption information for light motor vehicles that enter the New Zealand fleet and are manufactured on or after 1 January 2000. The Fuel Consumption Information Rule does not apply to 'special interest' vehicles. This means fuel consumption information does not have to be provided when the vehicle is first registered for use in New Zealand.

What about left-hand drive vehicles?

A 'special interest vehicle' permit is not a left-hand driver permit. For information on left-hand drive vehicles see Factsheet 12, Importing a left-hand drive vehicle.

Where can I find out more about these changes?

View the Land Transport Rule: Frontal Impact Amendment 2008 or obtain a hard copy by calling the NZTA contact centre on 0800 699 000. If you are outside New Zealand, phone +64 4 931 8700 and select option 3.

Contact an entry certifier

If you are unsure of your vehicle Class, or unsure if you can comply, please contact an entry certifier. The organisations listed below are appointed by the NZTA to advise on the suitability of vehicles for import, and carry out entry certification of imported used vehicles and new vehicles that are imported by persons other than the vehicle manufacturer's representative in New Zealand: