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Heavy trailers

Updated: 4 December 2009

Heavy trailers have a gross vehicle mass (GVM) of more than 3500 kilograms.

There are two classes of heavy trailer:

All heavy trailers first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 July 2008 need to be fitted with ABS, EBS or LSV.

Requirements for heavy trailers (Classes TC and TD)

Vehicle has to meet standard if made on or after... What sort of standard? Under what legislation?
1 January 2006 End-outline marker lamps (if fitted)
High-mounted stop lamps (if fitted)
Rear fog lamps (if fitted)
Side-marker lamps (if fitted)
Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004 and Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting Amendment 2005
27 February 2005 Installation standard for lighting on class TC vehicles
OR
fitting requirements in Lighting Rule*
Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004
1 October 2004 Tyres and wheels** Land Transport Rule: Tyres and Wheels 2001
1 January 1996 Direction indicators
Front position lamps (if fitted)
Rear position lamps
Registration-plate illumination lamps
Stop lamps
Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004
1 January 1992 Rear reflectors Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004
* The number, position and performance of lighting equipment on vehicles manufactured after 27 February 2005 must meet EITHER an installation standard OR the relevant requirements in 3.3, 4.3, 6.3, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 8.3 and 9.3 of Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004.

** You may fit tyres that meet New Zealand standards to your vehicle after it arrives in the country.

Other requirements

Your vehicle has to be entry certified when it first arrives in New Zealand.

You must register and license your vehicle and take it for regular certificate of fitness inspections.

Need to know more?

See the full list of vehicle standards.

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