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Light trailers

Updated: 4 April 2012

Light trailers include all types of light vehicles that you tow behind another vehicle - including horse floats, light caravans and boat trailers.

Light trailers

Three are two classes of light trailer:

Requirements for light trailers (Classes TA and TB)

Vehicle has to meet standard if made on or after... What sort of standard? Under what legislation?
1 January 2006 Direction indicator lamps (if fitted)
Front position lamps (if fitted)
High-mounted stop lamps (if fitted)
Rear fog lamps (if fitted)
Rear position lamps
Rear reflectors
Registration plate illumination lamps
Stop lamps
Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004
27 February 2005 Installation standard for lighting on Class TA vehicles
OR
fitting requirements in Lighting Rule**
Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004
1 October 2002 Tyres and wheels* Land Transport Rule: Tyres and Wheels 2001
*You may fit tyres that meet the New Zealand standards after your vehicle arrives in the country.

**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.

Need to know more?

See the full list of vehicle standards.

Other requirements

While these vehicles are not entry certified, you must register and license your light trailer and you must take it for regular warrant of fitness inspections.

Trailers first registered in New Zealand on or after 1 April 2012 must be fitted with a pair of stop lamps and a pair of direction indicator lamps. For more information, please refer to the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting Amendment 2011.

Taking your trailer on the road?

See our tips on safe towing.