Vehicle screening – how it works

Using weigh-in-motion or in-road scales and automatic number plate recognition cameras, the safety centres screen all passing traffic for non-compliance and safety concerns. This data is collected and stored in compliance with the Privacy Act 2020.

Any heavy vehicles of interest are directed into a commercial vehicle safety centre (CVSC) for inspection. Light vehicles are also assessed but won’t be directed into a CVSC. Light vehicle data is anonymised and used for analysis, insights, and reporting.

Static signs are in place on all roads that approach a CVSC. Further on, if your vehicle is flagged during screening and you are classed as a heavy vehicle, the road-side electronic sign will display a message. If ‘All heavy vehicles’ or your vehicle number plate is displayed on that sign, you must stop at the CVSC. Not doing so can incur a $1000 fine.

At the CVSC, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Team (CVST) officers will ask you to drive over the weigh bridge. CVST officers may also do further compliance checks, such as checking RUC or logbooks, or completing a vehicle inspection.

What you’ll be screened for 

Heavy vehicles 

• Stolen vehicles.
• Unconfirmed ownership – buyers have not completed the MR13B form.
• Vehicles with a pink, green or yellow sticker. 
• Potential safety issues, such as vehicles without a current Certificate of Fitness (CoF).
• Unregistered or unlicenced.
• RUC not enough for the weight carried.
• Exceeding the maximum allowable weight.
• Load status of the vehicle checked against its permit.
• Previous safety-related concerns.
• Intentional avoidance of the screening Weigh In Motion. 

In the future, potential driver fatigue will be screened for. For example, a vehicle has passed two or more CVSCs in a time that shows as a work-time breach.

From mid-2024, we'll also be able to invoice for unpaid RUC using data collected from weigh-in-motion scales, even when vehicles aren't pulled into CVSCs. 

Invoicing for RUC with data from weigh-in-motion scales

Light vehicles

Light vehicles will not be directed into a CVSC. Identifying details, such as plate number, are collected and anonymised.

• Warrant of Fitness (WoF).
• Certificate of Fitness (COF).
• Engine type – petrol, diesel, CNG, LPG, electric.
• Stolen vehicles.
• Unconfirmed ownership – buyers have not completed the MR13B form.
• Vehicles with a pink, green or yellow sticker.