Land Transport Rule

Glazing, Windscreen Wipe and Wash, and Mirrors 1999

Rule 32012/1

Note: This Rule should be read in conjunction with Land Transport Rule: Glazing, Windscreen Wipe and Wash, and Mirrors Amendment 2005 and Land Transport Rule: Glazing, Windscreen Wipe and Wash, and Mirrors Amendment 2007.

Contents

Objective of the rule

Extent of consultation

Part 1     Rule requirements

Section 1     Application

Section 2     Vehicle standards and other safety requirements for glazing

Section 3     Modification and repair of glazing

Section 4     Vehicle standards and other safety requirements for windscreen wipe systems and windscreen wash systems

Section 5     Vehicle standards and other safety requirements for rear-view mirrors

Section 6     Modification and repair of windscreen wipe systems, windscreen wash systems and rear-view mirrors

Section 7     Responsibilities

Part 2     Definitions

Part 3     Schedules

 

Objective of the rule

Land Transport Rule: Glazing, Windscreen Wipe and Wash, and Mirrors 1999 is one of a series of rules that set safety requirements and standards for systems and components in vehicles operating in New Zealand. This rule establishes minimum safety levels for glazing, if fitted in a vehicle, ensuring adequate levels of visibility and structural strength. The rule also sets out requirements for windscreen wipe systems and, for vehicles manufactured from 1992, windscreen wash systems. Requirements for the fitting of rear-view mirrors, and standards with which rear-view mirrors must comply, are also set out in the rule.

This rule revises and replaces the earlier rule, Land Transport Rule: Glazing 1996 (Rule 32012), which came into force on 1 January 1997. References in that rule to inspection and certification provisions in the Traffic Regulations 1976 and the Transport (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1990 were revoked by Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 1998 and replaced by appropriate references in that rule, which came into force on 1 March 1999.

The rule consolidates the new references to Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 1998 and Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Repair 1998 in conjunction with a number of other changes. The topics covered by the earlier Glazing Rule have been expanded to include requirements for windscreen wipe systems, windscreen wash systems and rear-view mirrors. The rule permits aftermarket tinting of front side windows provided that the overall visible light transmittance of the glazing is not reduced to less than 35 percent. A number of other amendments are also made to clarify provisions relating to stoneguards and the use of stickers and bands. The scope of the rule is extended so that it applies irrespective of the vehicle’s date of manufacture and also covers motor vehicles that are not in the classes specified in Table A of the rule.

As specified in the earlier rule, the ‘general safety requirements’ consolidate and, in effect, roll-over relevant provisions of the Traffic Regulations 1976 and the Transport (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1990. The approved vehicle standards are ‘incorporated by reference’ in accordance with section 165 of the Land Transport Act 1998 so that they are effectively part of the rule. A choice of overseas standards provides flexibility within agreed safety parameters.

This rule applies throughout the on-road life of the vehicle by specifying requirements for certification as a prerequisite to first registration in New Zealand; repair; modification; in-service inspection and other aspects of continuing compliance. The rule is an essential element of the safety framework governing vehicles in New Zealand. It links with, and provides a means of assessment for, Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 1998, which sets procedures for vehicle certification for registration, in-service fitness, and other purposes.

The rule specifies who is responsible for ensuring compliance with its requirements: operators, repairers, modifiers, certification and inspection organisations, manufacturers and retailers. This ensures the rule is explicitly linked to relevant provisions of the Land Transport (Offences and Penalties) Regulations 1999.

 

Extent of consultation

The earlier rule, Land Transport Rule: Glazing 1996, that this revised rule replaces underwent extensive consultation, beginning in May 1995, with industry groups, interested government agencies and the public. Comments on the earlier rule have been taken into account in producing this revised rule, Land Transport Rule: Glazing, Windscreen Wipe and Wash, and Mirrors 1999.

Formal consultation on the revised rule began on 31 March 1999 with the release of the yellow (public consultation) draft of the rule (together with the drafts of six other revised rules for vehicle standards) to around 800 interested organisations and individuals. The availability of the yellow draft was publicised in 15 metropolitan and regional daily newspapers, the New Zealand Gazette, Te Maori News, the Rural Bulletin and in industry publications. Copies of the draft rule were sent to overseas libraries and transport authorities. The draft rule was also accessible on the Internet. Forty-one submissions were received on the yellow draft of Land Transport Rule: Glazing, Windscreen Wipe and Wash, and Mirrors 1999.

Issues identified in submissions were taken into account in redrafting the rule, which was then sent to the Ministry of Transport for government scrutiny before being submitted to the Minister of Transport for signature.

 

Part 1     Rule requirements

Section 1     Application

1.1     Title

This rule is to be cited as Land Transport Rule: Glazing, Windscreen Wipe and Wash, and Mirrors 1999.

 

1.2     Scope of the rule

1.2(1)     This rule applies to glazing, windscreen wipe systems, windscreen wash systems and rear-view mirrors in all vehicles, including, but not restricted to, motor vehicles of the classes in Table A in Part 2, irrespective of the dates of:

1.2(2)     This rule consolidates and specifies requirements that must be complied with before a vehicle can be registered in New Zealand, and with which a vehicle must continue to comply after registration and if the vehicle is repaired or modified.

 

1.3     Date when rule comes into force

1.3(1)     This rule revokes and replaces Land Transport Rule: Glazing 1996, which came into force on 1 January 1997.

1.3(2)     This rule comes into force on 25 October 1999.

 

1.4     Application of rule provisions

1.4(1)     If there is a conflict between a provision of this rule and the corresponding provision of a document incorporated by reference in the rule, the provision of the rule applies, except as provided in 1.4(2).

1.4(2)     A vehicle is not required to comply fully, or in part, with an approved vehicle standard in this rule if:

1.4(3)     A vehicle that, under 1.4(2), is not required to comply with an approved vehicle standard must comply with the other applicable requirements of this rule.

1.4(4)     If there is a conflict between a provision of this rule and a provision of Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 1998, the provision of Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 1998 applies.

1.4(5)     Glazing, a windscreen wipe system, a windscreen wash system or a rear-view mirror, that is manufactured, stocked or offered for sale in New Zealand, must comply with this rule if the glazing, windscreen wipe system, windscreen wash system or rear-view mirror is intended for fitting on a vehicle to be operated on a New Zealand road.

1.4(6)     A vehicle, its structure, systems, components and equipment comply, for the purpose of this rule, with an applicable approved vehicle standard if:

 

Section 2     Vehicle standards and other safety requirements for glazing

2.1     Requirements for vehicles with glazing

2.1(1)     A vehicle, if fitted with glazing, must comply with the following:

2.1(2)     Glazing that is required in Table 2.1 or Table 2.2 to comply with an approved trade name complies with that requirement if the glazing bears, and is entitled to bear, one of the approved trade names in Schedule 1.

2.1(3)     A motor vehicle that is not of a class in Table A and is manufactured before 1 January 2001 must, if fitted with glazing, comply with either:

 

2.2     General safety requirements

2.2(1)     The general safety requirements for glazing are:

2.2(2)     In assessing whether the general safety requirements in 2.2(1) are complied with, a person in section 7 may take into account evidence that the glazing is within the operating limits of the vehicle manufacturer or glazing manufacturer.

 

2.3     Approved vehicle standards for glazing

2.3(1)     Glazing that is required, as specified in Table 2.1 and Table 2.2, to comply with an approved vehicle standard must comply with a version, as specified in 2.3(3), of one of the approved vehicle standards in 2.3(2), which, for the purposes of this section, includes the requirements for the type approval referred to in 2.3(2)(o).

2.3(2)     The approved vehicle standards for glazing are:

 

    Version of vehicle standards

2.3(3)     The version of an approved vehicle standard with which glazing must comply is that which:

 

    Approved vehicle standards include amendments to standards

2.3(4)     An approved vehicle standard in 2.3(2) includes all subsequent amendments to that vehicle standard, some of which may apply to classes of vehicle additional to those covered by the vehicle standard specified.

 

    Compliance with requirements

2.3(5)     Glazing that is manufactured, stocked or offered for sale in New Zealand must, if intended for fitting on a vehicle to be operated on a New Zealand road, be of an approved trade name in Schedule 1 or comply with one or more of the approved vehicle standards, unless specifically designed for a vehicle to which none of the approved trade names or approved vehicle standards applies.

2.3(6)     Glazing in a low volume vehicle must comply, as specified in Table 2.1 and Table 2.2, with either the general safety requirements in 2.2, or both the general safety requirements and the Low Volume Vehicle Code.

 

Table 2.1     Requirements for windscreens

Class Vehicle manuf. before 1 January 1960 Vehicle manuf. on or after 1 January 1960 and before 1 July 1986 Vehicle manuf. on or after 1 July 1986 and before 1 January 1991 Vehicle manuf. on or after 1 January 1991 and before 1 July 1997 Vehicle manuf. on or after 1 July 1997 and before 1 January 2001 Vehicle manuf. on or after 1 January 2001
MA, MB, MC, NA General safety reqs General safety reqs, approved trade name or approved vehicle standard General safety reqs, approved trade name or approved vehicle standard, laminated General safety reqs, approved vehicle standard, laminated General safety reqs, approved vehicle standard, laminated General safety reqs, approved vehicle standard, laminated
MD1, MD2, MD3, MD4, ME, NB, NC General safety reqs General safety reqs, approved trade name or approved vehicle standard General safety reqs, approved trade name or approved vehicle standard General safety reqs, approved vehicle standard General safety reqs, approved vehicle standard, laminated General safety reqs, approved vehicle standard, laminated
LA, LB1, LB2, LC, LD, LE1, LE2 General safety requirements

Transparent material of a kind that does not shatter
AA, AB, TA, TB, TC, TD General safety requirements
Motor vehicles not in Table A General safety requirements1 General safety reqs, approved vehicle standard, laminated
 
  Vehicle certified as low volume vehicle before 1 January 1991 Vehicle certified as low volume vehicle on or after 1 January 1991
Low volume vehicles General safety requirements General safety requirements and Low Volume Vehicle Code
1See 2.1(3)

 

Table 2.2     Requirements for glazing in locations other than windscreens

Class Vehicle manuf. before 1 February 1977 Vehicle manuf. on or after 1 February 1977 and before 1 January 1991 Vehicle manuf. on or after 1 January 1991 and before 1 July 1997 Vehicle manuf. on or after 1 July 1997 and before 1 January 2001 Vehicle manuf. on or after 1 January 2001
MA, MB, MC, MD11, MD21, MD31, MD41, ME1, NA, NB, NC General safety requirements General safety requirements, approved trade name or approved vehicle standard General safety requirements, approved vehicle standard General safety requirements, approved vehicle standard General safety requirements, approved vehicle standard
LA, LB1, LB2, LC, LD, LE1, LE2 General safety requirements

Transparent material of a kind that does not shatter
AA, AB, TA, TB, TC, TD General safety requirements
Motor vehicles not in Table A General safety requirements2 General safety requirements, approved vehicle standard
 
  Vehicle certified as low volume vehicle before 1 January 1991 Vehicle certified as low volume vehicle on or after 1 January 1991
Low volume vehicles General safety requirements General safety requirements and Low Volume Vehicle Code
1Curved scenic skylights above the cant rail, curved windows at front and rear corners, skylights, louvres and interior partitions may be made of a transparent material of a kind that does not shatter.

2See 2.1(3)

 

2.4     Special applications of glazing

2.4(1)     Glazing in roof panels:

2.4(2)     Wire glass that allows clear vision through the glass may be used in windows directly behind, or to the left or right of the rear of, the driver’s seatback in its rearmost and upright position, if that type of glazing is required or allowed by or under any Act, regulation or rule.

 

2.5 Identification of glazing

2.5(1)     An individual piece of glazing that is required to comply with an approved vehicle standard or to have an approved trade name must, except if 2.5(2) applies, be permanently and indelibly marked by the manufacturer, the vendor or the installer of the glazing.

2.5(2)     Glazing does not need to be marked if:

2.5(3)     If marked by the manufacturer of the glazing, glazing markings must contain:

2.5(4)     If marked by a vendor or installer, glazing markings must contain wording, characters or symbols that indicate:

2.5(5)     The markings used to indicate the type of glazing, as required in 2.5(4)(b), must comply with the marking code specified:

2.5(6)     Glazing marked by a vendor or installer, and fitted in a vehicle before 1 January 1997, may be marked by means of self-adhesive labels.

 

Section 3     Modification and repair of glazing

3.1     Modifications

3.1(1)     Glazing on a vehicle must not be modified except as specified in 3.1(2) to 3.1(9).

3.1(2)     Modification of glazing on a vehicle:

3.1(3)     A modification that complies with 3.1(5) to 3.1(9) will not result in:

3.1(4)     Permanent removal of original equipment specification glazing that affects the structural integrity of the vehicle is a modification that must be certified in accordance with Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 1998.

 

    Windscreens

3.1(5)     Modifications to a windscreen must not unreasonably impair the driver’s vision and must comply with the following:

 

    Front side windows

3.1(6)     Modifications to front side windows (that is, glazing forward of the left or right of the driver’s seatback in its rearmost and upright position) must not unreasonably interfere with the driver’s vision and must comply with the following:

 

    Rear side windows and rear windows

3.1(7)     Modifications to glazing directly behind, or to the left or right of the rear of, the driver’s seatback in its rearmost and upright position in Class MA vehicles, except stretch limousines and body transfer vehicles, may be carried out as follows:

3.1(8)     Modifications to glazing directly behind, or to the left or right of the rear of, the driver’s seatback in its rearmost and upright position in vehicles of classes other than Class MA, but including stretch limousines and body transfer vehicles, may be carried out as follows:

 

    Sunroofs

3.1(9)     Modifications to the glazing of a sunroof may be carried out as follows:

 

3.2     Repairs

3.2(1)     Replacement glazing fitted to a vehicle must comply with the requirements in Table 2.1 or Table 2.2, whichever is applicable, and, if required to meet an approved vehicle standard, must comply with the version of the vehicle standard applicable at, or after, the date of manufacture of the vehicle.

3.2(2)     A repair to a windscreen must comply with Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Repair 1998 and whichever of the following vehicle standards, or version of that vehicle standard, is applicable at the date of repair:

 

Section 4     Vehicle standards and other safety requirements for windscreen wipe systems and windscreen wash systems

4.1     Scope of this section

This section applies to windscreen wipe systems and windscreen wash systems in all motor vehicles that have windscreens.

 

4.2     Requirement to fit windscreen wipe systems and windscreen wash systems

4.2(1)     A motor vehicle must, except as specified in 4.2(2):

4.2(2)     A motor vehicle that is not of a class in Table A or a motor vehicle that is used solely for agricultural purposes, whether or not it is of a class in Table A:

4.2(3)     A windscreen wash system that is fitted in a motor vehicle as original equipment, or retrofitted, when this is not required, must comply with the general safety requirements in 4.3(1) and 4.3(2) but does not need to comply with an approved vehicle standard.

 

Table 4.1     Requirements for windscreen wipe systems and windscreen wash systems

Class1,2 Vehicle manufactured before 1 January 19923 Vehicle manufactured on or after 1 January 1992 and before 1 January 1996 Vehicle manufactured on or after 1 January 1996 and before 1 July 2000 Vehicle manufactured on or after 1 January 2000
MA, MB, MC, MD1, MD2, MD3, MD4, ME General safety requirements General safety requirements and approved vehicle standard General safety requirements and approved vehicle standard General safety requirements and approved vehicle standard
NA, NB, NC General safety requirements General safety requirements General safety requirements and approved vehicle standard General safety requirements and approved vehicle standard
LA, LB1, LB2, LC, LD No requirements No requirements No requirements General safety requirements
AB, TA, TB, TC, TD No requirements
Motor vehicles not in Table A 4 General safety requirements
 
  Vehicle certified as a low volume vehicle before 1 January 1992 Vehicle certified as a low volume vehicle on or after 1 January 1992
Low volume vehicles General safety requirements General safety requirements and Low Volume Vehicle Code
1For motor vehicles that are used solely for agricultural purposes, see 4.2(2).

2Class AA vehicles have not been included in this table because they are not motor vehicles.

3For motor vehicles manufactured before 1 January 1992, see 4.2(1)(a).

4For motor vehicles not in Table A, see 4.2(2).

 

4.3     General safety requirements

4.3(1)     A windscreen wipe system and, as specified in 4.2(1) and 4.2(2), a windscreen wash system, must be capable of keeping an adequate area of the windscreen clean and clear so that the motor vehicle may be operated safely:

4.3(2)     A windscreen wipe system must be of an efficient and power-driven type, except if an original equipment specification system in a motor vehicle manufactured before 1 January 1960.

4.3(3)     In assessing whether the general safety requirements in 4.3(1) and 4.3(2) are complied with, a person in section 7 may take into account:

 

4.4     Approved vehicle standards for windscreen wipe systems and windscreen wash systems

4.4(1)     A windscreen wipe system or a windscreen wash system must comply, as specified in Table 4.1, with a version, as specified in 4.4(3), of one of the approved vehicle standards in 4.4(2), as appropriate for the class of motor vehicle.

4.4(2)     The approved vehicle standards for windscreen wipe systems and windscreen wash systems are:

 

    Version of vehicle standards

4.4(3)     The version of an approved vehicle standard with which a windscreen wipe system or a windscreen wash system must comply is that applicable to the year of manufacture of the motor vehicle in the relevant standard-setting jurisdiction, or as specified in the vehicle standard.

4.4(4)     A windscreen wipe system or a windscreen wash system is not required to comply with the version of a vehicle standard applicable to the motor vehicle’s year of manufacture if:

 

    Approved vehicle standards include amendments to standards

4.4(5)     An approved vehicle standard in 4.4(2) includes all subsequent amendments to that vehicle standard, some of which apply to classes of motor vehicle additional to those covered by the vehicle standard specified.

 

    Compliance with requirements

4.4(6)     If the windscreen wipe system or windscreen wash system on a Class MD2, MD3, MD4, ME, NB or NC motor vehicle has not been certified as complying with an approved vehicle standard in 4.4(2), according to the requirements of the relevant standard-setting jurisdiction or as specified in the vehicle standard, it is sufficient, for compliance with 4.4(1), for a vehicle compliance certifier to certify conformity of the system with the technical requirements of Australian Design Rule 16/00, Windscreen Wipers and Washers.

 

4.5     Retrofitting of windscreen wipe systems or windscreen wash systems

The fitting of a windscreen wipe system or windscreen wash system, when this is not required, is not a modification of the motor vehicle that requires certification under Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 1998.

 

Section 5     Vehicle standards and other safety requirements for rear-view mirrors

5.1     Scope of this section

This section applies to rear-view mirrors in all motor vehicles.

 

5.2     Requirement to fit rear-view mirrors

5.2(1)     A motor vehicle must be fitted, as specified in Table 5.1, with one or more rear-view mirrors that comply with the applicable requirements in Table 5.1 and other requirements in this section.

5.2(2)     A motor vehicle that is not of a class in Table A and is manufactured before 1 July 2000 must:

 

5.3     General safety requirements

5.3(1)     A rear-view mirror must:

5.3(2)     In assessing whether the general safety requirements in 5.3(1) are complied with, a person in section 7 may take into account evidence that the rear-view mirror is within the operating limits of the manufacturer of the motor vehicle or manufacturer of the rear-view mirror.

 

Table 5.1     Requirements for rear-view mirrors

Class1 Vehicle manuf. before 1 January 1996 Vehicle manuf. on or after 1 January 1996 and before 1 January 2000 Vehicle manuf. on or after 1 January 2000 and before 1 July 2000 Vehicle manufactured on or after 1 July 2000
MA, MB, MC Right-hand side (RHS)2 outside rear-view mirror OR inside rear-view mirror

General safety reqs 		RHS2 outside rear-view mirror OR inside rear-view mirror

General safety reqs and approved vehicle standard 		RHS2 outside rear-view mirror AND inside rear-view mirror

General safety reqs and approved vehicle standard 		RHS2 outside rear-view mirror AND inside rear-view mirror

General safety reqs and approved vehicle standard
NA RHS2 outside rear-view mirror OR inside rear-view mirror

General safety reqs 		RHS2 outside rear-view mirror OR inside rear-view mirror

General safety reqs and approved vehicle standard 		RHS2 outside rear-view mirror AND EITHER inside rear-view mirror OR left-hand side (LHS)2 outside rear-view mirror

General safety reqs and approved vehicle standard 		RHS2 outside rear-view mirror AND EITHER inside rear-view mirror OR LHS2 outside rear-view mirror

General safety reqs and approved vehicle standard
MD1, MD2, MD3, MD4, ME, NB, NC RHS outside rear-view mirror AND LHS outside rear-view mirror

General safety reqs 		RHS outside rear-view mirror AND inside rear-view mirror

General safety reqs and approved vehicle standard 		RHS outside rear-view mirror AND LHS outside rear-view mirror

General safety reqs and approved vehicle standard 		RHS outside rear-view mirror AND LHS outside rear-view mirror

General safety reqs and approved vehicle standard
LA, LB1, LB2 No reqs No reqs Rear-view mirror that complies with general safety reqs Rear-view mirror that complies with general safety reqs
LC, LD, LE1, LE2 Rear-view mirror that complies with general safety reqs
AB, TA, TB, TC, TD No reqs
Motor vehicles not in Table A Rear-view mirror that complies with general safety reqs3 Rear-view mirror that complies with general safety reqs
1Class AA vehicles are not included in this table because they are not motor vehicles.

2For motor vehicles with the steering column to the left side of the longitudinal centre-line of the vehicle, read LHS instead of RHS, and RHS instead of LHS.

3See 5.2(2).

 

 

5.4     Approved vehicle standards for rear-view mirrors

5.4(1)     A rear-view mirror must comply, as specified in Table 5.1, with a version, as specified in 5.4(3), of one of the approved vehicle standards in 5.4(2), as appropriate for the class of motor vehicle.

5.4(2)     The approved vehicle standards for rear-view mirrors are:

 

    Version of vehicle standards

5.4(3)     The version of an approved vehicle standard with which a rear-view mirror must comply is that applicable to the year of manufacture of the motor vehicle or rear-view mirror in the relevant standard-setting jurisdiction, or as specified in the approved vehicle standard.

 

    Approved vehicle standards include amendments to standards

5.4(4)     An approved vehicle standard in 5.4(2) includes all subsequent amendments to that vehicle standard, some of which apply to classes of motor vehicle additional to those covered by the vehicle standard specified.

 

    Compliance with requirements

5.4(5)     If the rear-view mirror on a Class MD2, MD3, MD4, ME, NB or NC motor vehicle has not been certified as complying with an approved vehicle standard in 5.4(2), according to the requirements of the relevant standard-setting jurisdiction or as specified in the vehicle standard, it is sufficient, for compliance with 5.4(1), for a vehicle compliance certifier to certify conformity of the rear-view mirror with the technical requirements of Australian Design Rule 14/00, Rear Vision Mirrors.

 

5.5     Fitting additional rear-view mirrors

5.5(1)     A motor vehicle may be fitted with rear-view mirrors additional to those in Table 5.1.

5.5(2)     Additional rear-view mirrors, if fitted, must comply with the requirements in Table 5.1 for rear-view mirrors.

5.5(3)     The fitting of additional rear-view mirrors is not a modification of the motor vehicle that requires certification under Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 1998.

 

Section 6     Modification and repair of windscreen wipe systems, windscreen wash systems and rear-view mirrors

6.1     Modifications

Modifications to a windscreen wipe system, a windscreen wash system or a rear-view mirror, or modifications to a motor vehicle affecting a windscreen wipe system, a windscreen wash system or a rear-view mirror, must not prevent the motor vehicle from complying with the requirements in Table 4.1 and Table 5.1, as appropriate.

 

6.2     Repairs

A repair to a windscreen wipe system, a windscreen wash system or a rear-view mirror, or a repair to a motor vehicle affecting a windscreen wipe system, a windscreen wash system or a rear-view mirror, must comply with Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Repair 1998.

 

Section 7     Responsibilities

7.1     Responsibilities of operators

A person who operates a vehicle must ensure that the vehicle complies with this rule.

 

7.2 Responsibilities of repairers

A person who repairs, adjusts or replaces glazing, a windscreen wipe system, a windscreen wash system or a rear-view mirror must ensure that the repair, adjustment or replacement:

 

7.3     Responsibilities of modifiers

A person who modifies glazing, a windscreen wipe system, a windscreen wash system, a rear-view mirror, or a vehicle so as to affect the performance of the glazing, a windscreen wipe system, a windscreen wash system or a rear-view mirror, must:

 

7.4     Responsibilities of certifiers

A person authorised by the Director to certify a motor vehicle for compliance with this rule under Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 1998 must not do so if the person has reason to believe that the motor vehicle does not comply with this rule.

 

7.5     Responsibilities of manufacturers and retailers

7.5(1)     A person may manufacture, stock or offer for sale glazing, intended for fitting in a vehicle to be operated on a New Zealand road, only if that glazing:

7.5(2)     A person may manufacture, stock or offer for sale a windscreen wipe system, windscreen wash system or rear-view mirror, intended for fitting to a motor vehicle to be operated on a New Zealand road, only if that windscreen wipe system, windscreen wash system or rear-view mirror:

 

7.6     Functions of the Director

The Director may inspect glazing, a windscreen wipe system, a windscreen wash system or a rear-view mirror for compliance with this rule, whether or not it is fitted to a vehicle.

 

Part 2     Definitions

Agricultural
in relation to purposes or operations, means connected directly with the operation or management of a farm.
Anti-glare band overlay
means a tinted overlay that is transparent and that is applied along the top edge of the windscreen for the purpose of reducing glare from the sun.
Approved vehicle standard
means a vehicle standard in 2.3(2), 4.4(2) and 5.4(2).
Body transfer vehicle
means a motor vehicle that is used primarily for the transportation of deceased persons.
Certifier
means a person appointed by the Director in accordance with Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 1998.
Certify
in relation to a motor vehicle, means to verify that the motor vehicle complies with applicable requirements; and ‘certified’ and ‘certification’ have corresponding meanings.
Class
in relation to vehicles, means a category of vehicle of one of the Groups A, L, M, N and T as specified in Table A: Vehicle classes.
Director
means the Director of Land Transport Safety appointed under section 186 of the Land Transport Act 1998.
EEC, EC
are abbreviations for directives of the European Economic Community and, later, the European Communities.
Gross vehicle mass
in relation to a vehicle, means either:
  • (a) the maximum permitted mass of the vehicle, which includes the mass of the accessories, the crew, the passengers and load, and is, unless (b) applies, the gross vehicle mass specified (subsequent to the latest modification, if any) by the manufacturer of the vehicle; or
  • (b) if a person approved for that purpose by the Director determines that the gross vehicle mass of a vehicle should differ from that specified by the manufacturer, taking into account evidence on the capability of the systems and components of the vehicle, or the effects of any modification, the gross vehicle mass is that mass determined by that person.
Heavy motor vehicle
means a motor vehicle that is either:
  • (a) of Class MD3, MD4, ME, NB, NC, TC or TD; or
  • (b) a vehicle (not of a class in Table A: Vehicle classes) with a gross vehicle mass that exceeds 3500 kg.
Installer
means a person who repairs or modifies a vehicle by installing glazing in the vehicle.
Laminated glass
means glazing consisting of two or more pieces of sheet glass, plate glass or float glass bonded together by one or more intervening layers of plastic material.
Light motor vehicle
means a motor vehicle of any class except those defined as ‘heavy motor vehicles’.
Low volume vehicle
means a motor vehicle of a class in Table A: Vehicle classes other than Class MD3, MD4, ME, NB, NC, TC and TD that is:
  • (a) manufactured, assembled or scratch-built in quantities of 200 or less at any one location in any one year, by a manufacturer whose total production of motor vehicles does not exceed 200 units over the same period, and where the construction of the motor vehicle directly or indirectly affects compliance of the motor vehicle with any of the vehicle standards prescribed by New Zealand law; or
  • (b) modified uniquely, or in quantities of 200 or less at any one location in any one year, in such a way as to affect the compliance of the motor vehicle, its structure, systems, components and equipment, with a legal requirement relating to safety performance applicable at the time of the modification.
Low Volume Vehicle Code
means the code of the Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association Incorporated.
Manufacturer’s operating limits
means:
  • (a) in relation to a vehicle, the allowance provided by the vehicle manufacturer in terms of performance capability and dimensions, relative to deterioration, malfunction, or damage beyond which the safe performance of the vehicle, as defined by the vehicle manufacturer, is compromised; and
  • (b) in relation to a system, component or item of equipment, incorporated in or attached to a vehicle, the allowance provided by the system, component or equipment manufacturer in terms of performance capability and dimensions, relative to the deterioration, malfunction or damage, beyond which the safe performance of the system, component or item of equipment (and consequently the vehicle) is compromised.
Modify
in relation to a motor vehicle, means to change the vehicle structure from its original state by altering, substituting, adding or removing any structure, system, component or item of equipment, but does not include repair; and ‘modified’ and ‘modification’ have corresponding meanings.
Motor vehicle
means a vehicle drawn or propelled by mechanical power; and includes a trailer, but does not include:
  • (a) a vehicle running on rails;
  • (b) an invalid carriage;
  • (c) a trailer (other than a trailer designed solely for the carriage of goods) that is designed and used exclusively as part of the armament of the New Zealand Defence Force;
  • (d) a trailer running on one wheel and designed exclusively as a speed measuring device or for testing the wear of vehicle tyres;
  • (e) a vehicle designed for amusement purposes and used exclusively within a place of recreation, amusement, or entertainment to which the public does not have access with motor vehicles;
  • (f) a pedestrian-controlled machine.
Operate
in relation to a vehicle, means to drive or use the vehicle on a road, or to cause or permit the vehicle to be on a road or to be driven on a road, whether or not the person is present with the vehicle; and ‘operator’ has a corresponding meaning.
Overall visible light transmittance
is the visible light transmittance of glazing including any overlays that are applied to the glazing.
Overlay
means a transparent, translucent or opaque self-adhesive or clinging film that is applied to large areas, or the entirety, of a piece of glazing for purposes such as, but not limited to, reduction of ultraviolet, infrared or visible light transmission; advertising; identification; information; protection; or for aesthetic reasons; and includes:
  • (a) an anti-glare band overlay; and
  • (b) a stoneguard overlay; and
  • (c) a sticker of a size that cannot be wholly contained within the limits prescribed by this rule relating to the location and size of stickers on a particular piece of glazing, depending on the location of that piece of glazing on the vehicle.
Phase-in date
means the date specified in an approved vehicle standard from which a model, or model variant, of a vehicle must comply with that vehicle standard or part of that vehicle standard.
Repair
means to restore a damaged or worn vehicle, its structure, systems, components or equipment; and includes the replacement of damaged or worn structures, systems, components or equipment with equivalent undamaged or new structures, systems, components or equipment.
Replacement
in relation to glazing, means the complete removal of an individual piece of glazing and its replacement by another piece of glazing.
SABS
is an abbreviation for Standard of the South African Bureau of Standards.
Safe tolerance
means the tolerance within which the safe performance of the vehicle, its structure, systems, components or equipment are not compromised, having regard to any manufacturer’s operating limits.
Scratch-built vehicle
means a motor vehicle that is either:
  • (a) assembled from previously unrelated components and construction materials that have not been predominantly sourced from donors of a single make or model and that, in its completed form, never previously existed as a mass-produced vehicle, although the external appearance may resemble or replicate an existing vehicle; or
  • (b) a modified production vehicle that contains less than the following components from a mass-produced vehicle of a single make and model:
    • (i) 40% of the chassis rails and 50% of the crossmembers, or alternatively 40% of a spaceframe, or 40% of the floorpan of a unitary constructed body, whichever is appropriate; or
    • (ii) for light vehicles, 40% of the bodywork (based on the surface area of body panels but not the floorpan, internal bracing, subpanels, bulkheads or firewall).
Sticker
means a self-adhesive or clinging film, with or without print on it, that is applied for purposes such as, but not limited to, advertising, identification, information, or for aesthetic or legal reasons.
Stoneguard overlay
means a clear overlay that is transparent and that is applied along the bottom edge of the windscreen for the purpose of preventing damage to the windscreen from stones and other debris thrown up by other vehicles.
UN/ECE
is an abbreviation for a regulation of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe.
US DOT
is an abbreviation for a standard of the United States Department of Transportation.
Vehicle
means a contrivance equipped with wheels, tracks, or revolving runners upon which it moves or is moved and includes a hovercraft, a skateboard, in-line skates and roller-skates; but does not include:
  • (a) a perambulator or pushchair;
  • (b) a shopping or sporting trundler not propelled by mechanical power;
  • (c) a wheelbarrow or hand-trolley;
  • (d) a child’s toy, including a tricycle and a bicycle, provided, in either case, no road wheel (including any tyre) has a diameter exceeding 355 mm;
  • (e) a pedestrian-controlled lawn mower;
  • (f ) a pedestrian-controlled agricultural machine not propelled by mechanical power;
  • (g) any article of furniture;
  • (h) an invalid wheelchair not propelled by mechanical power;
  • (i) any other contrivance specified by any rule not to be a vehicle for the purposes of this definition.
Vehicle standard
means a technical specification with which a vehicle, its structure, systems, components or equipment must comply, and which is adopted by:
  • (a) the New Zealand Standards Council; or
  • (b) any international, national or regional organisation with functions similar to the New Zealand Standards Council.
Visible light transmittance
is the proportion of visible light that passes through glazing, measured perpendicular to the glazing.
Windscreen
means all glazing extending across the front of the vehicle that is not parallel to the vehicle’s longitudinal centre-line; but does not include a wind deflector.
Wire glass
means glass that incorporates reinforcing wire mesh.
Year of manufacture
in relation to a vehicle, means the calendar year in which the construction of the vehicle was completed; provided that, if there is no means of demonstrating the year of manufacture, the year of manufacture is the year the vehicle was first registered in any country.

 

Table A     Vehicle classes

Class Description
AA (Pedal cycle) A vehicle designed to be propelled through a mechanism solely by human power.
AB (Power-assisted pedal cycle) A pedal cycle to which is attached one or more auxiliary propulsion motors having a combined maximum power output not exceeding 200 watts.
LA (Moped with two wheels) A motor vehicle (other than a power-assisted pedal cycle) that:
  • (a) has two wheels; and
  • (b) either:
    • (i) has an engine cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 ml and a maximum speed not exceeding 50 km/h; or
    • (ii) has a power source other than a piston engine and a maximum speed not exceeding 50 km/h.
LB (Moped with three wheels) A motor vehicle (other than a power-assisted pedal cycle) that:
  • (a) has three wheels; and
  • (b) either:
    • (i) has an engine cylinder capacity not exceeding 50 ml and a maximum speed not exceeding 50 km/h; or
    • (ii) has a power source other than a piston engine and a maximum speed not exceeding 50 km/h.
LB 1 A Class LB motor vehicle that has one wheel at the front and two wheels at the rear.
LB 2 A Class LB motor vehicle that has two wheels at the front and one wheel at the rear.
LC (Motorcycle) A motor vehicle that:
  • (a) has two wheels; and
  • (b) either:
    • (i) has an engine cylinder capacity exceeding 50 ml; or
    • (ii) has a maximum speed exceeding 50 km/h.
LD (Motorcycle and side-car) A motor vehicle that:
  • (a) has three wheels asymmetrically arranged in relation to the longitudinal median axis; and
  • (b) either:
    • (i) has an engine cylinder capacity exceeding 50 ml; or
    • (ii) has a maximum speed exceeding 50 km/h.
Side-car A car, box, or other receptacle attached to the side of a motorcycle and supported by a wheel.
LE (Motor tri-cycle) A motor vehicle that:
  • (a) has three wheels symmetrically arranged in relation to the longitudinal median axis; and
  • (b) has a gross vehicle mass not exceeding one tonne; and
  • (c) either:
    • (i) has an engine cylinder capacity exceeding 50 ml; or
    • (ii) has a maximum speed exceeding 50 km/h.
LE 1 A Class LE motor vehicle that has one wheel at the front and two wheels at the rear.
LE 2 A Class LE motor vehicle that has two wheels at the front and one wheel at the rear.
Passenger vehicle A motor vehicle that:
  • (a) is constructed primarily for the carriage of passengers; and
  • (b) either:
    • (i) has at least four wheels; or
    • (ii) has three wheels and a gross vehicle mass exceeding one tonne.
MA (Passenger car) A passenger vehicle (other than a Class MB or Class MC vehicle) that has not more than nine seating positions (including the driver's seating position).
MB (Forward control passenger vehicle) A passenger vehicle (other than a Class MC vehicle):
  • (a) that has not more than nine seating positions (including the driver's seating position); and
  • (b) in which the centre of the steering wheel is in the forward quarter of the vehicle's total length.
MC (Off-road passenger vehicle) A passenger vehicle, designed with special features for off-road operation, that has not more than nine seating positions (including the driver's seating position), and that:
  • (a) has four-wheel drive; and
  • (b) has at least four of the following characteristics when the vehicle is unladen on a level surface and the front wheels are parallel to the vehicle's longitudinal centre-line and the tyres are inflated to the vehicle manufacturer's recommended pressure:
    • (i) an approach angle of not less than 28 degrees;
    • (ii) a breakover angle of not less than 14 degrees;
    • (iii) a departure angle of not less than 20 degrees;
    • (iv) a running clearance of not less than 200 mm;
    • (v) a front axle clearance, rear axle clearance, or suspension clearance of not less than 175 mm.
Omnibus A passenger vehicle that has more than nine seating positions (including the driver's seating position). An omnibus comprising two or more non-separable but articulated units shall be considered as a single vehicle.
MD (Light omnibus) An omnibus that has a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 5 tonnes.
MD 1 An omnibus that has a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes and not more than 12 seats.
MD 2 An omnibus that has a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes and more than 12 seats.
MD 3 An omnibus that has a gross vehicle mass exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 4.5 tonnes.
MD 4 An omnibus that has a gross vehicle mass exceeding 4.5 tonnes but not exceeding 5 tonnes.
ME (Heavy omnibus) An omnibus that has a gross vehicle mass exceeding 5 tonnes.
Goods vehicle A motor vehicle that:
  • (a) is constructed primarily for the carriage of goods; and
  • (b) either:
    • (i) has at least four wheels; or
    • (ii) has three wheels and a gross vehicle mass exceeding one tonne.
For the purpose of this description:
  • (a) a vehicle that is constructed for both the carriage of goods and passengers shall be considered primarily for the carriage of goods if the number of seating positions multiplied by 68 kg is less than 50% of the difference between the gross vehicle mass and the unladen mass;
  • (b) the equipment and installations carried on special purpose vehicles not designed for the carriage of passengers shall be considered to be goods;
  • (c) a goods vehicle that has two or more non-separable but articulated units shall be considered to be a single vehicle.
NA (Light goods vehicle) A goods vehicle that has a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes.
NB (Medium goods vehicle) A goods vehicle that has a gross vehicle mass exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 12 tonnes.
NC (Heavy goods vehicle) A goods vehicle that has a gross vehicle mass exceeding 12 tonnes.
Trailer A vehicle without motive power that is constructed for the purpose of being drawn behind a motor vehicle.
TA (Very light trailer) A single-axled trailer that has a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 0.75 tonnes.
TB (Light trailer) A trailer (other than a Class TA trailer) that has a gross vehicle mass not exceeding 3.5 tonnes.
TC (Medium trailer) A trailer that has a gross vehicle mass exceeding 3.5 tonnes but not exceeding 10 tonnes.
TD (Heavy trailer) A trailer that has a gross vehicle mass exceeding 10 tonnes.

 

Part 3     Schedules

Schedule 1     Approved trade names for glazing

Armourfloat
Armourplate
Blindex
Duolite Safety
Duplate Safety
Flolite
Ford Indestructo
Ford Safety Glass
Ford Silver Arrow
Glacetex
Hankuk Glass Safety Heat Line
HMC Glass Safety Hankuk TF5
HMC Glass Safety Hankuk TV5
Indestructo
Nippon Safety
NM Laminated Safety Glass FHP
Peerless
Plexite
Safetyflex
Safety MGB (Meloplate)
Safety MGB (Melite Safety Plate)
Sekurit
Sigla
Spectrofloat
Splintex
Sunmat
Suntex Safety Glass
Temperlite
Temperlite Santa Marina
Thorex Connex
Triplex
Triplex Plate
Tuflite
Tyneside
Veracetex

Land Transport Rule - Glazing, Windscreen Wipe and Wash, and Mirrors 1999 - Rule 32012/1
Land Transport Safety Authority of New Zealand, Te Mana Marutau Waka Whenua o Aotearoa