Vehicle safety

Vehicles play a major role in keeping us safe on our roads.

A vehicle’s ability to prevent a crash or protect its occupants is key to reducing the numbers of deaths and injuries on our roads. The design of the vehicle, its structural integrity and its safety features can lessen the risk to its occupants if a crash occurs, and in some cases, prevent a crash occurring.

Key facts about vehicle safety:

You are more than twice as likely to be seriously or fatally injured in a crash in a 1-star than in a 5-star vehicle.
41% of New Zealand’s light vehicles have 1 and 2-star safety ratings. That’s approximately 1.65 million vehicles, out of 4 million in the fleet.

Vehicle safety ratings

Safety ratings, available on the Rightcar website, are the best indication of the likely performance of your vehicle in a crash.

Vehicle safety rating labels

Vehicle safety rating labels can be printed and displayed on cars for sale, providing consumers with information about a vehicle’s safety performance.

Safety features and Driver Assistance

Find out about vehicle safety features that help you avoid a crash, and those that offer you protection in the event of a crash.

Vehicle maintenance

Find out how to give your car a quick safety check.

Tips for buying a used car

What to look for and look out for when buying a used car.

Vehicle safety alerts

Check to see if your vehicle has any unaddressed safety recalls or has suffered water damage.

Choosing and operating a heavy vehicle

A range of guidance on selecting and operating heavy vehicles.

Safe vehicle advertising

Over 800,000 vehicles change hands each year in New Zealand. Our advertising encourages people to look for the vehicle with the highest safety rating in their price range when purchasing a vehicle.

Online services