Road user charges (RUC)

Anyone using New Zealand’s roads contributes towards their upkeep. Most road users pay levies when they buy fuel. Others, such as drivers of light diesel vehicles and heavy vehicles like trucks, pay through road user charges (RUC).

The RUC rate reduction has ended

The RUC reduction scheme ran between 28 April 2022 and 31 January 2023, and again between 1 March 2023 and 30 June 2023.

From 1 July 2023, standard RUC rates apply.

Temporary road user charges (RUC) reduction scheme

Road user charges (RUC) temporary reduction scheme

The temporary RUC reduction ended on 30 June 2023. Standard rates now apply.

About RUC

Find out who pays RUC and how to find your RUC weight.

RUC licences

All RUC vehicles must display distance licences.

RUC rates and transaction fees

Rates for powered and unpowered vehicles.

RUC exemptions

Electric vehicles, vehicles unsuitable for regular road use, and some light diesel vehicles that are used almost exclusively off-road may be exempt from RUC.

RUC refunds

You may be able to get a refund of your unused RUC distance if you've changed your hubodometer, have travelled off the public roads or your vehicle registration has been cancelled.