Drivers urged to perform checks as Warrant of Fitness periods extend
Friday 9 October 2026 · 2 outlets · 2 reports · updated 
From next month, the time required between Warrants of Fitness will increase. New cars will not need a second WoF for four years, while vehicles aged four to 14 years will move to two-yearly inspections. Midas NZ warns that drivers may need to conduct their own checks to avoid unsafe vehicles on the road.
Key facts
5 facts
- New cars will require their second WoF after four years starting next month
- Vehicles aged 4 to 14 years move to two-yearly checks
- Vehicles from before 2000 move from six-monthly to annual checks
- Vehicles from 2000 to 2013 remain on annual checks
- Fines for out-of-date WoFs will increase
The full story
1 min read · 2 outlets
Warrant of Fitness (WoF) inspection intervals will change starting next month. New cars will no longer require a second WoF for four years, while vehicles aged between four and 14 years will move from annual to two-yearly checks.
Midas NZ chief executive Jason Wilson warned that there will be unsafe vehicles on the road and advised drivers to maintain their own cars. He suggested checking tyres, windscreens, wipers, mirrors, lights, oil leaks, and rust.
Vehicles manufactured between 2000 and 2013 will continue to receive annual checks, but cars made before 2000 will move from six-monthly to yearly inspections. Fines for out-of-date WoFs are also set to increase.
Motor Trade Association head of advocacy James McDowall noted that the 14-year threshold for two-yearly checks was not part of the initial government consultation. He stated that safety critical failure rates typically increase once vehicles reach eight to 10 years of age.
Compiled from reports by Otago Daily Times and 1News.