Motor Vehicle Warrant-of-Fitness

What a warrant inspection covers

The WoF inspection is a general safety check. The aspects checked are set out in the NZTA Vehicle inspection requirements manual and include:

• tyre condition (including tread depth)
• brake operation
• structural condition (rust is not allowed in certain areas)
• lights
• glazing (is your windscreen safe?)
• windscreen washers and wipers
• doors (do they open and close safely?)
• safety belts (must not be damaged or overly faded; buckles must work properly)
• air bags (if fitted)
• speedometer (must be working)
• steering and suspension (must be safe and secure)
• exhaust (there must be no leaks and the exhaust must not be smoky or louder than the original exhaust system)
• fuel system (there must be no leaks).

If you've modified your car, van or other light vehicle you may need a low volume vehicle certificate.

What a warrant is not

A WoF is not a prepurchase inspection. It doesn’t include many areas of a vehicle's condition. For example it doesn't check:

• Engine, clutch, gearbox and differential condition.
• Lubricant levels and condition.
• Brake pad thickness or life expectancy, unless they are visibly below safe limits.
• Paint work condition and some rust in non-structural areas.