Vans fitted with extra seats and seatbelts.
What are the LVV Certification Thresholds?
The Certification Threshold Guide details which level of certain modifications require LVV Certification. If the specific modification is not shown in this table, the vehicle does require LVV certification.
What is a Low Volume Vehicle?
Low volume vehicle means a make and model of a light vehicle (classes LC, LD, LE, MA, MB, MC, MD1, MD2 and NA) that is:
“(a) manufactured, assembled or scratch-built in quantities of 500 or less in any one year, and where the construction of the vehicle may directly or indirectly affect compliance of the vehicle with any of the vehicle standards prescribed by New Zealand law; or
“(b) modified uniquely, or in quantities of 500 or less in any one year, in such a way that compliance of the vehicle, its structure, systems, components or equipment with a legal requirement relating to safety performance applicable at the time of the modification may be affected.”
Definition taken from the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Standards Compliance 2002
Do de-registered modified vehicles need to be LVV certified?
Vehicles modified or scratch-built that have been de-registered (or registration fees not paid for 12 months or more) need re-certification even if they have a Modification Declaration Certificate or LVV Certification Plate. Vehicles that have only original manufacturers' equipment fitted or modifications done that are below the LVV Threshold need only have re-registration inspection and a VIN number issued, if required.
Can I modify a vehicle which already has already been LVV Certified?
Yes, but the vehicle will need to be re-inspected by an LVV Certifier who will issue a new LVV plate covering all the car's modifications. Modifications that fall within the Certification Thresholds do not need re-certification.
Do old vehicles need to be LVV certified?
Vehicles modified or scratch-built before 1 January 1992 do not need LVV certification unless modifications that affect the vehicle safety have occurred after that date. These vehicle should have a modification declaration certificate which lists all of the modifications present on the vehicle.
Do I need LVV Certification if I have a Modification Declaration Certificate?
Cars that were modified prior to 1 January 1992 were issued with a Modification Declaration Certificate at that time. The Modification Declaration Certificate is valid as long as the vehicle is continually registered and until changes are made to the vehicle, at which time the vehicle must be LVV certified and issued with an LVV plate. Provided the vehicle is still the same as it was in 1992, the Modification Declaration Certificate continues to be valid today for WOF purposes. The WOF issuer is able to check with LVVTA or NZTA to verify details on the certificate.
How can I obtain a copy of my Modification Declaration Certificate?
A copy of a valid Modification Declaration is available by contacting us.
What is an LVV Authority Card?
A card specifying alternative safety related equipment for a specific person and vehicle.
Two organisations currently issue authority cards:
NZHRA – example - fender exemptions for hotrods
Motorsport NZ – example - authority for use of a 4 point harness in a motorsport vehicle driven on public roads.
For more information, refer to section 2.12 of the LVV Code.
Can I import a modified vehicle?
The most up-to-date information can be found on the NZTA website for importing vehicles. Should your vehicle be from a manufacturer that builds less than 500 per year, the vehicle is scratch-built, or modified from standard (see Certification Threshold Guide), then it will need to be LVV Certified by an LVV Certifier before it can be driven in New Zealand. Any information you may be able to obtain showing UK SVA or Australian ADR compliance will be useful to the LVV Certifier, but does not guarantee compliance in NZ.
Where is my nearest LVV Certifier?
Click here to find a complete list of LVV Certifier in New Zealand.
You will need to select a Certifier who holds the appropriate 'LVV Certifier Category'. The list of categories is available here.
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