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Criminal & traffic law

Driving and traffic law

General driving offences

Unsafe vehicles and insecure loads

Driving an unsafe vehicle

Land Transport Act 1998, ss 6, 34 Land Transport (Offences and Penalties) Regulations 1999, Schedule 1 

You must not drive an unsafe vehicle on the road. If you’re prosecuted and convicted in the courts, you can be fined up to $2,000.

You must also display a current warrant of fitness. If you don’t, you can be given a $600 infringement notice (that is, an on-the-spot ticket), or if you’re prosecuted and convicted through the courts you can be fined up to $2,000.

Carrying an unsafe load

Land Transport Act 1998, ss 9, 42 Land Transport (Offences and Penalties) Regulations 1999, Schedule 1

You must make sure any load you’re carrying is secure and that it can’t fall or escape from your vehicle or trailer. Any person loading the vehicle has the same responsibility. You can be given a $600 infringement notice, or if you’re prosecuted through the courts you can be fined up to $2,000 and disqualified for a period decided by the judge.

Next Section | Drink/drug driving

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Driving and traffic law

Where to go for more support

Community Law

Your local Community Law Centre can provide you with free initial legal advice.

Find your local Community Law Centre online: www.communitylaw.org.nz/our-law-centres/

For Community Law’s guide to applying for a limited licence and template application forms: communitylaw.org.nz/resources/legal-letters

Waka Kotahi – New Zealand Transport Agency

Waka Kotahi’s site provides a wide range of driving and road safety information, including on topics covered in this chapter.

Website: www.nzta.govt.nz
Phone: 0800 699 000
Email: info@nzta.govt.nz

Search your question on Waka Kotahi’s resources section: www.nzta.govt.nz/resources

New Zealand Police

The New Zealand Police’s “frequently asked questions” section provides helpful information, particularly the “Driving/road safety” and “Tickets/infringements” section.

Website: www.police.govt.nz/advice-and-services/faqs

New Zealand Government

The New Zealand government website sets out more information about driving fines and penalties, including how to pay for infringement notices.

Website: www.govt.nz/browse/transport/driving-fines-and-penalties

Consumer Protection

The Consumer Protection website has useful information on a range of consumer topics, including private parking tickets and the towing and clamping of cars.

Website: www.consumerprotection.govt.nz/help-product-service/cars/parking-clamping-towing

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