A Warrant of Fitness (WOF) is a certificate in New Zealand that proves a vehicle is in a roadworthy condition. In New Zealand, all vehicles must have a valid WOF in order to be driven on public roads. The WOF is an important aspect of vehicle ownership in New Zealand, as it helps to ensure the safety of drivers, passengers, and other road users.
Having a WOF means that the vehicle has passed a comprehensive inspection by a qualified inspector, which includes checks on the vehicle's brakes, steering, suspension, tyres, seat belts, lights and other safety features. This helps to ensure that the vehicle is functioning properly and meets the minimum safety standards.
A WOF is valid for 6 months for cars and light vehicles and 12 months for heavy vehicles. Vehicles with a current WOF are considered safe to drive on the roads, and owners of these vehicles can be confident that their vehicle is not a danger to themselves or others on the road. If a vehicle does not have a valid WOF, the owner can be fined and the vehicle may be taken off the road.
In addition to ensuring the safety of road users, a WOF also helps to reduce emissions and improve the environmental performance of vehicles. A well-maintained vehicle is likely to be more fuel-efficient, produce fewer emissions, and have a lower impact on the environment. Regular WOF inspections can help to identify and fix issues that may be affecting the vehicle's performance and fuel efficiency.
It helps to ensure the safety of drivers, passengers, and other road users, and also helps to reduce emissions and improve the environmental performance of vehicles. By ensuring that all vehicles have a valid WOF, New Zealand is able to maintain its high standards of road safety and contribute to a cleaner, greener environment.
