Warrant of Fitness (WOF)
A Vehicle Information Report flags a vehicle’s Warrant of Fitness when it has expired, is about to, was never issued, or the last inspection did not pass. Here is what each alert means and what to do before you buy.
How often a vehicle needs a WOF depends on its age. Under rules that take effect from 1 November 2026, phased in by age, many vehicles need one less often, so a current WOF may be up to two years old, or up to four years on a new vehicle. Check NZTA for the rules that apply to a particular vehicle.
Warrant of Fitness (WOF) expired ...
The Warrant of Fitness (WOF) checks that minimum safety standards are met and indicates that the vehicle is roadworthy. This vehicle needs to pass a WOF to be legally on the road.
Our recommendation
- Ask the seller to get a WOF from a reputable testing station such as VTNZ.
- Make sure you sight the WOF check sheet as it may highlight any potential problems with the vehicle. A check sheet is always given following a WOF inspection.
Warrant of Fitness (WOF) will expire on ...
The Warrant of Fitness (WOF) checks that minimum safety standards are met and indicates that the vehicle is roadworthy. This vehicle needs a current WOF to be legally on the road.
Our recommendation
- Ask the seller to get a WOF for the vehicle from a reputable testing station such as VTNZ.
- Make sure you sight the WOF check sheet as it may highlight potential problems. A check sheet is always given following a WOF inspection.
Warrant of Fitness (WOF) has not been issued
The Warrant of Fitness (WOF) checks that minimum safety standards are met and indicates that the vehicle is roadworthy. This vehicle needs a current WOF to be legally on the road.
If the vehicle is brand new or a recent import, this is to be expected.
Our recommendation
- Ask the seller to get a WOF for the vehicle from a reputable testing station such as VTNZ.
- Make sure you sight the WOF check sheet as it may highlight potential problems. A check sheet is always given following a WOF inspection.
Last Warrant of Fitness (WOF) inspection did not pass
The Warrant of Fitness (WOF) checks that minimum safety standards are met and indicates that the vehicle is roadworthy. A vehicle that failed its last WOF was confirmed technically unfit for use on the road.
A vehicle can fail a WOF inspection for many reasons. Major repairs could be required.
Our recommendation
If you decide to purchase the vehicle without a current WOF then ask to see the most recent WOF inspection check sheet. The check sheet is always given following an inspection and will list why the vehicle failed the WOF. Take any required repairs into consideration when negotiating with the seller.
If the seller claims or shows evidence of remedial repairs having been done, you should insist the WOF is rechecked at a reputable testing station such as VTNZ.
A vehicle that fails its initial inspection has 28 days for the faults to be put right and the vehicle rechecked by the same inspection station at no extra charge.