Transport vehicle registrations

Data source We release data on vehicle licenses from aggregated administrative data generated by the NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) in the process of administering New Zealand-based vehicle registrations and licences. NZTA now publish most of this data themselves, you can find it on their dashboard Motor vehicle registrations – dashboard and open data | NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (nzta.govt.nz). There are some differences between the data sets based on the timing of data supplied to Stats NZ and differing categories. Vehicle classification descriptions The table below describes the aggregated vehicle classifications. Vehicle classifications in TPT releases Vehicle classification Descriptor Cars A motor vehicle that is primarily built for the transportation of passengers and either has a minimum of 4 wheels, or has three wheels and a gross vehicle mass over one tonne. The vehicle cannot exceed more than nine seating positions (inclusive of the driver's position). This includes vehicles that fit the above description with engine volumes (ccs) of 0cc to 5001cc and over. Rental Cars A motor vehicle that is primarily built for the transportation of passengers and either has a minimum of 4 wheels, or has three wheels and a gross vehicle mass over one tonne. The vehicle cannot exceed more than nine seating positions (inclusive of the driver's position). With the additional condition, that the owner of the motor vehicle grants the possession of the motor vehicle to lessee in return of payment for use. This includes vehicles that fit the above description with engine volumes (ccs) of 0cc to 5001cc and over. Trailers (including Caravans) An unmotorized vehicle, that is built for the purpose of being drawn behind a motor vehicle. This is inclusive of towed caravans. This includes vehicles that fit the above description with weights from 0 tonnes to 10 tonnes and over. Motor Cycles A motor vehicle that has two wheels, or not exceeding three wheels when fitted with a side car, and has an engine volume (cc) exceeding 50cc, or has a maximum speed over 50km/h. This includes any vehicle with motorcycle controls declared by the Chief Executive of the Ministry of Transport (exclusive of mopeds). This includes vehicles that fit the above description with engine volumes of 0cc to 601cc and over. Mopeds A motor vehicle that has two or three wheels that has an engine volume of less than 50 cc and a maximum speed not over 50 km/h under normal conditions of use. This includes vehicles that fit the above description with engine volumes (ccs) of 0cc to 50cc. Power Cycles A pedal cycle that has at minimum one auxiliary propulsion motors having a combined power output of at most 300 watts. Miscellaneous (Including Tractors) Vehicles that are n.e.c. in the other categories. Exempt Vehicles In certain situations you may use a registered but unlicensed vehicle on a road. Vehicles used on a private road are exempt from the requirement to be registered and licensed. These vehicles can be driven directly across a public access road only to cross the road. A vehicle does not have to have a current license if on a road being taken directly to get a warrant of fitness (WoF), certificate of fitness (CoF), servicing or repairs. The vehicle must still be safe to use on the road. This includes any vehicles also covered as exempt in the Land Transport (motor Vehicle Registration and Licensing) Regulations 2011. Taxis A vehicle that transports passengers for fare or rewards. Omnibuses and Service Coaches A motor vehicle that is primarily built for the transportation of passengers and either has a minimum of 4 wheels, or has three wheels and a gross vehicle mass over one tonne, and has greater than nine seating positions (inclusive of the driver's position). This includes vehicles that fit the above description with a weights from 0 tonnes to 5 tonnes and over. Tractors A motor vehicle (other than a traction engine) built primarily for towing an agricultural trailer, powering agricultural implements, and for other agricultural uses. The vehicle must have a maximum speed of no more than 50 km/h. Trucks A motor vehicle that is built primarily for the transportation of goods and either has a minimum of 4 wheels, or has three wheels and a gross vehicle mass over one tonne. Vehicles used for vehicle recovery (towing services), despite the size or design of the vehicle. This includes vehicles that fit the above description with weights from 0 tonnes to 12 tonnes and over. Trade Plates Businesses participating in the sale, manufacturing, repair and maintenance of vehicles can apply for trade plates to move vehicles when they are unregistered. Totals Vehicles The sum of all vehicles licensed or exempt from licensing as captured in the above definitions, excluding Trade Plates and Tractors. 6 months license This refers to the issuing of a licence to a vehicle to allow it to be used on the road for a period of 6 months. Licensing is more commonly referred to as ‘rego’, but is not the same thing as vehicle registration. 12 months license This refers to the issuing of a licence to a vehicle to allow it to be used on the road for a period of 12 months. Licensing is more commonly referred to as ‘rego’, but is not the same thing as vehicle registration. Commercial Vehicle A vehicle that is primarily operated for the profit of an individual or business. Interpreting the data Coverage Transport vehicle registrations record motor vehicles currently licensed by type and new and ex-overseas motor vehicles registered by type, or vehicles that are registered and fit within the exempt vehicles category within New Zealand. Exclusions Transport vehicles in New Zealand that are unregistered. Transport vehicles in New Zealand that are registered and unlicensed that do not fit within the exempt vehicles category. en-NZ