What we don't do, and who can help
We only manage the registration of motor vehicle traders. For dealer plates, and other matters relating to your business, other agencies can help.
Motor vehicle traders | NZ Transport Agency
Important information for motor vehicle traders including:
- How to set up your trader status with NZTA
- Buying and selling motor vehicles
- Trade plates (also known as dealer plates)
- NZTA Forms
If you have a query about any of the above, contact Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA).
Motor vehicle traders(external link) — NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
Phone: 0800 108 809
Vehicle licensing
For vehicle registration and licensing queries, contact Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (NZTA).
Vehicle licensing (rego)(external link) — Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency
Phone: 0800 108 809
Motor vehicle disputes
The Motor Vehicle Disputes Tribunal (MVDT) is administered by the Tāhū o te Ture Ministry of Justice, and can hear claims about motor vehicle sales that may have breached the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993, the Fair Trading Act 1986, or the Contract and Commercial Law Act 2017.
Business tax
If you're new to the business of motor vehicle trading and you're not sure about taxation requirements, two useful resources are the Te Tari Taake Inland Revenue and business.govt.nz websites.
Vehicle safety rating labels
Vehicle safety rating labels can be printed by motor vehicle dealers and displayed on light vehicles for sale. They provide consumers with simple information about a vehicle’s safety performance when they’re making their next purchase – helping people to stay safe on our roads.
The safety rating label sits alongside the Vehicle Emissions and Energy Economy Label (VEEEL), which is administered by the Energy Efficiency & Conservation Authority (EECA). When traders generate labels for their vehicles, they can automatically generate a safety label for display alongside the VEEEL.
Vehicle Emissions and Energy Economy Label generator(external link) — EECA
Vehicle Emissions and Energy Economy Labels
It is a legal requirement under the Energy Efficiency (Vehicle Energy Economy Labelling) Regulations 2007 for motor vehicle traders to display Vehicle Emissions and Energy Economy Labels (VEEEL) on all light vehicles under 3.5 tonnes offered for sale, except for motorbikes, provided the information is available.
This applies to vehicles offered for sale both on the yard and online. Online sales include vehicles listed on platforms such as Trade Me and traders' own websites.
A motor vehicle trader is anyone who is identified as a Motor Vehicle Trader in accordance with sections 7 and 8 of the Motor Vehicle Sales Act 2003 and carrying out a business in motor vehicle trading.
EECA administers the VEEEL programme and compliance with the Regulations. Failure to comply with the Regulations can result in a penalty of up to $5,000 per offence (vehicle).
Find out your legal obligations to display a VEEEL if you sell or distribute vehicles(external link) — EECA