New rule to ensure safer winter tyre use

27 October 2009

Transport Minister Steven Joyce has signed a new rule setting safety standards for winter tyres. 

Mr Joyce said that Coroners' reports have identified at least four deaths on our roads since January 2007 where the combination of winter and conventional tyres was a contributing factor. This Rule will help reduce the risk of further deaths and injuries by prohibiting the mixing of these tyres.

Research has found that mixing winter and conventional tyres can make a vehicle difficult to control in wet conditions and during hard braking. The Rule also specifies a greater minimum tread depth for winter tyres to further ensure safety.

Read Transport Minister Steven Joyce's full media release on the beehive website.

Read the questions and answers on the new rule on the NZ Transport Agency website.