Road user charges (RUC) increases and the expiry of RUC licences for heavy vehicles - 2009
Last updated on
12/01/2012 4:34 p.m.
This page contains questions and answers that were published in 2009 when notice of road user charges (RUC) increases, expiry of RUC licences for heavy vehicles, and RUC exemption for light electric vehicles was announced.
Questions and answers - notice of increases to RUC and expiry of RUC licences for heavy vehicles (2009)
Why has the legislation been changed to give 42 days notice of increases to road user charges (RUC)?
The notice period will give transport operators the opportunity to factor the cost of RUC increases into the prices they charge for their services.
Why will RUC licences for heavy motor vehicles expire a month after any increase?
The licences will expire to avoid owners buying large numbers of RUC licences at the pre-increase rates and using them for months afterwards. Without a one month expiry for RUC licences for heavy vehicles the government might lose significant amounts of revenue due to drivers continuing to use RUC purchased at old rates
Why are the road user charges licences for light vehicles not expiring?
The rate for these licences is not as high as for heavy motor vehicles so the incentive to buy in advance is not as great. The administration cost and inconvenience to the motorist outweigh any advantages in having these licences expire.
Is this somewhat unfair on heavy vehicle operators?
This proposal was requested by the heavy transport industry itself. They consider a system of notice and expiry of licences afterwards works better than the government giving little notice of increases.
What are heavy vehicles? How do I know if I am affected?
Heavy vehicles are those capable of carrying over 3.5 tonnes when loaded. These are the vehicles that are required to use a hubodometer or electronic distance recorder to measure distance, and typically also require Certificate of Fitness inspections rather than Warrant of Fitness inspections.
Will heavy vehicle operators lose money on the expired licences?
No. Once the rates have changed, heavy vehicle operators will receive an automatic refund in the form of a credit when they purchase their new licences.
Is there anything special that heavy vehicle owners need to do?
Heavy vehicle operators will need to buy a new licence within a month after the increases are announced. The charges will be calculated automatically at the time of purchase. Most heavy motor vehicle operators buy licences within a month anyway.
What about those operators of heavy vehicles that are used infrequently?
These operators also will need to buy new licences within a month after an increase comes into effect.
Where can I find more information about this?
You can look at the NZ Transport Agency website or ring the help-desk at the RUC Contact Centre on 0800 655 644 Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm.