The Government has announced changes to light vehicle inspections, which will start to come into effect from 1 November 2026. These changes aim to cut down on unnecessary costs while keeping people safe on the road. They affect inspections for cars, vans, people-movers, trailers and rental vehicles. There are also changes for motorcycles registered before 1 January 2000.

This announcement follows public consultation on proposed changes to light vehicle inspections, which ran from 29 October to 17 December 2025. We received over 5,000 submissions, with overall support indicated for the proposals. 

What's changing

There will be fewer inspections for light vehicles at lower risk of crashes. New Vehicles registered after 1st November will not need a first WoF check for four years, Vehicles registered after November 1st 2019 will now only need a WoF every two years.
Vehicles registered between November 1, 2013, and October 31, 2019, transition to two-yearly WoFs starting November 1, 2027
Vehicle registered before January 1st 2020 move to annual WoF

Inspection scope  - From 1 November 2026, WoF and CoF A inspections will check that no warning or malfunction indicators are showing for any advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) that fully or partially assist with steering or movement of the vehicle.

Enforcement and public awareness

• The infringement fee for operating a vehicle with a WoF expired by more than two months will increase from $200 to $350.

• Penalties for non compliant wheels and tyres will increase from $150 to $350 (infringement fee) and up to $1000 (maximum court ordered fine).

• Public education will be developed to help people understand how to maintain their vehicles between inspections.