On the 1st of January 1992 the New Zealand Government implemented the ‘Transport (Vehicle Standards) Regulations.’ This set out the requirements for persons building or modifying motor vehicles, including motor caravans in New Zealand. A Low Volume Vehicle Code  has been approved as an alternative standard pursuant to regulation 6 of the ‘Transport (Vehicle Standards) Regulations 1990’.

The purpose of the Low Volume Vehicle Code is to define the minimum requirements necessary to build or modify a motor caravan, taking into account the safety of the occupants, other road users, and the environment.

Should you be contemplating building or modifying your motor caravan contact:

The Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association (LVVTA)
www.lvvta.org.nz


The LVVTA website provides information on how to obtain certification (not all modifications require certification). Interior work to the motor caravan is not covered under the Low Volume Vehicle Code. Should you be changing the engine, transmission, modifying the steering, wheels, tyres, extending the body or chassis you will need to comply.

Note: Motor Caravans with a manufacturers chassis rating of over 3,500 kg, do not need low volume vehicle certification. All you need is safety glass all round and comply with the Certificate of Fitness regulations.

There is also provision to be exempt a Certificate of Fitness under the Low Volume Vehicle Code, providing that your motor caravan complies with the following:

• First registered in New Zealand before January 1992.
• A manufacturers gross laden mass of 3,750 kg or less.
• Has a gross mass of 3,500 kg or less.
• Complies with the Low Volume Vehicle Code.

For a list of Low Volume Vehicle certifiers who are authorised to certify modifications to motor caravans please click here. An asterisk beside a name indicates that they are also able to certify vehicles for people with disabilities.