Road User Charges
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Road User Charges (RUC) were instigated by the government to generate revenue required to maintain the national road network. All public road users whose vehicles are diesel powered (regardless of weight) or have a manufacturer's gross laden weight of more than 3,500 kg (regardless of fuel type)are required by law to have a RUC licence (RUCL).
All such vehicles are required to display a current RUC licence at all times. A valid licence must accompany the sale of any vehicle subject to RUC.
Motor Caravans will usually operate under a Distance licence. Charges depend on the axle and wheel configuration of the vehicle, and the weight of the vehicle. These licences are purchased in any multiple of 1,000 kilometres.
If the vehicle manufacturer's gross laden weight is less than 3,500 kg the speed-odometer is an approved distance recorder. Any vehicle with a manufacturer's gross laden weight over 3,500 kg must be fitted with an approved hub-odometer.
If you tow a diesel powered vehicle behind the motor caravan, then the diesel powered vehicle must have its own RUCL to cover its tonnage. If the towed vehicle is petrol or LPG powered and is of a weight where RUCL do not apply, then no RUCL is required.
However, if you tow a light trailer (not exceeding 3500kgs Gross Laden Weight) behind that vehicle, no extra RUCL are applicable unless the drawbar imposes extra weight on the motor caravan.
Should the drawbar impose a downward load on the motor caravan, then that load must be included in the RUCL of the motor caravan.
Further Checks that you Should Make to Ensure Compliance
• Does the weight of the imposed load from the drawbar plus the weight on the rear axle of the motor caravan exceed the manufacturer's rating of the rear axle?
• Does the weight of the imposed load from the drawbar plus the weight on the rear axle of the motor caravan exceed the axle loading rating for the classification of road that you are traveling on?
• Does the weight of the imposed load from the drawbar plus the weight on the rear axle of the motor caravan exceed the axle loading rating for the classification of road that you are traveling on?
• Does the weight of the imposed load from the drawbar plus the weight on the rear axle of the motor caravan exceed the tyre load ratings.
• Does the total weight of the motor caravan and trailer (or towed car) exceed the manufacturer's gross combined weight of the motor caravan?
If you need to tow a car or light trailer, and your RUCL is not sufficient, a Supplementary Road User Charges Licence may be purchased in multiples of 50kms.
How to Obtain a RUCL
You may open an account with New Zealand Transport Agency, through a Post shop or RUC office, or you may chose to pay cash for all transactions. A RUC account number will be issued and only applies to the customer named on the application form and to the address provided on the form.
Licenses may be purchased from Post shops; or by using a RUC card (a small plastic card which allows NZTA to Direct Debit license fees from their bank accounts) at participating BP service stations and BP Truck stops.
For further information contact the NZ Transport Agency or call the Road User Charges Contact Centre on 0800 655 644
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