Blogs
RUC Questions & Answers
Am I able to specify RUC weights for vehicles in the type of areas that have more than one band, or is this predetermined outcome based on vehicle GVM and VDAM rules?
Under the new system the RUC weight is assigned by NZTA. This will be the lesser of the vehicle's GVM or maximum allowable mass under the VDAM Rule 2002.
Can I adjust my GVM?
A change to GVM would only be possible following a major modification to a vehicle. Any modification would need to be inspected and certified.
What is the process for changing vehicle RUC types the same as under the current system?
Under the new system, when an operator wants to change their RUC type there is a new application process to follow with RUCCV forms available on this website http://www.nzta.govt/vehicle/registration-licensing/ruc/index.html. An application fee of $50.50 is payable.
Will I be able to move between bands for vehicles that change from one operator to another?
No, under the new system a RUC vehicle is assigned a permanent RUC weight. This is unlike the current system where you can nominate the weight for the RUC licence.
How does the 'H' licence work?
The H type licence is an option for a vehicle combination with an approved high productivity permit. The owner or operator of the tractor unit of the combination vehicle will need to apply to change its vehicle type to one of the H types available based on the whole combination and permit weight. The licences are standard distance licences and only apply to the tractor unit. The trailers still need to have appropriate distance licences.
If while operating under an H licence I change my permit to a heavier weight can I purchase additional tonnes to top up my existing H licence?
No. Additional tonnes can only be bought to top up from the VDAM weight.
Can combination vehicles (408 or 409) be used on its own as another vehicle type?
No, a comination vehicle cannot be a 408 or 409 and then used on its own. NZ Police can check the licence type which will be displayed on the RUC licence. If they stop the vehicle on the road they can issue an infringement for displaying a licence with an incorrect vehicle type.
Does a combination always need to consist of the same regsitered vehicles or just the same type or number of axles?
A combination does not need to consist of exactly the same registered vehicles at all times but is required to have the same number of axles. For example, a 308 combination vehicle could have a prime mover (3 axle) with a 3 axle and a two axle trailer, or a prime mover with one five axle trailer.
In a B train combination do I need to specify the vehicles?
No. A B train combination depends on the axle configuration not the specific vehicles.
Can I unhook the trailer on a 939 to make deliveries when I can't get access?
Yes, the 939 leading trailer can still be used if the second trailer is unhooled for access purposes or to make deliveries around town, as long as it is not part of a set combination.
Can I split the trailers in a B train?
You can drop one of the trailers as long as the prime mover is not part of a combination. Combination vehicles must always travel in the correct configuration.
On a combination licence (308 or 408) can I leave the trailer behind (e.g. for servicing), because as soon as the trailer is disconnected it is not that vehicle type?
There is no general policy but this example may constitute a reasonable excuse for operating outside the set configuration of a combination vehicle.
Can you still be a combination license and piggyback the trailer?
No. If you do this, you are not fitting the definition of a combination vehicle type.
I load to 45 tonnes, or sometimes 46 tonnes, and don't use a permit. What do I do under the new system?
You are required to comply with the mass limits specified in the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002. If you wish to exceed the general mass limites set out in that rule, you will need to obtain a permit. Once you are operating under a permit, you will need to buy additional licences to carry the additional weight or, you can apply for a change of your vehicle type to an H vehilce type and buy H distance licences.
Are there any changes around off-road claims?
There is no change to the off-road claim process under the new system.
When I apply for a change of vehicle type, how do I know if it has been changed?
You will be notified by enail once your application has been approved.
What happened on 1 August 2012, do we need to advise our vehilce type?
As at 1 August the majority of vehicles will have the same vehicle type as they currently have. Some vehicle types are changing and you would have been notified of this. Your vehicle type is assigned by the NZTA - you do not need to do anything. If you then choose to change your vehicle type you will need to apply using a RUCCV form.
How do I change the weight band of a vehicle?
Your vehicle will be assigned a weight band based on its gross vehicle mass or the maximum allowable mass for the vehicle under the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002, whichever is the lesser. The weight of a vehicle will only change if there has been a change to axle configuration, or if a vehicle is re-rated through an engineering change and a subsequent inspection. The NZTA will need to review any requests to change the weight band of a vehicle.
Is there a cost for a review of an assessment?
No, there is no cost to apply for a review of an assessment.
How does the current tolerance to 45.5 tonnes work under the new system?
The Road User Charges Act 2012 does not include any weight tolerance; it is applied under the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002. Any vehicle operating in excess of 44 tonnes needs to have a permit and purchase additional licences or operate as an H vehicle type to carry the additional weight (over 44 tonnes).
If my truck/trailer is operating as a 408 breaks down and the replacement is not the same configuration what happens?
The 408 combination doesn't need to use exactly the same registered vehicles so as long as you use a replacement vehicle that gives a total of 8 axles.
What about my current axle loading?
You must still comply with the axle requirements set out in the Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Dimensions and Mass 2002.
Where do I display my additional licence?
On the windscreen along with the other licences.
What if I don't have a copy of the licence, but I have called the contact centre to buy it?
It is an offence to operate a RUC vehicle on a road without displaying a RUC licence for the vehicle.
Why is there a difference in record keeping for maintenance recirds (2yrs) and maintenance invoices (6 yrs)?
Records for maintenance need to be retained by businesses that have in-house or on-site workshops and therefore won't have invoices for maintenance. Invoices for fuel and maintenance are required to be kept for tax purposes so the 6 years align with the timeframes under tax legislation. Records for maintenance do not have to be kept for tax (or other legal reasons) so in order to lessen the compliance burden on operators the period that these records must be kept is only 2 years.
Am I responsible for obtaining logbook records from my drivers?
As the transport service licence holder you are required to keep and retain records, including logbook records for each RUC vehicle. Therefore, you must ensure that your employees provide you with the relevant records. You need to retain logbook records for a period of 1 year from the date of the entry.
I use different permits for different weights so what do I do under the new system?
You will need to use additional licences for each diffent permit.
What about rows of 8 vehicles that are currently a special rate vehicle - does this remain under the new system?
Yes, these vehicles remain a special vehicle type and are subject to reduced RUC charges. The NZTA will advise you of the new rate. Rates are worked out on a case by case basis.
Is there an infringement offence for not having sufficient road user charges to cover my High Productivity Motor Vehicle permit?
Yes. If you are operating under a High Productivity Motor Vehicle permit, then you must purchase a RUC licence that matches your permit weight.
Are my existing overweight permits still valid?
Yes, your current overweight permit is valid for two years from date of issue.
Can I buy additional tonnage to allow for tolerances?
Additional tonnes can be purchased when operating under permit and the permit number must be included in your application.
Under the new RUC Act what are the requirement for record keeping?
The operator must retain for each RUC vehicle:
- Logbooks for 12 months from date of last entry
- Records relating to maintenance of the vehicle or vehicles for 2 years from date of record
- All invoices relating to maintenance expenditure in relation to all RUC vehicles for 6 years from date of invoice
- All invoices relating to fuel purchases in relation to all RUC vehicles for 6 years from date of invoice
- All invoices relating to cartage by or use of all RUC vehicles for 6 years from date of invoice
- Any permits issued under the VDAM rule 2002 in relation to all RUC vehicles for 1 year from date of permit expiry
If a person fails to produce valid records enforcement agencies may require any person who has serviced, maintained, supplied, or contracted for the use of the RUC cehicle to produce that persons business records for the purposes of investigating unpaid road use charges.
