New Zealand Introduces New Winter Tyre Rules

On April 1, new regulations covering the use of winter tyres will take effect in New Zealand. The new requirements included in the Land Transport: Tyres and Wheels Amendment Rule prohibit the mixing of winter tyres with other types of tyres on the same vehicle. This ban applies to passenger cars, 4x4s, vans, small buses and light commercial vehicles.

The body responsible for such measures, the NZ Transport Agency, states changes related to cold weather tyres are required as the fitting of winter tyres together with other tyre types on a single vehicle has been identified as a contributory factor in four fatal crashes in recent years. Testing was subsequently undertaken at a facility in Australia, and the NZTA relates that this showed combining winter tyres and conventional (summer/all-season) tyres can make a vehicle unpredictable and difficult to control in the wet and/or during hard or emergency braking.

“While winter tyres have safety benefits when used appropriately, they can be dangerous if used incorrectly,” commented NZTA media manager Andy Knackstedt. “Mixing winter tyres with other tyres on the same vehicle can result in different levels of grip on the front and rear axles, which can make the vehicle unbalanced and difficult to control in an emergency or during hard braking. This has been shown to have been a contributing factor in crashes.”

As of April 1, 2010, if a vehicle is fitted with winter tyres, this type of tyre must be fitted to all of the vehicle’s road wheels. A new winter tyre minimum tread depth of 4mm also comes into effect on this day. This requirement, says the NZTA, is based on tyre manufacturers’ recommendations for adequate performance in the snow. Both requirements will be checked when used vehicles are imported into New Zealand and first registered and during the ‘MoT’ checks vehicles in New Zealand must periodically undergo, the warrant of fitness or certificate of fitness inspections.