There are two classes of mopeds:
There are three classes of motorcycles:
See also: Which is my vehicle class?
Vehicle has to meet standard if made on or after... |
What sort of standard? |
Under what legislation? |
1 January 2006 |
Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004 |
|
1 January 2006 |
If fitted: |
Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004 |
27 February 2005 |
Installation standard for lighting on this class of vehicles |
Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004 |
1 October 2002 |
Land Transport Rule: Light-vehicle Brakes 2002 |
|
1 January 1996 |
Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004 |
|
1 January 1992 |
Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004 |
|
*The number, position and performance of lighting equipment on vehicles manufactured after 27 February 2005 must meet either an installation standard or the relevant requirements in 3.3, 4.3, 6.3, 7.3, 7.4, 7.5, 7.6, 8.3 and 9.3 of Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004. |
More information for moped riders
Vehicle has to meet standard if made on or after... |
What sort of standard? |
Under what legislation? |
1 January 2006 |
Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004 |
|
1 January 2006 |
If fitted: |
Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004 |
27 February 2005 |
Installation standard for lighting on this class of vehicles |
Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004 |
Land Transport Rule: Light-vehicle Brakes 2002 |
||
1 October 2002 |
Land Transport Rule: Tyres and Wheels 2001 |
|
1 January 1996 |
Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004 |
|
1 January 1992 |
Land Transport Rule: Vehicle Lighting 2004 |
|
* You may fit tyres that meet New Zealand standards to your vehicle after it arrives in the country. |
Here's how mopeds and motorcycles differ across a range of vehicle and driver requirements.
Mopeds |
Motorcycles |
|
Registration |
'Moped' means a motor vehicle (other than a power-assisted pedal cycle) that has— |
'Motorcycle' means a motor vehicle running on two wheels or not more than three wheels when fitted with a sidecar, |
Vehicle standards |
Under vehicle standards, mopeds must meet requirements of vehicle classes LA or LB. |
Under vehicle standards, motorcycles must meet the requirements of vehicle classes LC, LD or LE. |
Warrant of fitness (WoF) |
Aren’t required to be regularly inspected for a WoF. |
Must be regularly inspected for a WoF. |
Driver licence |
Riders can hold any New Zealand driver licence (eg car driver licence) to ride a moped. |
Riders must have a motorcycle driver licence to ride a motorcycle. |
Both must be designed and constructed to meet vehicle standards for lighting, brakes and tyres.
They must both be registered and licensed before you can use them on the road.
You must securely fix and clearly display the number plate at the rear of your vehicle.
You must wear an approved safety helmet.
You cannot ride motorcycles or mopeds on the footpath.
You can ride both along bus lanes and transit lanes – unless signs posted on the lane prohibit it.
It’s illegal to register a motorcycle as a moped.
It’s unsafe to drive a motorcycle without the proper driver training and driver licence.
It’s illegal and unsafe to ride either type of vehicle without an approved helmet to protect you. We also recommend you wear other safety clothing, such as protective gloves and footwear.
See more tips on motorcycle safety
Check out Ride Forever(external link), a website for motorcyclists that includes advice on road awareness.