What are Road User Charges?
Everyone who uses New Zealand’s roads helps pay for their upkeep, it’s how we keep the network in good shape.
Most drivers contribute automatically through levies built into the price of petrol at the pump but not every vehicle runs on petrol, and that’s where RUC comes in. NZTA uses Road User Charges to make sure drivers of light diesel vehicles, heavy vehicles, eletric/hybrid and non-powered vehicles like trailers pay their fair share too.
How does RUC work?
RUC is charged based on your vehicle’s weight and the distance it travels. You buy a licence in advance covering a set number of kilometres, then top up as you go. Simple as that.
Where to display your RUC licence
For light vehicles, your RUC licence label needs to go on the inside of the windscreen, passenger side — with the plate number facing out so it’s visible from outside the vehicle.
Heavy vehicles and trailers have a bit more flexibility. You can either display the label the same way, or carry it with you and show it to an enforcement officer if asked.
If you have an additional licence, that needs to be displayed or carried too.
Whichever way you go, double-check the details on your licence match your vehicle’s:
- RUC vehicle type
- Plate number
- Distance recorder serial number
- Distance recorder readings
Example of a RUC licence label
Not sure what to look for? Here’s a quick guide to what’s on a standard RUC label:
Image provided by New Zealand Transport Agency
At a glance, your label shows:
- Plate number: your vehicle’s registration plate
- Licence type: for example, a distance licence
- Licence start and end readings: the kilometre range your licence covers
- Vehicle type number: the RUC category your vehicle falls under
- RUC weight: the weight band your licence is issued for
- Distance recorder serial number: matches the hub-o-meter or electronic recorder fitted to your vehicle
- Licence number, label number, and security barcode: used by NZTA and enforcement officers to verify the licence
- Issuing site, issue time and date, and print batch: confirms where and when it was issued
Why purchase your RUC at VINZ?
We’re a one-stop shop. Whether you’re in for a WoF, CoF, or registration, you can grab your RUC licence at the same time. Our team can answer any questions and make sure you’ve got the right licence for your vehicle.