Proposed regulations for road user charges - consultation

Overview

We are consulting on proposals for regulations required to support the modernisation of New Zealand’s road user charges (RUC) system. These regulations would be made under the Land Transport (Revenue) Amendment Bill (the Bill) if it is enacted.

The proposals focus on enabling a flexible, user‑friendly RUC system that can support new technologies, new service models, and create performance standards for RUC providers. The consultation document [PDF, 743 KB] also provides an update on how fees will be set for the RUC system.

We want to hear your views on the proposals set out in the consultation document.

Why are regulations needed?

The Government is progressing the Land Transport (Revenue) Amendment Bill to reform the road user charge (RUC) system. Regulations are required by the Bill, if enacted, to support the modernisation of the road user charges (RUC) system.

This legislative reform is a key step in the goal to transition all vehicles from fuel excise duty to road user charges, while ensuring all road users contribute fairly based on how they use the network.

While no final transition timeframes have been set, RUC reforms are being progressed to ensure the system is ready as the vehicle fleet changes, including increasing numbers of electric and low‑emissions vehicles.

What are we proposing?

The proposed regulations are grouped into five areas.

• Electronic distance recorders – retaining relatively stringent requirements for heavy vehicles while adopting a more flexible outcomes-focused approach for light vehicles to support emerging technologies.
• Approval of RUC providers – establishing criteria for entry, including financial, operational, and technical capability.
• Performance requirements – setting ongoing obligations for revenue collection, data management, auditability, and compliance.
• Information protection and privacy – requiring compliance with the Privacy Act 2020 and associated safeguards for handling road user data.
• Alternative payment schemes – enabling different payment models, including post-paid systems, while ensuring revenue integrity.

Update on RUC administration fees

If the Bill is enacted, RUC fees would be revised to reflect the separation of NZTA’s roles as RUC Collector and RUC Provider. This consultation document provides an update on the development of RUC administration fees.

Have your say

We welcome feedback on any aspect of the regulation proposals.

The consultation document includes specific questions to guide submissions, but you do not need to answer every question. You can comment on any part of the proposals or raise other issues you think are important.

You can make a submission by:

• Online: Click "Share your views" below to submit your feedback
• Email: ruc@transport.govt.nz (subject: Road User Charges Regulation Proposals – Submission)
• Post: Road User Charges Regulation Proposals Consultation, Ministry of Transport, PO Box 3175, Wellington 6140

Please include your name and contact details.

Privacy disclaimer

All submissions may be subject to release under the Official Information Act 1982. If your submission contains commercially sensitive or personal information you wish to withhold, please clearly identify this and explain the reason.