electric vehicle means a motor vehicle that is propelled solely or partly by an electric motor, and includes a plug-in electric vehicle and a hybrid electric vehicle

zero-emission vehicle means a motor vehicle—

(a)

with motive power wholly derived from an external source of electricity (and that may also derive power from its own kinetic energy); or

(b)

that is a hydrogen fuel cell electric vehicle with motive power wholly derived from a hydrogen fuel cell battery (and that may also derive power from its own kinetic energy)

5 Schedule 3 amended

(1)

In Schedule 3, item relating to Class 1, second column, after paragraph (g), insert:

(h)

a zero-emission vehicle with a gross laden weight of not more than 7 500 kg

(2)

In Schedule 3, item relating to Classes 2 and 2L, second column, after paragraph (e), insert:

(f)

a rigid vehicle that is also a zero-emission vehicle or an electric vehicle with—

(i)

a gross laden weight of more than 18 000 kg but not more than 22 000 kg; and

(ii)

more than 2 axles

Rachel Hayward,
Clerk of the Executive Council.

Explanatory note

This note is not part of the rule but is intended to indicate its general effect.

This rule, which comes into force on 6 August 2026, amends the Land Transport (Driver Licensing) Rule 1999 to increase the weight of electric or zero-emission vehicles that can be driven by Class 1, Class 2, and Class 2L driver licence holders. The amendments are part of the Government’s fuel crisis response and are intended to enable more people to drive heavier electric or zero-emission vehicles to reduce fuel consumption.

Regulatory impact statement

The Ministry of Transport produced a regulatory impact statement on 8 May 2026 to help inform the decisions taken by the Government relating to the contents of this instrument.

A copy of this regulatory impact statement can be found at—

Issued under the authority of the Legislation Act 2019.

Date of notification in Gazette: 25 June 2026.

This rule is administered by the Ministry of Transport.

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Land Transport (Driver Licensing) (Fuel Response) Amendment Rule 2026