Recent research has shown two-thirds of vehicles for sale via a registered motor vehicle trader have a current safety rating label on display.

The nationwide study organised by NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi found 66.7 percent of vehicles at dealerships were presented for sale with a current vehicle safety rating label, which it is currently voluntary to display.  

NZTA thanks those who agreed to participate in the survey, and especially those proactively using vehicle safety rating labels.

The report prepared for NZTA based on analysis of the data from 300 randomly selected dealerships visited as part of the study was shared with MIA recently on your behalf. The study found vehicles with higher safety ratings were more likely to have a safety rating label displayed, compared with vehicles rated as 1 and 2 star. It noted there is no clear difference in practice between franchise and independent dealers, however it highlighted uptake of vehicle safety rating labels could be improved in some segments, regions and brands.

NZTA have asked us to explore how we can help, including with communication like this, as increasing voluntary uptake is preferred to a potential regulatory approach. We will also continue to engage with NZTA, who are working on a range of initiatives to get more people into safer vehicles, including through raising public and industry awareness of the importance of vehicle safety ratings.

Here are some links to information on Rightcar to help you learn more about vehicle safety ratings and labels, plus a link to the label generator on the EECA website:

Vehicle safety ratings 
Safety rating labels
https://resources.fuelsaver.govt.nz/label-generator/

If you have any questions about the survey or the results, email safevehicles@nzta.govt.nz