Conversion Criteria

Identifying the criteria for a vehicle to require conversion to right-hand drive can be complex if you are unfamiliar with the NZTA requirements. Many American imports featured in NZV8 are exempt, predominantly because they are classified as “light vehicles that are 20 years old or more”. However, any late-model vehicles — less than 20 years old — that do not meet the NZTA’s criteria for a Category A LHD vehicle permit will need to be converted.

A full criteria list can be found on the NZTA website, but key points include:

• the vehicle must be a class MA vehicle less than 20 years old

• the vehicle must meet three of the four following criteria:

— the vehicle is identified as a collector’s item in a commercially produced motoring publication

— the vehicle is/was manufactured in annual volumes not exceeding 20,000 units

— the vehicle is a two-door coupe or convertible

— the vehicle is a high-performance vehicle.