Road user charges (RUC) are a tax paid by users of vehicles which use energy that is not taxed at its source (e.g.,
fuel tax
A fuel tax (also known as a petrol, gasoline or gas tax, or as a fuel duty) is an excise tax imposed on the sale of fuel. In most countries the fuel tax is imposed on fuels which are intended for transportation. Fuels used to power agricultural ...
).
Taxed fuels
Vehicles powered by
petrol
Gasoline (; ) or petrol (; ) (see ) is a transparent, petroleum-derived flammable liquid that is used primarily as a fuel in most spark-ignited internal combustion engines (also known as petrol engines). It consists mostly of organic c ...
,
compressed natural gas
Compressed natural gas (CNG) is a fuel gas mainly composed of methane (CH4), compressed to less than 1% of the volume it occupies at standard atmospheric pressure. It is stored and distributed in hard containers at a pressure of , usually in ...
(CNG), and
liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) generally do not pay RUC as these fuels are taxed at source. In New Zealand, other vehicles such as light diesel vehicles or trucks do pay RUC. Most large vehicles fall into this category.
Taxed vehicles
Vehicles required to pay RUC include:
* Vehicles that have a manufacturer's gross laden weight of 3,500 kg (7,716 lb) or more
* Vehicles that use diesel or other fuel not taxed at source
Payment
Charges are payable to the NZ Transport agency enforced by NZ police so all road users must ensure you have the correct documents displayed at all times in order to avoid a fine. There are several exemptions available for certain types of vehicles such as tractors however they vast majority of larger vehicles will be required to pay RUC.
Details on payment can be found on the New Zealand Transport Agency Website. http://www.nzta.govt.nz/vehicle/registration-licensing/ruc/overview.html
References
External links
Motor Vehicle Tax
Vehicle taxes
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