New Zealand’s Ministry of Transport has launched a consultation on proposed regulations to support the modernisation of the country’s road user charges system.

The consultation, which opened on 19 May and closes on 12 June 2026, sets out proposed regulations required under the Land Transport (Revenue) Amendment Bill, should it be enacted.

According to the Ministry of Transport, the proposals are intended to enable a more flexible and user-friendly road user charges system that can support new technologies, new service models and performance standards for RUC providers. The reform forms part of New Zealand’s wider plan to transition vehicles away from fuel excise duty and toward road user charges, with the government seeking to ensure that all road users contribute fairly based on their use of the network.

The consultation document states that no final timeframe has been set for the wider transition, but that reforms are being progressed to ensure the system is ready as the vehicle fleet changes, including the increasing uptake of electric and low-emission vehicles. The proposed regulations are grouped into five areas: electronic distance recorders; approval of RUC providers; performance requirements; information protection and privacy; and alternative payment schemes.

For electronic distance recorders, the Ministry is proposing a more flexible, outcomes-focused approach, particularly for light vehicles.

This could allow new forms of distance-recording technology, including built-in vehicle telematics, to be approved if they meet accuracy, integrity and security standards set by the RUC Collector.

The proposals also envisage a regulated RUC provider market, with approved providers required to demonstrate financial, operational and technical capability, including the ability to collect and remit road user charges and securely connect with the RUC Collector. Under the proposed framework, the New Zealand Transport Agency would continue as RUC Collector, with responsibility for system administration, revenue accounting, compliance monitoring and enforcement.

The reforms would separate NZTA’s role as RUC Collector from its role as a RUC provider. The Ministry is also proposing performance standards covering revenue collection, data management, auditability, compliance, complaints handling and monitoring. RUC providers would also need to demonstrate compliance with New Zealand’s Privacy Act 2020 and relevant road user charges data rules.

Alternative payment schemes are another key element of the proposed regulations, with the government seeking to enable different payment models, including post-paid systems, while maintaining revenue integrity. The Ministry said submissions will inform advice to the Minister of Transport on the design of the regulations and any adjustments required before Cabinet makes final decisions later in the year.