Private vehicle owners
The default position under the law is that vehicles used for freedom camping on public land must be certified as self-contained, unless the site has been specifically designated for non-self-contained vehicles.
Freedom camping is generally permitted on public land unless it is restricted or prohibited by local bylaws, notices, or other legislation.
If you’re not freedom camping (for example, if you’re staying in a campground, holiday park, or on private property), then the vehicle self-containment requirements do not apply.
To be certified as self-contained, vehicles must have a toilet that is permanently fixed to and usable within the vehicle and meet other requirements in relation to the vehicle's water supply system, wastewater system, ventilation system, sink, and rubbish storage.
A certificate of self-containment is the official document confirming your vehicle has met the self-containment requirements . The certificate is accompanied by a green warrant card that must be displayed in your vehicle as proof of certification. Key information from the certificate is entered onto the national SCV register . This enables enforcement officers to check a vehicle’s certification status on the spot.
Note 1: Because every vehicle setup is different, owners with questions about whether their particular vehicle is likely to meet the requirements should contact a Certification Authority operating in their region or city.
Note 2: The certification process for self-containment is separate from the processes relating to a vehicle’s warrant of fitness or low volume vehicle certification. In particular, any modifications made to a vehicle for the purposes of self-containment (or otherwise) may need a low volume vehicle certification. For more information, visit the NZTA Waka Kotahi website .
Certification requirements for SCVs
To be certified as self-contained under the green warrant system, vehicles must have a toilet that is permanently fixed to and usable within the vehicle and must meet other requirements in relation to the vehicle's water supply system, wastewater system, ventilation system, sink, and rubbish storage.
We’ve created an infographic summarising the different requirements vehicles need to meet.
The detail of the requirements is contained in section 87U(4) of the Act and Part 2 of the Regulations. The Vehicle inspection guidance (aimed at Vehicle Inspectors and Certification Authorities) may also be helpful in understanding the requirements contained in the Act and Regulations.
Certification Authorities will collect personal information about you as the owner of the vehicle (or applicant, if different from the owner) during the certification process. This information is collected so that the Certification Authority can send your warrant card and certificate if not issued immediately following certification, and to enter the vehicle owner’s name and address into the Register.
Information must be collected in accordance with the Privacy Act 2020. For further details on the collection, storage, use, and disclosure of this information read the privacy statement for personal information entered in the Register.
The Board provides oversight of the national SCV system, but Certification Authorities are responsible for assessing individual vehicles. If you are unsure how the requirements apply to a particular vehicle’s setup, contact a Certification Authority in your city or region.
Certification of smaller vehicles
A vehicle’s size alone does not determine whether it can be certified as self-contained. To receive a green warrant, a vehicle must meet all requirements set in the Regulations, including a toilet that is permanently fixed to and usable within the vehicle and other requirements in relation to the vehicle's water supply system, wastewater system, ventilation system, sink, and rubbish storage. Some smaller vehicles can legitimately meet these requirements; however, others will not. Certification Authorities are required to assess each vehicle on its individual merits against the full regulatory criteria.
Where to get certified
Visit the Register to find a Certification Authority operating in your region. Certification Authorities can also advise whether your vehicle is likely to meet the requirements and what modifications may be needed before inspection.
Can I get my vehicle inspected remotely?
The Board’s expectation is that vehicle inspections are carried out in-person wherever reasonably possible. The Board considers that remote inspections will present challenges and limitations that, if not well managed, are more likely to result in certification decisions being based on inaccurate and/or incomplete inspection information.
Remote inspections are only appropriate in exceptional circumstances, such as where a vehicle is located in a rural or remote area with no reasonable access to another certification authority offering in-person inspections. It could also include situations where nearby certification authorities are not taking bookings or have extremely long wait times that would result in unreasonable delay.
Cost of certification
Certification Authorities may charge a fee for inspecting and certifying your vehicle. In addition, you will need to pay the $120 (incl GST) SCV levy to the Certification Authority. The SCV levy is transferred to the Board and is intended to cover the costs of the Board in performing or exercising our functions, powers and duties.
Certification Authorities inspect and certify vehicles. Find one operating in your region.
Requirements and guidance
Guideline
Getting your vehicle certified infographic v12
SELF CONTAINED VEHICLESGuideline
Vehicle inspection guidance
SELF CONTAINED VEHICLES