No, studded tires are prohibited nationwide under the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004, enforced by Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency. Exceptions exist only for emergency vehicles with prior approval from local authorities. The ban targets road surface damage mitigation, aligning with 2026 sustainability targets.
Key Regulations for Studded Tires in New Zealand
- National Prohibition: Rule 5.5 of the Land Transport (Road User) Rule 2004 explicitly bans studded tires for all vehicles except those operated by emergency services with written authorization from territorial authorities.
- Territorial Authority Discretion: Local councils may grant exemptions for specialized vehicles (e.g., snowplows) but must submit requests to Waka Kotahi for compliance verification under the 2026 Surface Durability Framework.
- Penalties and Enforcement: Non-compliance incurs infringement notices (NZ$200–$400 fines) and potential vehicle impoundment, with enforcement prioritized in high-traffic urban zones per NZ Police directives.
Recent amendments to the rule reflect Waka Kotahi’s 2023–2026 Road Surface Preservation Strategy, which classifies studded tires as a Tier 1 hazard due to their contribution to macrotexture degradation. Alternative winter traction solutions (e.g., snow chains or M+S-rated tires) are mandated during seasonal restrictions in alpine regions.