Windscreen wiper laws NZ – Your quick guide to staying legal

Driving in New Zealand means you must follow the wiper rule that all drivers hate: you can’t be on the road with a dirty, broken or ineffective wiper blade. The law isn’t just about avoiding tickets – it’s about keeping visibility good enough to avoid crashes.

When the law forces you to use your wipers

New Zealand’s Road Code says you must use your wipers whenever the windscreen visibility falls below 100 metres (about 110 yards). That’s the same rule that applies to headlights – if you can’t see that far, you have to turn the wipers on. It doesn’t matter if it’s light rain, a light mist, or dust blowing across the road; the moment you can’t read a sign 100 m ahead, the wipers must be on.

Most drivers think the rule only applies in heavy rain, but even a light drizzle can reduce visibility enough to trigger the law. The safest habit is to turn the wipers on at the first sign of moisture or debris on the glass.

Legal wiper requirements and common penalties

New Zealand law requires that wiper blades be in good condition, free of cracks, and capable of clearing the whole windscreen. The vehicle must have a working wiper system for both low‑speed and high‑speed settings. If a police officer sees a cracked blade or a driver failing to use the wipers when visibility is low, they can issue a fine – usually around $140.

Beyond the fine, a vehicle with illegal wipers can be taken for an inspection. If the problem isn’t fixed, the vehicle may be marked unroadworthy, which means you can’t drive it until it’s repaired. That can cost you time and money, so a quick blade swap at a local garage is usually worth it.

Here are the most common reasons drivers get penalised:

• Broken or cracked wiper blades.
• Wiper motor not working on low‑speed setting.
• Using wipers without adequate fluid – the law expects the glass to be cleared, not just swiped.

Pro tip: keep a spare set of winter‑grade wiper blades in your boot. They perform better in cold, icy conditions and you’ll avoid the surprise of a cracked blade during a sudden storm.

Another quick tip is to check your wiper fluid level weekly, especially before long trips. Low fluid plus a dusty windscreen can make the wipers look like they’re working while they’re actually just spreading grime.

Finally, remember that the law applies to all vehicles – cars, trucks, vans, and even motorbikes with a windscreen. If you own a motorbike with a small visor, you still need to keep it clean and replace worn wipes.

Staying on top of wiper maintenance not only keeps you clear of fines, it also protects you and other road users from accidents caused by poor visibility. A clean windscreen, working blades, and the right fluid are all it takes to stay legal and safe.

Bottom line: whenever the road looks hazy, turn the wipers on, check the blades for damage, and make sure the fluid tank is topped up. Follow these simple steps and you’ll drive confidently without worrying about the wiper law in NZ.