Question 1

What is RUC Pass?

Accepted Answer

RUC Pass is a simple, modern way to buy Road User Charges (RUC) in New Zealand. Instead of dealing with NZTA directly every time, you link your vehicle, buy RUC in the app, and we arrange it for you. Your temporary RUC licence is typically emailed within 12 hours.

Question 2

How do I get a RUC Pass?

Accepted Answer

You don't need a physical pass yet. Everything runs through the app today: download RUC Pass, create a free account, link your plate, and buy RUC when you need it. No contracts, no subscriptions. Physical passes arrive with over-the-counter top-ups.

Question 3

What vehicles can use RUC Pass?

Accepted Answer

All vehicles that pay Road User Charges can use RUC Pass: diesel, electric, and plug-in hybrid cars, SUVs, utes, and vans. The only exception is vehicles fitted with a hub odometer. As New Zealand moves petrol vehicles to RUC, we'll support them too.

Question 4

I drive a petrol car. Do I need RUC yet?

Accepted Answer

Not yet. Petrol vehicles are expected to move to RUC from around 2028, and the exact transition date is still to be announced. When your switch comes, RUC Pass will be ready for you.

Question 5

What does RUC Pass cost?

Accepted Answer

Every purchase includes the standard NZTA fees that apply to all RUC purchases, plus a small RUC Pass fee. No subscriptions and no lock-in. You only pay when you buy.

Question 6

Does RUC Pass track my location?

Accepted Answer

No. There is no GPS in RUC Pass at all, and no hardware to install. You can switch location services off on your phone and the app works just fine. Enter your plate, buy RUC when you need it. That's it.

Question 7

Can I have multiple vehicles on one account?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can link up to ten vehicles to a single RUC Pass account. Each vehicle keeps its own RUC, and you can switch between them easily. One account, all your vehicles sorted.

Question 8

How do I buy RUC right now?

Accepted Answer

You buy RUC in the RUC Pass app. Choose your vehicle, pick an amount, and pay by card, Apple Pay or Google Pay. We arrange the purchase for you, and your temporary licence is typically emailed within 12 hours. Buying on the web is coming.

Question 9

How much can I buy at once?

Accepted Answer

You choose how much RUC to buy each time, from a single block of distance up to ten. Pick what suits your driving. There's no minimum commitment and no lock-in.

Question 10

Is the app available on iPhone and Android?

Accepted Answer

The RUC Pass app is live now on iOS and Android. Download it free from the App Store or Google Play.

Question 11

Do you send me the physical RUC licence label?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Your temporary licence is typically emailed within 12 hours, usually much quicker, and your physical label is shipped to your vehicle's address on the Motor Vehicle Register. We can't change that address for you. If it needs updating, use NZTA's online change-of-address service at transact.nzta.govt.nz before you buy. You'll need your driver licence handy.

Question 12

Can I track my RUC order?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can follow your order's progress in the app from purchase through to processed. We also email you at every step: a receipt when you buy, and your licence as soon as it's issued.

Question 13

Am I covered while I wait for my licence?

Accepted Answer

Your new RUC isn't applied instantly. We typically process purchases well inside 12 hours, but until your licence is issued your vehicle is only covered by the RUC it already has. Top up before you run out and there's never a gap.

Question 14

Can I cancel a purchase?

Accepted Answer

If your order hasn't been processed yet, contact us as soon as possible and we'll cancel it. Once your RUC licence has been issued, it's applied to your vehicle and can't be reversed.

Question 15

Do I need a physical pass?

Accepted Answer

No. RUC Pass is fully digital today: you buy and manage everything in the app. Physical passes for over-the-counter top-ups are coming.

Question 16

Can I check my RUC?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Open the RUC Pass app anytime to see the RUC remaining on each of your vehicles.

Question 17

What can I see in the app?

Accepted Answer

Everything about your vehicles in one place: RUC remaining, WoF and rego status, odometer history, every previous RUC licence, and your full purchase history with invoices.

Question 18

How do I add or remove a vehicle?

Accepted Answer

In the app, open your vehicles. Add a new one by entering its plate number, or remove one you no longer need. You can link up to ten vehicles, and changes take effect immediately.

Question 19

How many vehicle refreshes do I get?

Accepted Answer

Three per vehicle, per year. A refresh re-pulls your vehicle's latest details from the NZTA Motor Vehicle Register.

Question 20

How will buying RUC at a store work?

Accepted Answer

When over-the-counter goes live, you'll walk into any partner location, show your RUC Pass at the counter, and tell staff how much RUC you'd like. They scan your pass, you pay, and the RUC is applied to your linked vehicle. No paperwork, no rego details to recite. As easy as topping up a prepaid phone.

Question 21

Will I need to know my vehicle details in-store?

Accepted Answer

No. Your vehicle will already be linked to your RUC Pass, so when the retailer scans your pass the system knows which vehicle to apply the RUC to. Just hand over your pass and pay.

Question 22

What happens after I pay in-store?

Accepted Answer

Over the counter, your RUC licence will be issued instantly. The distance is applied to your vehicle immediately, and you'll see the transaction in your account straight away.

Question 23

Where will I find a RUC Pass location?

Accepted Answer

We're rolling out to over 2,000 locations across New Zealand, including dairies, petrol stations, convenience stores, and more. From major cities to regional towns, you'll never be far from a top-up point. Our interactive location map is coming soon.

Question 24

What's the difference between Standard, Student, and Super Gold?

Accepted Answer

All three passes share the same core features. Today you buy RUC in the app; over-the-counter and online are coming. The Standard pass works for any everyday driver. The Student and Super Gold passes come with extra perks for verified members of those groups and are coming soon. Student requires a valid student ID, and Super Gold requires a valid Super Gold card. We're still finalising the exact perks.

Question 25

What if I lose my pass?

Accepted Answer

Physical passes are coming. When they arrive, your RUC and vehicle details will always be tied to your account, not the card, so they stay safe. Just contact us for a replacement.

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