Driving a Forklift on Public Roads in New Zealand: What You Need to Know

Operating a forklift is common in warehouses, construction sites, and industrial areas. But what happens when you need to move a forklift on a public road in New Zealand? Can you legally drive a forklift on the road, and what rules apply? This article explains the key points you need to understand before taking a forklift onto public roads in New Zealand.

Understanding Forklift Use and Road Rules

Forklifts are designed primarily for off-road use, such as loading docks, yards, and factories. They are not typical road vehicles, so their use on public roads is limited and regulated. In New Zealand, the Land Transport Act and the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) set the rules for vehicles on public roads, including forklifts.

When Can You Drive a Forklift on the Road?

You can drive a forklift on a public road only under specific conditions:

• The forklift must be registered and warranted for road use.

• The forklift must have a current vehicle license.

• The driver must hold a valid driver’s license appropriate for the vehicle.

• The forklift must meet safety standards for road vehicles, including lights, indicators, and brakes.

• The forklift should be driven at a safe speed and only for short distances, such as moving between work sites or crossing roads.

  
  

If these conditions are not met, driving a forklift on public roads is illegal and can result in fines or penalties.

Registering a Forklift for Road Use

Most forklifts are not registered for road use because they lack the necessary equipment or design features. However, some forklifts can be modified or built to meet road vehicle standards.

To register a forklift for road use in New Zealand, you need to:

• Apply for registration through the NZTA.

• Ensure the forklift passes a Warrant of Fitness (WoF) inspection.

• Equip the forklift with required road safety features, such as headlights, tail lights, indicators, mirrors, and a horn.

• Confirm the forklift’s speed capability is suitable for road travel.

  
  

Many forklifts cannot reach the minimum speed required for road vehicles, which can be a barrier to registration.

Licensing Requirements for Forklift Drivers

Driving a forklift on a public road requires the driver to have the correct license. In New Zealand, forklifts are classified as heavy vehicles or special purpose vehicles depending on their size and use.

• For forklifts registered as road vehicles, the driver must hold a Class 1 (car) license or higher.

• If the forklift is classified as a heavy vehicle, a Class 2 or higher license may be required.

• Operating a forklift on private property does not require a driver’s license, but safety training is essential.

  
  

Always check with the NZTA or your local authority to confirm the licensing requirements for your specific forklift.

Safety Considerations When Driving Forklifts on Roads

Even if a forklift is legally allowed on the road, safety remains a top priority. Forklifts are not designed for high-speed travel or long distances, so extra caution is necessary.

Key safety tips include:

• Drive at low speeds, especially on busy or narrow roads.

• Use hazard lights and indicators to alert other drivers.

• Avoid driving in poor weather or low visibility conditions.

• Plan routes to minimize time spent on public roads.

• Ensure the forklift is well-maintained, with brakes and lights fully functional.

• Use a spotter if visibility is limited or when crossing busy intersections.

  
  

Alternatives to Driving Forklifts on Public Roads

Because of the restrictions and risks, many businesses avoid driving forklifts on public roads. Instead, they use alternatives such as:

• Transporting forklifts on trailers or trucks designed for road use.

• Using specialized low loaders to move forklifts between sites.

• Planning work sites to minimize the need for road travel.

• Using other vehicles like utility trucks or vans for transport.

  
  

These options reduce legal risks and improve safety for operators and other road users.

Real-World Example

A construction company in Auckland needed to move a forklift from one site to another across a busy road. The forklift was not registered for road use and lacked proper lighting. Instead of driving it on the road, the company loaded the forklift onto a flatbed truck. This method complied with regulations and avoided potential fines or accidents.

Summary

Driving a forklift on public roads in New Zealand is possible but only under strict conditions. The forklift must be registered, meet safety standards, and the driver must have the correct license. Because forklifts are not designed for road use, many operators choose safer alternatives like transporting forklifts on trailers.

If you need to move a forklift on public roads, check the NZTA rules carefully. Ensure your forklift is compliant, and prioritize safety at all times. When in doubt, use a trailer or truck to transport the forklift instead of driving it on the road.