Plumbers, Gasfitters
and Drainlayers Board
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.
FAQs for private vehicle owners
General Information
For a vehicle to be recognised as self-contained, it must be inspected and certified under the national self-contained vehicles (SCV) system by a certification authority. To receive certification the vehicle must meet the requirements set in the Act and 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. Certified vehicles must display a green warrant card as evidence of certification.
Who is responsible for enforcing the freedom camping rules?
Local authorities (regional councils and territorial authorities), the Department of Conservation, and Land Information New Zealand are responsible for determining where freedom camping is restricted or prohibited on the land they manage, and for enforcing compliance under the Freedom Camping Act and any local freedom camping rules.
For more details, see the Compliance and Certification section below.
Why were these changes introduced?
The SCV certification system was introduced — together with changes to strengthen the wider freedom camping regulatory and enforcement settings — to help protect the environment and support local communities. In the past, some freedom campers stayed in vehicles that were not properly self-contained and therefore could not manage their waste appropriately when staying in areas without proper infrastructure or facilities. The SCV certification system ensures that only properly equipped vehicles can be used for freedom camping on public land. This helps to keep our natural environment clean and safe, reduce pressure on local facilities and communities, and make freedom camping fairer and more enjoyable for everyone.
When did the new requirements take effect?
The national SCV certification system began on 7 December 2023, with a transition period running until 6 June 2026. From 7 June 2026, only vehicles certified with a green warrant are recognised as self-contained. Vehicles with the old blue warrant certification cannot be used for freedom camping.
Who do the requirements apply to?
These requirements apply to anyone using a vehicle for freedom camping on public land (unless you are staying at sites specifically designated as suitable for non-self-contained vehicles). Freedom camping is generally permitted on public land unless it is restricted or prohibited by a bylaw or other legislation. If you are 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.
Who is responsible for overseeing the SCV certification system?
The Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board is the regulator of the SCV system and is responsible for appointing certification authorities (the individuals or organisations offering self-containment inspection and certification services), providing guidance and investigating complaints and compliance issues in relation to certification authorities, and maintaining a national register of SCV’s. The Board cannot give advice about whether a particular vehicle is likely to qualify or what modifications may be needed before inspection. That is the responsibility of Certification Authorities and their vehicle inspectors. The Board is also not responsible for enforcing compliance under the Freedom Camping Act.
Compliance and Certification
What happens if my vehicle does not have self-containment certification?
If your vehicle is not certified, it is not recognised as self-contained. This means the vehicle cannot be used for freedom camping on public land unless you're staying at sites specifically designated as suitable for non-self-contained vehicles. 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.
Freedom camping is generally allowed on public land unless it is restricted or prohibited by local bylaws or other legislation. Always check the rules for the area you plan to stay in. There is an infringement offence for freedom camping in a non-self-contained vehicle in an area that requires self-containment. This can result in a $400 infringement fee.
How do I get my vehicle certified?
Self-containment certification can only be issued by a Certification Authority appointed by the Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board. Visit the Register to find a Certification Authority operating in your city or region. Certification Authorities are responsible for inspecting vehicles and assessing whether they meet the legal self-containment requirements. They are also the best first point of contact for questions about whether a particular vehicle is likely to qualify or what modifications may be needed before inspection.
Once you have your self-containment certificate and warrant card, make sure the vehicle details recorded by the certification authority are correct and match your vehicle.
What equipment does my vehicle need to qualify?
To qualify, your vehicle must include:
- A toilet that is permanently fixed to and usable within the vehicle, and can be emptied without removing the base
- A means of loading water into the vehicle securely and in a way that does not contaminate that water
- A water supply system that stores and conveys water in a secure manner that prevents contamination of the water
- A wastewater system that both stores and collects greywater and blackwater securely and hygienically
- A ventilation system that removes odours from the motor vehicle and minimises the extent to which foul air and gases can enter the motor vehicle
- A sink that is installed safely and drains to the wastewater system’s tank
- Rubbish storage that is secure and fit for purpose
- A means of disposing of wastewater hygienically to an appropriate outfall
Who should I contact if I have questions about my vehicle setup?
If you have questions about whether a particular vehicle is likely to meet the self-containment requirements, or what modifications may be needed, you should contact a Certification Authority operating in your region or city.
My vehicle has a portable toilet. Will that still qualify?
No. Portable toilets do not meet the requirements. A toilet that is permanently fixed to and usable within the vehicle is required.
What happens if I modify my vehicle after it has been certified?
If a vehicle is changed after certification and, as a result, no longer meets the self-containment requirements, then the certification authority that issued the certificate may revoke it. This could apply, for example, if changes affect the fixed toilet, wastewater, ventilation, or other features that were relied on when the vehicle was certified.
How long is the certification valid for?
Self-containment certification is valid for up to four years, as long as your vehicle continues to meet the self-containment requirements during that time.
How much does certification cost?
You’ll pay the inspection fee set by the certification authority, plus a $120 (incl. GST) levy.
Practical Questions
My vehicle was certified under the old blue warrant certification system. Can I still use it for freedom camping?
Vehicles with the old blue warrant certification are no longer valid and cannot be used for freedom camping.
I’m a tourist visiting New Zealand. What do I need to know?
If you plan to freedom camp on public land, make sure your campervan has self-containment certification and a green warrant card. Rental companies are responsible for ensuring their fleets are compliant.
Does my vehicle need a green sticker on the back?
No, your vehicle does not need a green sticker. What does matter is having a valid green warrant card (the credit-card sized card displayed in the vehicle) and a self-containment certificate, and that the vehicle is on the national SCV Register. The green ‘self-contained’ stickers used as promotional tools by some vehicle rental companies and certification authorities are not part of the legal self-containment system and have no official status. Enforcement officers will only be interested in the display of a valid green warrant card and whether the vehicle has current certification on the national SCV Register.
Can I freedom camp anywhere if my vehicle is certified as self-contained?
Freedom camping is generally permitted on public land unless it is restricted or prohibited by a local bylaw or other legislation. Where possible check the rules for the area you plan to stay in before your travel and also check signage at each site.
Support and Assistance
Where can I find more information?
For more information go to our website, email info@nzscv.co.nz, or call us on 0800 743 262. Be aware that the Board cannot give advice on particular vehicle self-containment setups. Those questions should be directed to certification authorities. Visit the Register to find a certification authority operating in your city/region.