questions about road user charges?

  • Road User Charges (RUC) are distance-based charges paid by electric and diesel vehicles, ensuring all road users contribute to the maintenance and improvement of New Zealand's roads and infrastructure. 

  • Road User Charges (RUC) in New Zealand are fees based on the distance your vehicle travels. They primarily apply to vehicles that do not pay fuel excise tax at the pump, such as diesel and electric vehicles. These charges help fund the maintenance and improvement of roads, bridges, and transport infrastructure. 

  • If you've purchased a RUC licence through the RUCker platform, the RUCker Support Team can advise you of your most recent purchase. 

    If you haven't purchased RUC before and would like to get started with RUCker, please contact the RUCker Support Team and we'll help you find the right solution. 

    If you use another RUC provider, you'll need to contact NZTA directly via their website or phone service, as they will need to complete security checks before assisting you. 

    VTNZ RUCker Support Team 

    • 0800 RUCKER (0800 782 537) 

  • Yes. At this stage, you are still required to display a physical Road User Charges (RUC) licence label in your vehicle. 

  • There are two options: 

    Option 1 (VTNZ RUCker Pilot Customers Only) 
    If you purchase your Road User Charges through RUCker, we can top up your RUC when your licence balance reaches 200 km remaining. You can either contact us, or we'll contact you when your balance is running low. Once processed, we'll send your new RUC label to you. 

    Option 2 
    You can also buy your RUC yourself by coming into any of our VTNZ branches that can purchase Road User Charges.  

  • If your odometer reading doesn't match your Road User Charges (RUC) licence, first check that the licence belongs to the correct vehicle. 

    If everything looks correct, you'll need to contact NZTA, as there may be an issue with the distance entered on your RUC licence that requires adjustment. 

    If the odometer reading or mileage shown in RUCker is displaying incorrectly, please get in touch with the RUCker Support Team on 0800 RUCKER (0800 782 537). We'll be happy to help by updating the information in the system for you. 

questions about rucKER?

  • RUCker is compatible with: 

    • Android smartphones running Android 8.0 or later 

    • Apple devices running iOS 15 or later 

    If you're unsure whether your smartphone is compatible, or if you need help downloading the RUCker app, please contact us on 0800 RUCKER (0800 782 537) or email rucker@vtnz.co.nz. 

  • If a trip is completed using the Mini RUCker or RUCker+ without a connected smartphone running the RUCker app, the trip will be detected, but it won’t include GPS data, and no distance will be recorded. 

    To avoid this, please make sure a smartphone with the RUCker app is in the vehicle whenever it’s being used. 

    If someone else is driving the vehicle, they can be added as a secondary driver, so all trips are captured and mileage is recorded accurately. 

    If you have any further questions, feel free to contact us on 0800 RUCKER (0800 782 537) or email us at rucker@vtnz.co.nz.

  • To disable notifications: 

    1. Open your device settings. 

    2. Navigate to Notifications. 

    3. Locate the RUCker app and turn notifications off. 

    You can also disable notifications from within the RUCker app via the Settings menu. 

    Please note that disabling notifications may cause you to miss important alerts about device issues, trip tracking, or setup requirements. 

  • Trip tracking in RUCker uses a range of smartphone permissions to provide a complete and accurate view of your journeys. This includes Bluetooth, location services (GPS), activity monitoring (physical activity), and mobile network access. Once these settings are fully enabled and optimized, your trips will be recorded automatically.  

    If you experience any issues or need assistance, please contact us on 0800RUCKER (0800 782 537) or email rucker@vtnz.co.nz.  

  • If your device repeatedly disconnects or fails to track trips, please contact us on 0800 RUCKER (0800 782 537). We'll troubleshoot the issue with you and, if necessary, arrange a replacement device. 

  • If your vehicle no longer appears in the RUCker app, please contact the RUCker Support Team on 0800 RUCKER (0800 782 537) and we'll investigate the issue. 

  • If your RUCker device becomes loose, contact the RUCker Support Team for advice or visit your nearest VTNZ branch. 

  • If you'd like your RUCker device removed from your vehicle, please contact us on 0800 RUCKER (0800 782 537). We'll deactivate your account, and you can return the device by dropping it off at your nearest VTNZ branch. 

  • If you sell your vehicle, contact the RUCker Support Team and we'll help transfer the RUCker device to the new owner. We'll need to verify the new owner's details before making any changes. 

    If you'd prefer to move the device to another vehicle you own, we can transfer it while retaining the same device number. 

  • If you're changing licence plates but keeping the same vehicle, we can update your details. Contact us on 0800 RUCKER (0800 782 537) or email rucker@vtnz.co.nz. 

  • The device can be removed from the damaged windscreen and attached to the replacement windscreen. 

    For Mini RUCker and RUCker+, the adhesive strip may need replacing. We recommend purchasing a suitable adhesive from your local hardware store, or you can contact us and we'll send you a replacement for a small fee. 

  • Contact us on 0800 RUCKER (0800 782 537) and we'll remove the device from your account and pause your contract until you're ready to set up another vehicle. 

  • You can contact the RUCker Support Team by: 

    • Calling 0800 RUCKER (0800 782 537) 

  • We welcome your feedback at any time. 

    You can contact the RUCker Support Team by: 

    • 0800 RUCKER (0800 782 537)  

RUCker+ and Trucker RUCker Questions

  • Trucker RUCker is the latest addition to the RUCker family, alongside RUCker+. 

    It is designed primarily for heavy vehicles such as trucks and buses, but can also be installed in light vehicles, including cars and utes, depending on customer requirements. 

  • RUCker+ 

    • Windscreen-mounted 

    • Requires a smartphone running the RUCker app 

    • Uses Bluetooth and GPS to record trips 

     

    Trucker RUCker 

    • Battery-mounted 

    • Operates independently of a smartphone 

    • Uses a built-in SIM card to automatically transmit trip data 

    • Ideal for heavy vehicles and multi-driver environments 

  • For Mini RUCker and RUCker+ 

    If a trip is completed without a smartphone running the RUCker app connected to the device, the trip may be detected, but GPS data and distance travelled will not be recorded. 

    To ensure trips are captured correctly, make sure a smartphone running the RUCker app is present in the vehicle whenever it is being driven. 

    If another person drives the vehicle, they can be added as a secondary driver, so all trips are recorded accurately. 

    For Trucker RUCker 

    A phone is not required. The built-in SIM card automatically records trips when the vehicle is switched on. 

    To view trip history and driving statistics, you'll still need to download and log in to the RUCker app. 

  • RUCker+ 

    To accurately record trips, ensure the following are enabled: 

    • Bluetooth 

    • Location Services (GPS) 

    • Activity Monitoring (Physical Activity) 

    • Mobile Data 

     

    Trucker RUCker 

    Trips will be recorded automatically by the device. 

    Even if the RUCker app is not installed, your trips and key driving data, including speeding, acceleration, and braking, will still be tracked. However, driver distraction monitoring requires the app and will not be available. 

  • RUCker+ 

    Bluetooth must remain enabled for trips to be recorded correctly. If Bluetooth is switched off, you will receive a notification, and trips may not be captured. 

    Trucker RUCker 

    Bluetooth is not required. Trip distance will continue to be recorded regardless of Bluetooth status. 

    What are some of the features of Trucker RUCker? 

    • No phone required in the vehicle 

    • Built-in SIM card for automatic trip recording 

    • Assisted RUC purchasing 

    • Multi-driver access 

    • Automatic trip tracking 

    • GPS tracking (coming soon) 

  • Before You Start 

    Ensure: 

    • The bonnet is open and the vehicle is on level ground 

    • GPS and mobile signal are available 

    • The vehicle is switched off, and the key has been removed 

    Step 1: Position the Device 

    1. Install the device on the vehicle battery with the label facing upwards. 

    2. If the battery is difficult to access, connect the device to the emergency start terminals. 

     

    Step 2: Connect the Device 

    • Connect the red wire to the positive (+) battery terminal. 

    • Connect the black wire to the negative (-) battery terminal. 

     

    Step 3: Secure the Device 

    Secure the device and cables using the supplied adhesive tape and cable ties. 

    Step 4: Check Device Status 

    The LED light indicates the installation status: 

    🔴 Blinking Red: Power supply issue 

    🔴🟢 Alternating Red & Green: Downloading configuration 

    🟡 Blinking Yellow: Checking device position 

    🟣 Blinking Purple: Searching for GSM signal 

    🔵 Blinking Blue: Backup battery low 

    ⚪ Solid White: Ready for testing 

    ⚪ Blinking White: Test in progress 

    🟢 Solid Green: Test passed 

    Once setup is complete and the vehicle is switched off, no LED lights will be displayed. 

    Step 5: Pair the Device 

    1. Call the RUCker Support Team on 0800 RUCKER (0800 782 537). 

    2. Confirm the LED is showing a solid white light. 

    3. Once pairing is complete, the device will flash green. 

    Step 6: Download the RUCker App 

    Apple & Android

    Step 7: Log In 

    • Select your country and enter your mobile number. 

    • Tip: Enter your number without the leading zero (e.g. +64 21 123 1234). 

    Step 8: Configure Driver 

    • Tap Configure Driver and follow the prompts to enable tracking. 

    You're now ready to go! 

  • The Trucker RUCker requires a constant power supply. Connecting it directly to the battery ensures continuous power, allowing all features to operate correctly. 

  • Trucker RUCker can be fitted to most vehicle types. 

    To ensure you're getting the best solution, contact us on 0800 RUCKER (0800 782 537). We'll discuss your installation requirements and confirm whether Trucker RUCker or another RUCker product is the best fit. 

  • The device uses LED indicators to display installation progress. 

    Once the LED shows a solid green light, the installation has passed testing and has been completed successfully. 

  • Yes, the Trucker RUCker works independently using its built-in SIM card to record your trips. 

    When mobile coverage becomes available again, the trip data will automatically sync with the RUCker system and appear in the RUCker app. 

  • If your device stops working or you experience any issues, please contact the RUCker Support Team: 

    • 0800 RUCKER (0800 782 537) 

    We'll be happy to assist. 

Road user charges are changing in New Zealand as petrol vehicles will stop paying a petrol tax and will start paying for road user charges (RUC).

This means charges will be based on how far a vehicle travels, rather than how much fuel it uses.