Transport service licence (TSL) labels

Is your number up? (PDF, 375 KB)

From 1 August 2009, the Operator Licensing Amendment Rule 2008 requires the following vehicles to display a Transport service licence (TSL) label:

1. Taxis
2. Shuttles
3. Vehicle recovery services
4. Goods services (with a GVM of 6000kg or more)
5. Large passenger service vehicles.

Note: there is no need to display a TSL label on trailers.  

Why is NZTA introducing a TSL label?

One of the main reasons for introducing labels is that many operators lease, rent, borrow or share vehicles and therefore their TSL number must be in a format which can be easily transferred between vehicles.  As of 1 August 2009 you will no longer need to complete a Certificate of Responsibility when a vehicle is used in a transport service by someone other than the owner, just place your TSL label in the other vehicle. The TSL label also replaces the requirement for you to display your TSL number on the outside of your vehicle.

Vehicles currently displaying the transport service licence number and the business location are not required to remove this information.

Rented Vehicles
If a rented vehicle is used in a goods or passenger service, the transport service operator who is using the rented vehicle at that time must display their TSL label.  

Background

Do I need to display a label?

TSL labels must be displayed in all

• large and small passenger service vehicles, (not private hire vehicles)
• vehicle recovery service vehicles, and
• goods vehicles with a GVM of 6,000kg or more. 

Where do I display the label?

Is your number up? (PDF, 375 KB)

Goods, passenger and vehicle recovery service vehicles must have the TSL label displayed on the windscreen at the bottom of the passenger’s side.

Goods service vehicles only may optionally display the TSL label in the window behind the passenger seat.

Rented Vehicles

There will not be a general requirement for rental vehicles to display a TSL label. However, if the vehicle is to be used for the provision of a transport service (for example, a rented truck used in a goods service, or a rented bus or van used in a passenger service), the transport service operator who is using the vehicle at that time must display their TSL label.

What happens if I don’t display a label from 1 August 2009?

The table below shows the offences relating to TSL labels and the penalties associated with them.

Offence	Infringement fee (fine)		Court imposed penalty
	Individual	Coporate	Individual	Corporate
Failure to display the TSL label as required by the amendment Rule	$400	$2000	$2000	$10,000
Display of incorrect information on a TSL label	$400	$2000	$2000	$10,000
Failure to display a legible TSL label	$400	$2000	$2000	$10,000
Displaying an item that appears to be a TSL card in the manner of a TSL label	$400	$2000	$2000	$10,000
Failure to surrender the TSL label to the Director or an enforcement officer	$400	$2000	$2000	$10,000

How do I get my TSL labels?

TSL labels have been posted to all transport service operators who requested them in early 2009. If you are a transport service operator and you have not received any TSL labels, or you require additional or replacement labels, you can request these from NZTA by calling 0800 822 422. If you are applying for a new TSL, you will be posted your TSL labels when your application is granted.

What does the label look like?

The TSL label will be similar to other road user labels already in use.  It will show the TSL holder’s name, TSL number, TSL type and a unique serial number which will help to identify the individual label for tracking purposes.  It will also include a barcode that, in future, can be scanned to quickly and accurately collect the TSL information from the label, for example, during a COF or roadside inspection. 
A sample TSL label is shown below.

Is there a charge for the TSL label?

TSL Labels will be supplied to you at no cost.

Last updated: 25 March 2009