Christchurch Man Fined $255 After Parking Unregistered Mazda Outside Mechanic

Christchurch resident Liam Senior was issued a $255 parking fine after leaving his unregistered Mazda on the road directly outside a mechanic’s driveway. Senior explained that the vehicle was parked while awaiting transport to the workshop for repairs, providing the mechanic’s invoice as evidence.

The New Zealand Herald

Under section 77 of the *Land Transport (Motor Vehicle Registration and Licensing) Regulations 2011*, operating an unregistered motor vehicle constitutes an offence. The same legislation permits a defence when a vehicle is taken for repairs, provided it is stationary or moving for that purpose. Senior argues that the common practice of mechanics parking completed jobs on the roadside for customer collection should satisfy this defence, contending that his car was effectively “brought to a mechanic” despite being unable to drive directly into the workshop.

The New Zealand Herald

Senior has pursued the issue for seven months, contacting local MPs and expressing disappointment with the outcome. He described the experience as indicative of a broader sense of declining tolerance in New Zealand, comparing his treatment unfavourably to his time overseas in Japan. Senior suggested that many returning expatriates might choose to pay similar fines rather than engage in prolonged disputes.

The New Zealand Herald

• “I parked on the side of the road directly outside of their driveway and then went to check in with them,” — Liam Senior

The New Zealand Herald

• “It seems to be a pretty common practice, and there’s lots of mechanics that will, once they’ve finished working on it, will take them out of their yard and park them on the side of the road for customers to collect,” — Liam Senior

The New Zealand Herald