What is a Road User Charge (RUC)?
In 2012, the NZ Ministry of Transport introduced road user charges (RUC) for vehicles that aren't taxed directly at the pump, like heavy and light vehicles that use diesel. Vehicles powered by petrol, CNG and LPG don't have to pay RUC because these fuels are already taxed at the source. This includes most cars and small vehicles. The revenue from road user charges goes into the National Land Transport Fund (NLTF), which pays for road improvements and maintenance, public transport, and road safety.