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Vehicle Certification

Want to get your modified vehicle legal? Scott can help.

From Fabricator to Certifier

With over 20 years in the sports car manufacturing business, Scott Tristram brings deep technical knowledge and hands-on experience to every vehicle he inspects. His lifelong love of cars, fabrication, and engineering led him to run – and eventually own – Fraser Cars, now New Zealand’s largest low-volume car manufacturing company.

After more than a decade building and certifying handcrafted sports cars, Scott was invited by the Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association (LVVTA) to train as an official Vehicle Certifier. Based in Auckland, he now works with builders and owners across the country to ensure vehicles are safe, legal, and ready for New Zealand roads.

Certifying What You’ve Built - and Keeping You Safe

Whether you’re modifying a factory car or building your own from scratch, it’s your vision – and Scott’s job is to make sure it meets all the right standards. Vehicle certification isn’t just a tick-box process – it’s peace of mind. You’ll know your car is roadworthy, compliant with New Zealand’s Low Volume Vehicle regulations, and safe for the people inside it and on the road.

What Scott Can Certify

Scott is authorised to certify a wide range of low volume vehicle modifications, including:

  • LV1A – Modified Production (Limited)
    Factory bolt-on changes like brakes, wheels, suspension mods, and engine swaps.
  • LV1B – Modified Production (Extended)
    Modifications to seats, seatbelt anchorages, or frontal impact structures.
  • LV1C – Modified Production (Structures)
    Structural bodywork, chassis modifications, or subframe alterations.
  • LV1D – Modified Production (Advanced + Scratch-built)
    More complex changes to steering, suspension geometry, engine placement, or full scratch-built vehicles.
  • LVEX – Exhaust Noise + Emissions
    If your car’s been flagged for noise or emissions – this one’s for you.
  • LVRH – Right-Hand Drive Conversions
    Swapped the driver’s position? This cert ensures it’s done right and to standard.
  • LV2A – Motorcycles (Modified Production)
    Factory bolt-on changes; eg brakes, wheels, suspension, engine and frame mods.
  • LV3A – Disability Adaptation (Limited)
    Checking and signing off modifications and conversions for ease of access and seating.
  • LVHVEC – Heavy Vehicle (up to 6000kgs)

For a full breakdown of categories and current certification guidelines, visit the LVVTA website.

Can’t Bring the Car to Scott? He May Come to You

If your vehicle isn’t quite ready to hit the road yet, Scott may be able to inspect it on-site – depending on location and access. Just get in touch to chat through options.

Importing or Building Overseas?

Scott travels internationally to inspect vehicles during their build stage – making sure they’ll meet NZ compliance before they land. If you’re working with an offshore builder, a pre-shipment check can save time, stress, and money.

Ready to Get Certified?

To book your certification or chat about your build, give Scott a call or send a message.