A visible smoke test will become part of the vehicle warrant of fitness check from October 27.
Associate Transport Minister Judith Tizard said it was being introduced in an effort to reduce vehicle emissions and clean up air quality.
"It is estimated that vehicle emissions contribute to the death of
nearly 400 New Zealanders every year and that the overall effects cost the country $442 million each year," she said.
"These emissions harm the young, the old and the already sick, make respiratory and heart conditions worse, and damage our resistance to colds and 'flu."
Ms Tizard said that as part of the warrant of fitness test, inspectors would check exhaust smoke by running the car for five seconds while the engine idled, and for another five seconds with the engine speed increased.
Vehicles that produced smoke for five seconds or more would have to be repaired before they could be taken on the road.
She said the Choke the Smoke campaign was intended to increase public awareness of the harmful effects of vehicle emissions.
"We'll be considering more sophisticated test methods for the future."
Transport Safety Minister Harry Duynhoven said if a vehicle emitted visible smoke, it needed maintenance.
"Poorly maintained vehicles emit up to 10 times more pollutants than a well-maintained vehicle.
"If your vehicle is well maintained, you'll be saving on your fuel bills as well as reducing emissions and improving air quality."
David Parker, minister in charge of climate change policy, said that having vehicles tuned meant they used less fuel, which helped to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
"Here's an example of a small, practical step to address climate change, and which makes sense anyway because it saves us money."
- NZPA
