2. Code of Practice for Informing Overseas Drivers
The Background
The Code of Practice for Informing Overseas Drivers (COP) was introduced in October 2015.
The COP was a joint government/industry response to addressing concerns over accidents involving visiting drivers.
The aim of this Code is to establish a set of agreed standards and practices for operators to follow when educating and assessing visitor preparedness for driving in New Zealand.
To date 16 operators (23 brands) are currently certified, estimated to represent approximately 80% of the national fleet.
The COP was reviewed by RVA and TIA early in 2018 to ensure it was still current and fit for purpose.
Feedback has been that we should continue using the services of an external auditor. This provides a layer of credibility and impartiality that builds the credibility of the COP.

3. What’s Involved…
All rental operators within New Zealand that provide rental vehicles to visiting drivers will be asked to sign up to the Code of Practice.
As this is a voluntary code, there is no legal mandate for enforcement.
By signing up to the Code of Practice operators agree to be an active advocate and supporter of safe driving in NZ, including a commitment to safer vehicles through adoption of technological improvements over time.
A small investment of $ gst per month ($650 per year) could potentially save your company $1,000’s in damages and negative publicity.
An external auditor will arrange a suitable time with the operator to conduct an annual Code of Practice evaluation.

4. What’s Involved - The Evaluation Process
Auditors base their evaluation on how the below practices have been integrated into Operators businesses:
Stage One: Pre-Arrival
Operators will make information on NZ road rules and driving conditions available in a prominent position on their .nz homepage/landing page. The information will be visible and promote the DriveSafe logo. Minimum requirement is a direct link to
Operators will provide educational information to the hirer upon booking confirmation. Minimum requirement is a link to Operators must encourage visitors who are arriving on long- haul flights to stay overnight in that destination.
Operators will provide educational information on safe driving to Third Parties (wholesalers) to pass on as part of the booking confirmation process.
Stage Two: Vehicle Check-Out
Operators will have a mandatory policy to assess the driver’s preparedness. Operators will require at-risk hirers* to acknowledge the receipt and understanding of road safety material provided to them which must include NZTA’s ‘What’s different about driving in NZ’. 
At-risk hirers include all first time visitors with the exception of those driving on Australian and UK licences

5. What’s Involved - The Evaluation Process
Operators will have an internal process for managing situations where there are concerns about driver preparedness, from providing more information through to denying hire and suggesting alternative transport.
Stage Three: On-Road
Operators will, within all hire vehicles for overseas drivers, place ‘Keep Left’ stickers in a location that is visible for the driver and include the NZTA brochure ‘What’s Different about Driving in NZ’ (if not already provided at Check-out Desk).
When contacted by Police in relation to poor driving behaviour of a visitor, operators should consider cancellation of the hire contract as a response.
When advised by the Police of a driving complaint about the hirer (as reported through the *555 network), operators will forward the information to the hirer as soon as practicable and provide further information/material on New Zealand road rules.

6. Situation Remains Topical in the Media

7. Why get involved in the Visiting Drivers Code of Practice?
Play your part in addressing visiting driver issues. We want all rental operators who cater for international visitors to get involved.
Central and local government have invested significantly in initiatives to reduce accidents by international visitors.
Our goal is that in coming years the COP will be the norm for all operators in the industry.
A number of rental operators who have signed up to the COP are reporting a decrease in accidents, impacting positively on the brand and bottom line.
Being part of the COP is a very useful mitigating factor when fronting visiting driver issues with media and external stakeholders.
The Tourism Export Council (TEC) is advising its membership of inbound tour operators that they should only be booking rental operators signed up to the COP.
Rental operators signed up to the COP receive a complimentary brand listing on the DriveSafe website including a link to their homepages. Drivesafe is the website Tourism NZ directs people to when promoting safe driving messages.