Loopie

Privacy and RUC Devices: What Data Is Really Being Collected?

Date 9/08/2025 time 11:47am

When the government’s universal Road User Charges (RUC) system arrives in the next few years, it will touch almost every driver in New Zealand. Millions of petrol car owners who have never thought about RUC will need to pay for the kilometres they drive and, in many cases, use an NZTA-approved device to record it.

These devices are designed to make compliance easy, but they also raise an important question. What data are they actually collecting, and what happens to it once it leaves your car?

If you value your privacy, now is the time to learn how these devices work, what the major providers are doing, and what alternatives exist for drivers who want compliance without oversharing.

How RUC Devices Work

At the simplest level, a RUC device’s job is to measure how far you have driven so that you can be billed accurately. That is all the law requires. How that measurement happens depends on the technology used.

Odometer-based devices

These plug into the OBD port inside your vehicle and read the odometer. They capture nothing more than the total distance travelled, making them the most privacy-conscious option. Data is limited, so the risk of misuse is low.

GPS-based devices

These are far more common in the commercial world. They use satellites to track your vehicle’s position in real time and log your routes, speeds, and stops. Data is usually stored for months or years, and in some cases is processed overseas.

The Big Names in RUC Technology

The RUC device space in New Zealand is heavily influenced by companies that made their name in fleet management. EROAD, Teletrac Navman, Coretex, and Argus Tracking are among the largest players. Their systems are designed for commercial operators who need constant oversight of their vehicles.

A Kiwi-Owned Simpler Option

There are exceptions to the high-data, fleet-first approach. Bonnet is one of them. As a New Zealand-owned business, they take a simpler approach by helping drivers manage their RUC, WOF, rego, and servicing reminders through an app, without forcing complex GPS tracking onto the average user.

Why Loopie Was Created

This is where Loopie, based in Dunedin, comes in. We are building an NZTA-approved RUC device with a clear focus on privacy, fairness, and affordability.

Why Privacy Matters in RUC

Some drivers might think “I have nothing to hide” when it comes to location tracking. But privacy is not about secrecy, it is about control. Once location data is collected, it can be stored, analysed, sold, or hacked. Even if companies never intend to misuse it, the risk of exposure grows the more information is collected and stored.

Choosing the Right RUC Device for You

If you run a fleet and need constant oversight, a GPS-based provider might make sense. But if you want something simpler, local companies like Bonnet and Loopie focus on compliance without unnecessary data collection.

Staying Informed as the RUC Rollout Nears

The NZTA has not yet published the final list of approved devices for the 2026–2027 rollout. Following their updates will be essential if you want to be ready before the system changes. In the meantime, now is the perfect time to research your options and decide where you stand on privacy.