Warrant of Fitness inspectors will be checking exhaust emissions from October 27.
They will observe exhaust smoke while idling the vehicle for five seconds followed by another five seconds with increased engine speed.
Vehicles that produce smoke for five seconds or more will need to be repaired before they are considered roadworthy.
The new requirement is designed to reduce vehicle emissions, estimated by the Government to cost the country nearly 400 lives and $442 million each year.
The Government decided that this method of testing would be the most cost-effective but are not ruling out more expensive testing in the future.
Automobile Association general manager of Motoring Affairs Mike Noon agrees that visible testing is the most practical and cost-effective way of monitoring emissions.
"It will catch the majority of vehicles that have mechanical problems," he said.
Mr Noon said the "tailpipe test" should be carried out on imported vehicles before they arrive in New Zealand to avoid adding to the pollution problem.
Transport Safety Minister Harry Duynhoven said vehicles emitting visible smoke need maintenance.
"Poorly maintained vehicles emit up to 10 times more pollutants than a well-maintained vehicle," he said.
"If your vehicle is well-maintained you'll be saving on your fuel bills as well as reducing emissions and improving air quality."
Associate Transport Minister Judith Tizard said vehicle emissions were having a negative impact on the public's health.
"New Zealanders love cars but their emissions especially harm the young, the old and the already sick, and make respiratory and heart conditions worse, and damage our resistance to colds and flu."
She encouraged Aucklanders to do their bit by getting their cars tuned and serviced.
"We need to take our foot off the accelerator. We need to stop using the car for short trips and start walking - or use school buses or public transport," she said.
"We need to act - our health and our clean green and sustainable environment depend on it," Ms Tizard said.
Carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide are some of the most harmful gases emitted from exhaust systems.
These gases, from unburned fuel, are associated with respiratory problems, asthma, bronchitis and premature death.
Carbon monoxide is colourless and odourless. It can cause headaches, nausea, drowsiness, heart problems and is associated with poor learning.
The Ministry of Transport consulted with interested groups and considered methods being used overseas before deciding on visual testing. More expensive methods included collecting vehicle emissions from the exhaust and analysing them.
Overseas research showed that readings were not always consistent and the cost to the consumer could reach $60 per test.
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