The government is passing the buck on tourist drivers falsifying documents to drive on the country's roads, says New Zealand First.

'The government's attitude is, ‘we don't want to know, take it up with the rental companies',” says New Zealand First Spokesperson for Transport Denis O'Rourke.

'When Associate Transport Minister Craig Foss was questioned in Parliament today about rental car operators instructing overseas drivers to tick boxes stating they were familiar with New Zealand roads when they were not; all he could say was ‘talk to the company concerned'.

'The fact a rental car agency told an overseas driver to change their answer on a rental car document doesn't bother him or the government.

'That's how shoddy this government is on the whole issue of tourist driving.

'Mr Foss admitted only 70 per cent of rental car operators were members of the Rental Vehicle Association who agree to a code of compliance. He claimed this was working ‘by and large'.

'This means the other 30 per cent are left to do what they like, which is unacceptable.

'The minister showed no understanding of New Zealand First's Land Transport (Tourist Driver Rental Vehicle) Amendment Bill, which would make rental car operators liable for accidents caused by drivers, if it can be proved that they have not taken reasonable and practical steps to ensure the competence of the drivers and their familiarity with New Zealand traffic laws and roads.”