Three Wicked Camper slogans have been banned after being deemed offensive by the chief censor's office in a landmark decision.
The decision is being welcomed by Associate Minister of Tourism Paula Bennett, who among others has been waging a war against the Australian-owned company.
In a decision out today, the Office of Film and Literature Classification said there was "significant injury to the public good" especially for children and young people.
Among the slogans and designs which were considered by the officer included the likenesses of Snow White, Scooby Doo characters and Dr Seuss characters and drug use.
The decision means the company can no longer supply the vehicles. The office has never considered banning a vehicle before.
Police submitted some of the slogans on the vans for classification in March following public concern.
The office says the vans, popular with tourists, shows well-known characters in a subversive manner to appeal to young adult consumers and often involve reference to alcohol and drug use.
In making its decision, the office considered imposing an R16 classification on the vans, but found it too difficult and impractical to apply.
"The imagery on the campervans is a form of commercial promotion for Wicked Campers and, as such, is designed to be large and to have impact. The campervans are specifically intended to be displayed to a wide public audience," the decision reads.
"The classification of these campervans as objectionable removes all doubt as to their unsuitability for their intended purpose."
Freedom of expression was considered in the ruling, saying it is a "reasonable limitation" of commercial free speech which it compared to promoting alcohol and tobacco to children.
Ms Bennett says while New Zealanders can "take a joke", the vehicles overstepped the mark.
"This is a real victory for everyone that has seen the vans and been offended by the awful slogans and images on them," Ms Bennett says.
"This will send a clear message to Wicked Campers that their offensive slogans are not welcome here and its time they cleaned up their act."
Should the company continue to use the slogans, they could be fined up to $200,000 per offence, or imprisonment.
There have been a number of moves to crack down on the company, including Z petrol stations considering banning the vehicles from filling up at their stations.
Queenstown Lakes District Council will also be issuing fines of up to $300 any time one of the vehicles is seen in public and is deemed to have an "offensive slogan".
National MP Shane Reti contacted Disney and Coca-Cola over Wicked Campers' use of the likeness of their products and trademarks. He says the companies were "very angry" over their use.
Wicked Campers was not immediately available for comment.
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