Motorcycle rules and safety
Motorcycle riders and their passengers are among our most vulnerable road users for several reasons:
- Motorcycle riders have very little protection in the event of a crash.
- Motorcycle riders are more affected by variations in road conditions.
- It takes more skill, concentration and control to safely ride a motorcycle compared to a passenger car.
Motorcycle rules overview
Motorcyclists need to follow many of the same road rules as car or truck drivers, but there are some rules specific to motorcyclists to be aware of:
- Wear a helmet. The rider and any passengers must all wear helmets.
- Be properly seated. If the motorcycle is moving, you should sit astride the seat, facing forward, with both feet on the footrests and at least one hand on the handlebars.
- Pillion passengers (passengers seated behind the rider) must be at least eight years old.
- One pillion passenger at a time.
- Leave your pets at home. Unless you’re carrying out a farming activity and travelling less than 500 metres, never ride with an animal between the rider and the handlebars, or in any other position that interferes with your ability to control the motorcycle.
For more information on the road rules applying to Motorcyclists, visit our Motorcycle Offences and Penalties page.
Lane filtering overview
Lane filtering is where a motorcycle rider travels at low speed between two lanes of stopped or slow-moving vehicles travelling in the same direction. It is illegal to lane filter in school zones, or in areas where the posted speed limit is 40km/h or less.
When lane filtering, remember:
- Keep a buffer of space between you and the other vehicles on the road.
- Travel at 30km/h or less.
- Never lane filter between trucks or heavy vehicles.
For more information, visit our Lane Filtering page.
Safe riding overview
See and be seen
- Ride with your headlight on low beam during the day. This helps make you more visible.
- Wear high-vis, reflective, or fluorescent clothes. Choose a light-coloured helmet that can be easily seen.
- Avoid another vehicle’s blind spots – if you cannot see their side mirrors, they cannot see you.
- Remember to check your mirrors and your own blind spots before changing lanes or making turns. If you have convex mirrors, things look further back than they actually are, so always do a head check.
- Look out for indicators and brake lights – it will help you anticipate the actions of the drivers around you and react accordingly.
Wear a helmet and protective gear
Always wear a helmet and protective gear. The right gear can protect your body and head in a crash and reduce your risk of injury. Protective gear can also make you more comfortable during the ride and protect you from the weather. For more information visit our page on Motorcycle Helmets and Gear.
MotoCAP (CRASH) provide safety ratings for helmets, or for information on European standard helmets visit the SHARP website.
Keep a safe distance
Keep a three second gap between you and the vehicle in front. If someone makes a mistake or you spot a hazard, space gives you time to react and somewhere to go. Always be prepared to slow down, stop, or reposition yourself in the lane.
In low visibility or poor weather, increase this gap to four seconds.
When you stop behind another vehicle, leave at least one car length between your front wheel and the back of the vehicle in front. This gives you room to move if you need to go around them or if they start to roll back.
Slow down if don’t have a clear view
Always have a clear view of the road ahead. You should be able to see five seconds ahead to have enough space to respond to hazards. To tell if you can see far enough ahead, pick a fixed point in the oncoming lane and count to five. If you pass that point before you get to five, you are going too fast for the available vision and need to slow down.
Ride to the conditions
- Rain, fog, sunset, sunrise or night time can reduce visibility and make it harder to see the road ahead. Reduce your speed so that you need less space to stop.
- Give other vehicles plenty of space. In bad weather, give them more space than usual.
- High winds can cause gusts and crosswinds. Keep a firm grip on the handlebars and slow down. Wind buffeting can affect the handling of your motorcycle and reducing your speed can help you regain control.
- Heat haze can hide approaching vehicles – make sure the path is clear before overtaking.
- Remember that painted arrows and road markings can be extra slippery after rain.
- Riding in bad weather is tiring, so watch for signs of fatigue.
If you get tired, stop and rest
Signs that you might need a break include:
- lapses in concentration
- running wide on corners
- missing road signs
- day dreaming
- rough gear changes
- dry mouth or stiff joints
To help manage your energy levels, there are a few things you can do:
- Stay hydrated and drink plenty of water.
- Eat small amounts often. Avoid large meals or fatty foods before or during a ride.
- Stop every one-and-a-half hours or every 150 kilometres for a break.
For more information on managing fatigue, visit our Fatigue page.
Check your motorcycle regularly
It is a good idea to have your bike serviced regularly to make sure it is roadworthy, safe and reliable. To be ready for the road, your motorcycle must have:
- a red taillight, brake light, rear reflector
- a light to illuminate the rear numberplate
- rear vision mirrors
- working headlight and indicators
- a horn
- tyres with a tread of at least 1.5mm
- brakes in good condition
- footrests.
For more information on safe riding, refer to the Department of Transport’s ‘Ride Safe Handbook’.
Safety features
Motorcycles can be fitted with safety features such as anti-lock braking systems (which prevent the wheels from locking during braking or in slippery conditions) and other systems that help improve stability and prevent skidding. If you are looking for a new bike, keep an eye out for a motorcycle with these safety features. For more information, visit our Motorcycle buying guide
