Motorcyclists: Offences and Penalties

Motorcyclists are subject to many of the same rules as car or truck drivers, however there are some offences specific to motorbike riders and passengers.
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Motorcycle-specific offences and penalties include the following:

Offence Penalty Demerits
Failing to wear an approved helmet. $550 4
Failing to sit astride the seat, facing forwards. $100 3
Failing to ride with at least one hand on the handlebars. $100 3
Failing to keep both feet on footrests designed for the driver. $100 3
Ride on a road with more than one passenger. $100 0
Riding a motorcycle with a passenger younger than 8 years of age (unless that passenger is in a sidecar). $100 0
Ride with more passengers than a sidecar or seat is designed to carry. $100 3
Ride on a road with a passenger seated unsafely. $100 3
Ride in a sidecar seated unsafely. $100 0
Riding with an animal between the rider and the handlebars. $100 1

Penalties of $100 and 2 demerit points also apply to riders who don't follow lane filtering rules. 

For guidance on what is an approved helmet, visit our Motorcycle Helmets and Gear page. 

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