The Complete Guide to Motorcycle Laws in Australia (2024)

Licensing, Bike Restrictions, Speed Limits, Helmets, Lane Filtering & Penalties

Riding a motorcycle in Australia comes with a mix of national standards and state-specific laws. Whether you're a Learner (L), Provisional (P), or Full License (R) rider, understanding the rules is crucial for safety and avoiding fines. This guide covers:
✅ Licensing requirements & bike restrictions
✅ Speed restrictions
✅ Helmet & visor laws
✅ Lane filtering rules
✅ Penalties for breaking the law

1. Licensing, Bike Restrictions & Speed Limits by State

New South Wales (NSW)

• Learner (L):
  • Bike Restriction: Max 660cc, power-to-weight ratio ≤ 150kW per tonne.
  • Speed Limit: 90 km/h.
  • Other: No pillion, L-plates, 0% alcohol, 12-month minimum.
• Provisional (P1 & P2):
  • Bike Restriction: Same as Learners (660cc, ≤150kW/t).
  • Speed Limit: P1 (90 km/h), P2 (100 km/h).
  • P1: No pillion for first year. P2: Can carry pillion.
• Full (R): No restrictions.

Penalties:

• Riding a non-compliant bike (L/P): $650+ fine + demerits.
• Exceeding speed limits: $275–$2,200 + 3–6 demerit points.

Victoria (VIC)

• Learner (L):
  • Bike Restriction: Max 660cc, power-to-weight ratio ≤ 150kW per tonne.
  • Speed Limit: Follow posted signs.
  • Other: No pillion, L-plates, 0% alcohol, 3-month minimum.
• Provisional (P):
  • Bike Restriction: Same as Learners (660cc, ≤150kW/t).
  • Speed Limit: Follow posted signs.
  • Can carry pillion after 12 months.
• Full (R): No restrictions.

Penalties:

• Non-compliant bike: $330–$825 fine.
• Carrying pillion illegally: $330 fine.

Queensland (QLD)

• Learner (L):
  • Bike Restriction: Max 660cc, power-to-weight ratio ≤ 150kW per tonne.
  • Speed Limit: Follow posted signs.
  • Other: No pillion, L-plates, 0% alcohol.
• Provisional (P1/P2):
  • Bike Restriction: Same as Learners (660cc, ≤150kW/t).
  • Speed Limit: Follow posted signs.
  • P1: No pillion. P2: Can carry pillion.
• Full (R): No restrictions.

Penalties:

• Overpowered bike: $431 fine + 3 demerits.
• No L-plates: $144 fine.

Western Australia (WA)

• Learner (L):
  • Bike Restriction: Max 660cc, power-to-weight ratio ≤ 150kW per tonne.
  • Speed Limit: 100 km/h.
  • Other: No pillion, L-plates, 0% alcohol, 6-month minimum.
• Provisional (P):
  • Bike Restriction: Same as Learners (660cc, ≤150kW/t).
  • Speed Limit: 100 km/h.
  • Can carry pillion after 6 months.
• Full (R): No restrictions.

Penalties:

• Unapproved bike: $100–$500 fine.
• Speeding: $150–$1,000 + demerits.

South Australia (SA)

• Learner (L):
  • Bike Restriction: Max 660cc, power-to-weight ratio ≤ 150kW per tonne.
  • Speed Limit: Follow posted signs.
  • Other: No pillion, L-plates, 0% alcohol.
• Provisional (P1/P2):
  • Bike Restriction: Same as Learners (660cc, ≤150kW/t).
  • Speed Limit: Follow posted signs.
  • P1: No pillion. P2: Can carry pillion.
• Full (R): No restrictions.

Penalties:

• Illegal bike: $187–$500 fine.

Tasmania (TAS)

• Learner (L):
  • Bike Restriction: Max 660cc, power-to-weight ratio ≤ 150kW per tonne.
  • Speed Limit: Follow posted signs.
  • Other: No pillion, L-plates, 0% alcohol.
• Provisional (P1/P2):
  • Bike Restriction: Same as Learners (660cc, ≤150kW/t).
  • Speed Limit: Follow posted signs.
  • P1: No pillion. P2: Can carry pillion.
• Full (R): No restrictions.

Penalties:

• Non-compliant bike: $130–$350 fine.

Australian Capital Territory (ACT)

• Learner (L):
  • Bike Restriction: Max 660cc, power-to-weight ratio ≤ 150kW per tonne.
  • Speed Limit: Follow posted signs.
  • Other: No pillion, L-plates, 0% alcohol.
• Provisional (P):
  • Bike Restriction: Same as Learners (660cc, ≤150kW/t).
  • Speed Limit: Follow posted signs.
  • Can carry pillion.
• Full (R): No restrictions.

Penalties:

• Riding overpowered bike: $257+ fine.

Northern Territory (NT)

• Learner (L):
  • Bike Restriction: Max 660cc, power-to-weight ratio ≤ 150kW per tonne.
  • Speed Limit: Follow posted signs.
  • Other: No pillion, L-plates, 0% alcohol.
• Provisional (P):
  • Bike Restriction: Same as Learners (660cc, ≤150kW/t).
  • Speed Limit: Follow posted signs.
  • Can carry pillion.
• Full (R): No restrictions.

Penalties:

• Unapproved bike: $100–$300 fine.

2. Helmet & Visor Laws (All States)

• Helmet Standard: Must be AS/NZS 1698 or ECE 22.05/22.06 certified (no fake helmets).
• Visors:
  • Tinted visors allowed, but must be clear at night (except VIC, where it’s discouraged but not illegal).
  • Non-compliant visors = fine equivalent to no helmet.

Penalties:

• No helmet: $300–$500 fine + 3–4 demerit points.

3. Lane Filtering Laws (All States)

✅ Legal for full license holders only.

• Max speed 30 km/h.
• Only between stationary or slow-moving (<30 km/h) traffic.
• ❌ Illegal for learners & P-platers nationwide.

Penalties:

• Filtering illegally: $200–$500 + 2–3 demerits.

Final Summary: Key Takeaways
🔹 Bike Restrictions for L/P Riders:

• All States: Max 660cc, ≤150kW per tonne.

🔹 Speed Limits:

• NSW (L/P1: 90 km/h, P2: 100 km/h), WA (L/P: 100 km/h).
• Other states: Follow posted limits.

🔹 Helmets & Visors:

• Must meet AS/NZS 1698 or ECE 22.05/22.06.
• Tinted visors = OK in daylight only.

🔹 Lane Filtering:

• Full license only, max 30 km/h.

🔹 Penalties:

• Fines range from $100–$2,200 (worst cases: no helmet, speeding).

Ride Safe & Stay Legal!
Always check your state’s latest road rules before riding. Laws and penalties can change! 🏍️