As of February, 2021
As a motorcyclist, you may be tempted to carry as little as possible with you when you’re riding, for the sake of weight, comfort and convenience. Some riders might even leave their motorcycle licence at home. However, in some states, you can be fined on the spot and receive demerit points if you fail to produce your motorbike licence when requested, while others are a bit more lenient. Here’s a breakdown of the rules and consequences in every Australian state and territory for failing to carry your motorcycle registration with you while you ride.
ACT
According to the Road Transport (Offences) Regulation 2005, in the Australian Capital Territory you could be fined $203 if you fail to produce your licence upon request. It’s a sure way to take the joy out of riding, so make sure you carry your motorbike registration!
New South Wales
Are you a motorcycle rider and enthusiast in NSW? Well, if you fail to produce a licence on request in New South Wales, you’ll face a $114 on-the-spot fine, and no provision is given to produce the licence at a later time, though you won’t receive any demerit points.
Northern Territory
The Traffic Regulations 1999 in the Northern Territory state that a rider will receive a fine of $100 if they fail to produce a licence on request, and it doesn’t appear that you are given the option to produce the licence at a police station within a certain timeframe afterwards. Carrying your motorcycle registration and avoiding a $100 fine? Seems like a fair trade.
Queensland
It’s a beautiful day and you’ve finally gotten the chance to take that road trip from Brisbane. You’re enjoying the ride when you suddenly hear sirens, signalling you to pull over. The rules in Queensland differ depending on the type of licence you possess: if you’re a provisional or learner licence holder, you must carry your licence with you at all times; however, if you hold a full licence and are riding a motorcycle, you are given 48 hours to present the licence at a police station before a penalty will be issued. Not the best start to your long awaited road trip!
South Australia
The rules in South Australia are the same as those in Queensland; if you’re a provisional/learner rider and don’t produce your licence on request, or if you hold an open licence and don’t present it within 48 hours at a police station, you can be fined $1,250. Think of all the motorcycle gear you could get for your next ride!
Tasmania
The fine in Tasmania for failing to produce a licence on request is $86. If you’re in Tasmania and enjoy the thrill of riding, it’s worthwhile having a glance over the incredibly long and thorough list of driving/riding offences.
Victoria
According to Vicroads, in Victoria you can be fined $161 for failing to produce your licence upon request. However, if you’re unable to produce it immediately, you are also given up to seven days to present the licence at a police station. Avoid the headache and make sure you remember your licence on your next ride.
Western Australia
If you’re a motorcycle rider in WA who’s forgotten your licence, you haven’t escaped consequences. According to section 33 of the Road Traffic (Administration) Act 2008 of Western Australia, it is an offence to fail to produce a licence on request by a police officer, no matter the licence level you hold, with a fine of $50.
Whilst we all forget things from time to time, it’s important to remember your motorcycle licence next time you embark on a ride – or risk fines and penalties – as well as ruining your commute.
Another way to guarantee you have a smooth ride is to insure your motorbike with Swann Insurance. Get a quick quote today!