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Passenger restrictions for motorcyclists – new law
Date : 09 Nov 2009
Children under eight cannot be carried on a motorcycle
Passengers must be eight years old before they are allowed to travel on the back of a motorcycle However, children under eight may be carried in a side car attached to a motorcycle.
Number of passengers in a side car
A side car can only carry the number of passengers it was designed to carry.
Pillion passengers
Passengers travelling on the back of a motorcycle must sit astride the pillion seat and face forwards. They must also:
- keep both feet on the motorcycle footrests provided for them
- wear an authorised and properly fitted motorbike helmet.
Animals on motorcycles
Dogs and other animals cannot be carried between the motorcyclist and the handlebars, or in a way where they could block the motorcyclists view or ability to ride a motorcycle.
Exemption
A farmer may carry an animal between themselves and the handlebars for as far as 500 meters whilst they are working.
Maximum penalties
A motorcyclist may get an on-the-spot fine for the following offences:
- driving with a passenger who is under the age of eight – two penalty units
- carrying too many passengers in a sidecar – two penalty units
- driving with an animal between the driver and the handlebars – 1.5 penalty units.
The maximum fines can be up to 10 penalty units if the matter is heard in court.
More information
Related websites
VicRoads – motorcycles (new window)
Related publications
Fines: your options for dealing with fines