Daily motorbike news, views & reviews
Motorbike Writer does not provide legal advice, but does update you on the laws and what is happening with policy and government authorities. Find out how the laws apply to you.
Double demerit points apply from Friday (20 December 2019) in NSW, the ACT and Western Australia, affecting licensed riders not only in those states, but also Queensland. The penalty period lasts until January 1 (inclusive) in NSW and ACT and January 5 in WA where one rider copped a hefty 14 demerit points and $1200 fine …
(Contributed article for our North American readers) Having a motorbike accident can be a very traumatizing experience, you’ll be shocked, scared and confused which will make it more likely that you’ll make mistakes which can heart your chances to get appropriate compensation from insurance companies. That money is rightfully yours and you’ll need it to cover …
Number plate theft and cloning of plates is on the rise, resulting in riders receiving speeding and parking fines and unpaid toll notices. The National Motor Vehicle Theft Reduction Council says number plate theft can also be used to commit crimes such as petrol theft, robberies, house break-ins and drug trafficking. Police are also reporting …
Unlike drivers, any accident involving a rider and pillion is likely to have more serious consequences and a greater likelihood of a criminal charge as injury and death is more likely. So says NSW traffic and criminal law specialist Chris Kalpage who has previously written these articles for us: tips on what to do when …
Allowing your number plate to get dirty or actively obscuring or altering it could cost you a hefty fine, demerit points and maybe even jail! A 50-year-old Irish rider recently copped a £600 (about $A1140) fine and nine demerit points for trying to evade detection by police by altering his Honda’s number plate with black …
(Contributed post for our North American readers. Image source: unsplash.com/) For some, alcohol is their drink of choice to relax and unwind after a long day of work. Regardless of your alcohol tolerance, consuming beers, cocktails, and hard drinks can make you sluggish, dizzy, and nauseous, which could affect your ability to think straight. But …
A brake light that sticks to the back of a helmet and alerts tailgating drivers the rider is slowing down may be illegal in some states. The Brake Free light is currently being crowd funded and Aussie rider Raphael Chan has signed on to receive and test the unit. It consists of a slim unit …
Police are allegedly fining riders who remove the catalytic convertor or cat from their motorcycle, according to several motorcycle dealers. While the replacement of the muffler or exhaust system may contravene noise rules, removing the cat has nothing to do with noise, but with air pollution. The cat is that ugly metal box often underneath your …
Learner riders in Victoria will cop one demerit point for not wearing a hi-vis vest from 29 October 2019 under new road rules. The Victorian Motorcycle Council had called to remove mandatory hi-vis vests for learner riders in its 10-page submission to the review of Victorian Road Safety (Driver) Regulations. However, it has been ignored. …
Speeding fines based on Lidar or radar readings are difficult to defend, but not impossible, says NSW traffic and criminal law specialist Chris Kalpage. The Ducati-riding solicitor has previously provided our readers with tips on what to do when pulled over by police and defences to speeding fines based on a police officer’s estimate or “check speed”. …