Motorcycle equipmentAustralia

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Australia. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


73. Motorcycle equipment

Motorcycle equipment includes the protective equipment used by the rider and passenger and the safety equipment fitted to the motorcycle. Rider equipment commonly includes a helmet, protective clothing, gloves, boots and eye protection, while the motorcycle itself requires equipment such as lights, brakes, mirrors, tyres and signalling devices according to local law.

The equipment that is legally required varies between countries and motorcycle categories. Riders should ensure that both their protective equipment and motorcycle are suitable, correctly used and in safe condition before travelling.

Motorcycle equipment
Barry Sheene's racing helmet, leathers and Suzuki motorcycle on display at the Silverstone Experience Centre. (United Kingdom)
Wikimedia.org • 35mmMan • CC BY
What equipment should a motorcyclist use?

Motorcyclists should use appropriate protective equipment, commonly including a helmet, gloves, protective jacket and trousers, and footwear that protects the feet and ankles.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 83–88, helmets and protective clothing; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 59, cycle equipment; national guidance example

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Articles 2 and 36, moped/speed-pedelec helmets; Belgian example

🔗 chp.ca.gov • California Highway Patrol, motorcycle safety and helmets; California example

Is a motorcycle helmet compulsory?

Helmet requirements depend on local law, although approved motorcycle helmets are compulsory in many countries. The helmet should fit correctly and be used in a way that preserves its protective function.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 83–88, helmets and protective clothing; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 59, cycle equipment; national guidance example

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Articles 2 and 36, moped/speed-pedelec helmets; Belgian example

🔗 chp.ca.gov • California Highway Patrol, motorcycle safety and helmets; California example

Why should motorcyclists wear gloves?

Use suitable motorcycle gloves as part of your protective equipment. They can help protect the hands while allowing a secure grip and operation of the controls. Protection depends on the glove’s design, condition and fit; ordinary gloves are not automatically equivalent to protective riding gloves.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 83–88, helmets and protective clothing; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 59, cycle equipment; national guidance example

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Articles 2 and 36, moped/speed-pedelec helmets; Belgian example

🔗 chp.ca.gov • California Highway Patrol, motorcycle safety and helmets; California example

1 Australia 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Speed limit 5 Advisory speed 6 Bike path 7 Pedestrian warning 8 Bridge 9 Speed bump 10 Toll road 11 One-way traffic 12 Slope 13 Bus stop 14 Stop sign 15 Give way 16 Roundabout 17 Pedestrian crossing 18 Railway crossing 19 Mandatory direction 20 Turn prohibition 21 School area 22 Crossing animals 23 Slippery road 24 Curve 25 Chevron 26 Wrong-way driving 27 Height limit 28 Radar speed sign 29 Selective barriers 30 Traffic lights 31 Traffic lights warning 32 Pedestrian lights 33 Road markings 34 Left-hand traffic 35 Driving licence 36 Location marker 37 Emergency telephone 38 No parking 39 No stopping 40 Disabled parking 41 Traffic management 42 Reversing 43 U-turn 44 Uncontrolled crossroad 45 Oversize load 46 Licence plate 47 Charging station 48 Local traffic 49 Moped 50 Truck 51 Bus 52 Police 53 Ambulance 54 Pothole 55 Path 56 Particulates 57 Air pollution 58 Rush hour 59 Road code 60 Two-way traffic 61 Street gutter 62 Cargo bike 63 Forestry vehicle 64 Construction vehicle 65 Semi-trailer truck 66 Trolleybus 67 Speed pedelec 68 Delivery vehicle 69 Idling 70 Tow truck 71 Four-wheel drive 72 Bicycle 73 Motorcycle equipment 74 Tram 75 Rail track 76 Caravan 77 Trailer 78 Tow hitch 79 Fire truck 80 Siren 81 Convoy 82 Emergency vehicle lighting 83 Agricultural machinery 84 Electric bicycle 85 Electric vehicle 86 Pedelec 87 Quadricycle 88 Microcar 89 All-terrain vehicle 90 Van 91 Recreational vehicle 92 Scooter 93 Trikke 94 Personal mobility device 95 Skateboard 96 Segway 97 Kick scooter 98 Roller skates 99 Mailman 100 Hitchhiker ...