Sport Bike Law

Motorcycles are the least common type of vehicle on the roads in the United Kingdom. The Brits fancy a strong sturdy car or the occasional red double decked bus. To own and ride a motorcycle in the U.K., one has to adhere to strict and stringent rules. There are two types of legal compliances. The first type is those that the rider must adhere to. The second type is the legal requirements that the vehicle must comply to.

For the rider, he or she must possess a motorcycle license. Only those aged 17 years old and above are allowed to apply for the provisional driving license. To obtain a motorcycle license, the individual must complete the compulsory basic training. The successful completion of the compulsory basic training will be rewarded with a DL196. With the DL196, the eager rider can now pursue the theory and practical tests. The DL 196 expires in two years. To avoid retaking the compulsory basic training, the rider would need to pass both theory and practical test within the two years.

Before the motorcycle can hit the roads, it requires a registration document called the VRD which contains details like the model of the vehicle, the year or registration, engine type and size. The vehicle license or also known as road tax is required to be displayed on the vehicle. The road tax fee varies according to the engine size. A 150cc engine will have a lower fee as compared to a 600cc engine. The road tax can be obtained from the nearest post office.

There are a few traffic regulations regarding pillion riding on motorcycles. Here is a synopsis of the main and common regulations for you to gain knowledge within minutes.

* If you are a holder of provisional motorcycle or moped licence, apart from being banned from riding on motorways and riding without L or D plates, you are also not allowed to carry a pillion passenger.
* After taking a test on a bike of engine capacity of 75-125cc and obtaining a full light motorcycle licence (A1), you are allowed to carry a pillion passenger and pull a trailer.
* Your motorcycle should be adapted to be able to carry a pillion safely, meaning it must have a rear seat and foot pegs for a passenger.
* On a motorcycle, only one passenger is allowed to ride on the pillion seat.
* Both rider and pillion should wear a safety helmet.
* The pillion should sit astride facing the front throughout the ride.
* There is no age restriction on pillions, but any pillion should be big enough to hold on while riding, able to sit astride with their feet on the footrests and able to comprehend and follow your instructions.

Failure to follow the above regulations will result in legal offences. Though some issues may not be covered by pillion laws, some behaviour may cause you to be convicted as the authorities will decide that it is dangerous to carry a pillion under certain circumstances, resulting in prosecution for dangerous riding.

Usually the rider is the one to be prosecuted, though sometimes it is possible for the pillion to be prosecuted if they were at fault. If you are found guilty, you will face a fine up to 1000 pounds, 3 penalty points as well as discretionary disqualification from riding.