Changes to road rules for quad bikes

Quad bike and utility off-road users must now wear helmets when riding on roads or road-related areas in Queensland, Minister for Industrial Relations Grace Grace said today.

Ms Grace said road rule amendments which come into effect today (1 February) ensure the penalties for helmet offences align with motorcycle offences and include the introduction of minimum age restrictions for passengers on quad bike and utility off-road vehicles.

“We’re committed to the safety of all road users in Queensland and these changes are aimed at keeping the riders of quad bikes safe,” Ms Grace said.

“Quad bike riders and their passengers are now required by law to wear an approved motorcycle helmet when operating on roads and road-related areas.

“Passengers on quad bikes and utility off-road vehicles also must be at least eight years old and able to reach the designated foot pegs or sit with their feet flat on the floor.”

Main Roads and Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey said while most quad bike and utility off-road vehicle use occurred off-road, the government was hopeful there would be educational and flow-on benefits from the new rules.

“A quad bike rider’s trip might only see them on a road or road-related area for a short time,” Mr Bailey said.

“However the convenience of wearing a helmet for the whole trip might result in riders getting into the habit of wearing helmets when off-road.”

Mr Bailey said both amendments were based on recommendations made in a coroner’s report in 2015 following an inquest into quad bike accidents.

“The requirement for helmet use has been in place since November 2015 as part of the conditional registration scheme for quad bikes, but will now be enshrined in legislation,” he said.

Riders not wearing a helmet while using a quad bike or utility off-road vehicle on a road or road-related area will be liable for a $362 fine and 3 demerit points.

If a rider commits a second or subsequent offences within a 12 month period, they will also receive double demerit points.

Transport and Main Roads sent a letter to all registered operators in December 2016 informing them of the changes, the new penalties and process to apply for an exemption.

TMR also consulted with the Quad Bike Interagency Group (QBIG) and the Quad Bike Industry Reference Group (QB-IRG), which includes all relevant government departments as well as many industry partners, including recreational, training and farming groups.

Ms Grace said the Palaszczuk Government was committed to improving quad bike safety with 1500 quad bike-related hospitalisations in Queensland in the last five years and 69 fatalities in the last fifteen years.

“That’s why the Palaszczuk Government launched a statewide quad bike safety plan in March last year aimed squarely at cutting the number of fatalities and injuries on these vehicles,” she said.

The Statewide Plan for Improving Quad Bike Safety in Queensland can be downloaded from worksafe.qld.gov.au

Media contacts:

Minister Grace’s Office   Martin Philip 0427 919 548

Minister Bailey’s Office   Zoe Russell   0428 079 640