Motorcycle helmets and licences in New South Wales (2026)

In short: Riders and passengers on a motorcycle in New South Wales must wear an approved motorcycle helmet. Licence and headlight rules have not been confirmed yet.

Notes

• An approved helmet complies with AS/NZS 1698 (or an earlier version, or AS 1698-1988 in force at the time of manufacture or importation) or UN ECE Regulation 22.
• Australian states and territories do not use the European A1, A2 and A categories. Learner and provisional licence stages differ by jurisdiction, so no figure is given for these categories.
• This rule has not been confirmed from an official source for this jurisdiction yet.

Sources

1. Transport for NSW: Motorcyclists (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in New South Wales

• E-scootersUse on public roads: Banned (private e-scooters) · Minimum age: 16
• CannabisPossession for personal use: Criminal offence · Growing at home: Banned
• Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 50 km/h · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 100 km/h
• Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, Return and Earn · Deposit per container: 10c refund
• Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 17 (P1 licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16, with a supervisor
• Driving after drugsApproach to cannabis (THC): Any trace is an offence · THC threshold: Any active THC
• E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules · Minimum age: None at present (12-16 planned)
• FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (licence needed)
• Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, up to 6 months as a temporary visitor · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Permanent resident: NSW licence within 3 months
• Home educationLegal status of home education: Registration required · Nature of the parental duty: School or registration
• Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Offence without reasonable excuse · Locking or one-handed knives: Auto-opening knives prohibited
• Paid holidayMinimum paid leave a year (weeks): 4 weeks (5 for some shiftworkers) · Minimum paid leave as the law states it: 4 weeks a year; extra week for some shiftworkers
• Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned · Hands-free use: Cradle only, touch limited; L/P: none
• Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes
• Smoke alarms in homesSmoke alarm legally required in homes: Yes, all homes · Minimum alarms and where: At least one working smoke alarm complying with Australian Standard 3786 on each level of the premises.
• Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18
• Drinking age and alcohol salesMinimum age to buy beer and wine: 18 · Minimum age to buy spirits: 18
• Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: Under 0.05% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: 0.00% (zero)

Related pages

• Motorcycle helmets and licences in Australia (2026)

Compare with the other states and provinces →