Motorcycle helmets and licences in Queensland (2026)

Last reviewed: 13 October 2026

In short: Riders and passengers on a motorbike in Queensland must wear an approved motorbike helmet. Licence and headlight rules have not been confirmed yet.

RuleWhat applies
Helmet required for the riderRiding a motorcycle; MotorcycleYes [1]
Helmet required for a passengerRiding a motorcycle; MotorcycleYes [1]
Minimum age, category A1 (light motorcycle)Riding a motorcycle; Category A1 (light motorcycle)⚠ Not yet verified
Minimum age, category A2Riding a motorcycle; Category A2 (medium motorcycle)⚠ Not yet verified
Minimum age, category A (direct access)Riding a motorcycle; Category A (unrestricted motorcycle)⚠ Not yet verified
Minimum age, category A (after two years on A2)Riding a motorcycle; Category A (unrestricted motorcycle)⚠ Not yet verified
Dipped beam or daytime running light required by dayRiding a motorcycle; Motorcycle⚠ Not yet verified

Notes

  • 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. Queensland Government (Office of the Queensland Parliamentary Counsel): Transport Operations (Road Use Management—Road Rules) Regulation 2009 (consulted 13 October 2026) · all sources

More rules in Queensland

  • E-scootersUse on public roads: Yes, paths and roads up to 60 km/h · Minimum age: 16 (12-17 if supervised)
  • 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 (110 km/h where signed)
  • Deposit return schemes and plastic bagsNational deposit return scheme in operation: Yes, container refund scheme · 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): Zero tolerance · THC threshold: Any trace of THC
  • E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Bicycle rules plus age and licence · Minimum age: 16 (12-17 if supervised)
  • FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (unrestricted only)
  • Foreign driving licencesOverseas licence valid for a visitor: Yes, while visiting · Overseas licence after becoming a resident: Citizen or resident visa: Queensland licence after 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: Some one-hand opening knives category M
  • MopedsLicence: Class RE or car licence
  • 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: Open/P2 only; L/P1 under 25: 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: A smoke alarm in each bedroom. For each storey with bedrooms: in the hallway that a bedroom door opens onto (or, if a bedroom has no door to a hallway, in the part of the storey between that bedroom and the rest of the dwelling). For a storey with no bedrooms: on the most likely path of travel to an exit. All alarms must be interconnected.
  • Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 18
  • Towing trailers and caravans
  • 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)

Compare with the other states and provinces →

General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.