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Agricultural motorcycle (farm bike) registration allows you to ride a farm bike on parts of the Victorian road network within a 25 kilometre radius of a farm property without obtaining full registration. Primary producers can conditionally register non-ADR compliant motorcycles for commuting on Victorian roads between farm properties for primary production activities.
Example of the new Farm Bike plate |
Image courtesy of Yamaha Motorcycles |
Only two (2) wheeled motorcycles that do not meet the Australian Design Rules (ADR) for general road use can be conditionally registered as farm bikes and will be issued farm bike identifying number plates. ADR compliant motorcycles are not eligible for farm bike registration and will continue to be fully registered with general issue motorcycle number plates.
To operate a farm bike on the road you must be at least 18 years of age and you must also hold a motorcycle learner permit or a motorcycle licence. Learner and probationary riders are only allowed to ride motorcycles approved for novice riders under the Learners Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS).
All farm bikes must have general construction that does not compromise the safety of its operator or any other person. In addition they must have:
- a rear vision mirror fitted to the right hand side
- brakes fitted to both wheels, capable of working independently if one brake fails
- one head lamp
- one rear red tail lamp
- one rear red brake lamp
- one rear white number plate lamp
- a silencing device which restricts the noise level to 94 dBA or less
- an appropriate horn or warning device wired into the motorcycle's electrical system
- a chain guard that protects the rider from the front chain sprocket
Important
- All lighting used must be of a type intended for use on motorcycles.
- A 'total loss system'* power source for the lighting is not acceptable.
- If a battery is fitted to the motorcycle, an integrated charging system, such as an alternator, is required.
- Magneto driven lights are acceptable if a battery is not fitted.
* A 'total loss' system is one where the lights are powered in such a way that continuous power to the lights is not possible. For example, lights powered by batteries are not continuously rechargeable and can therefore run down. This is a safety measure to ensure that lighting is available to the rider when it is required.
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There are a number of conditions applying to operating a farm bike. They are:
- Farm bikes are to be registered in the name of a primary producer and used solely for the purpose of primary production
- Farm bikes are only permitted to be operated on roads within a 25km radius of the nominated farm property that are:
- located outside "built up areas" (built up areas are defined as zones where buildings or street lights are less than 100 metres apart),
- not declared a freeway under the Road Management Act 2004,
- When operating on the Victorian road network,
- the farm bike must not carry a person other than the rider
- the rider must wear a protective helmet of the type approved under the Road Rules Victoria
- farm bikes can only carry a load if the manufacturer’s specifications say it is safe to do so
- the operator of a farm bike must carry a copy of the certificate of approved operations (operating conditions) issued at the time of registration
- Applications to travel beyond the prescribed 25km radius will be considered on a case by case basis.
You will need to attend a VicRoads Customer Service Centre to inspect and register an existing motorcycle as a farm bike. An appointment is necessary. Farm bike registrations for new motorcycles can be applied at dealerships at time of purchase.
Persons applying must produce a Statutory Declaration stating that they are a primary producer.
The motorcycle will need to be inspected for farm bike registration eligibility. You can make an appointment by:
- calling VicRoads on 13 11 71 (Mon-Fri 8.30am - 5.00pm, Sat 8.30am - 2.00pm). You can pay by credit card (Visa or Mastercard); OR
- visiting a VicRoads Customer Service Centre. You can pay by cash, cheque, EFTPOS or credit card.
When making an appointment you will be asked for identification numbers of the vehicle such as the vehicle identification number (VIN) and the engine number.
If you want to change an appointment you will need to pay another appointment fee. The inspection fee can be transferred to a new time (or refunded if the inspection is cancelled) if 24 hours notice is given.
- the farm bike
- evidence of identity
- evidence of ownership of the motorcycle (a receipt or contract of sale identifying the motorcycle by engine number and/or VIN showing the full name and address of the previous and new operator)
- a Statutory Declaration stating that you are a primary producer
Farm bikes do not require a roadworthy certificate.
Only one number plate will be issued. It must be attached to the rear of the farm bike and be clearly visible before the farm bike may be ridden on a road.
You will need to pay the following fees:
- Appointment and Inspection (if you want to register an existing farm bike)
- Standard registration charge for motorcycles
- Standard number plate fee for motorcycles
- Transport Accident Commission charge applicable to primary producer motorcycles
- Motor vehicle duty fees
On the day you register the vehicle you need to bring your current Victorian driver licence/permit. If you cannot provide this you will need to bring original evidence of identity documents. You must provide:
- one primary evidence document (eg. Australian Birth Certificate or current passport)
- one secondary evidence document (eg. Medicare card, credit/account card, student identity card, bank statement)
- evidence of residence (if not indicated in the primary or secondary documents)
One of these documents must have your signature on it.