Primary producers can conditionally register non-Australian Design Rules (ADR) compliant motorcycles for use on Victorian roads between farm properties for primary production activities.
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 having full registration.
Eligibility
To register your motorcycle as a farm bike, you must be at least 18 years old.
Only two-wheeled motorcycles that do not meet the 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, you must be the holder of an appropriate motorcycle learner permit or licence. Learner and probationary riders are only allowed to ride motorcycles approved for novice riders under the Learner Approved Motorcycle Scheme (LAMS). For more information view our Motorcycle licence and learner permit restrictions page.
Minimum construction requirements
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.
Conditions that apply to farm bikes
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.