Motorcycle Council of NSW Ph: 1300 679 622 (1300 NSW MCC) | enquiries@mccofnsw.org.au

MCC of NSW FAQ's

About the MCC of NSW

Aims and Objectives of the MCC
Aim:- The aim of the Council is to be, and be seen to be, the peak motorcycle rider advocacy group in NSW. Objectives:- The objectives of the Council are:- – To provide a link between motorcyclists and the government, other authorities and the general public – To foster a good public image for motorcycling and motorcyclists – To provide a forum for the exchange of information and ideas between member clubs – To promote improvement in all aspects of road safety concerning motorcycling – To promote the increased use of motorcycles for transport and recreation – To co-operate with other organisations which have similar aims and objectives
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MCC of NSW Constitution (2022)
A PDF format version of the MCC of NSW Constitution is available. The Constitution was most recently amended in September 2022. The amendments include changes to procedures, definitions and aligning the Constitution to better reflect the current aims of the MCC. At the bottom is a membership application form (PDF) for clubs and groups who wish to join the MCC of NSW. If you are an individual and wish to financially support the MCC’s efforts, you can become an MCC of NSW Associate Member.
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Lane Filtering FAQ

What is motorcycle lane filtering?
Motorcycle lane filtering is when a motorcycle rider moves between stationary or slow moving vehicles in the same lane.
Why change the law?
The motorcycle community has for some time sought to have lane filtering made legal, arguing that it: is safe has the potential to help ease traffic congestion, especially with the number of motorcyclists on our roads increasing every year. Lane filtering is often practised on NSW roads, especially where there is traffic congestion. TfNSW (Transport for NSW) led a motorcycle lane filtering trial in 2013. The trial’s aim was to identify any potential benefits or risks to road safety and traffic flow for all road users if lane filtering was allowed.
How was the lane filtering trial developed?
On 18 October 2012, the Minister for Roads and Ports announced that there would be a trial of motorcycle lane filtering in the Sydney CBD. TfNSW led the trial, which was held between 1 March and 30 April 2013. It was developed in consultation with: NSW Police City of Sydney Council Motorcycle Council of NSW NSW Motorcycle Alliance Roads and Maritime Services Australian Motorcycle Council. An independent consultant, ARRB Group, was engaged to manage monitoring of traffic movement and road user behaviour during the trial, and to independently evaluate the impact of motorcycle lane filtering on traffic congestion, road safety risk and behaviour for all road users.
What was the purpose of the trial?
The purpose of the trial was to investigate the impact of allowing motorcyclists to legally lane filter on traffic congestion and road safety. Some questions which needed to be looked at included: Does lane filtering affect travel time for motorcyclists and general traffic? Does lane filtering affect the overall level of congestion? Does lane filtering affect road safety for all road users? The final report for the trial was received by TfNSW in November 2013. TfNSW has analysed its contents in close consultation with the NSW Police Force.
Were there any crashes during the trial?
There were no crashes in the trial zone during the two-month trial.
What did the trial find?
TfNSW has identified that: Despite being (at the time) illegal, lane filtering is often practised on NSW roads. Lane filtering is a relatively low risk riding activity for motorcyclists when done in lower risk / low speed traffic situations (30km/h and under). When lane filtering is done at higher speeds (faster than 30km/h – ‘lane splitting’), crash risks increase for motorcycle riders and other road users, particularly pedestrians and cyclists. The trial showed that lane filtering improved travel times for motorcyclists over short sections of the Sydney CBD. While motorcycles are increasing in popularity, they still only make up a relatively small proportion of overall traffic. For this reason, the trial did not show a reduction in congestion for all traffic. However it is expected that removing some motorcycles from traffic queues will help to minimise queuing at intersections. As the number of motorcycles increases, it is clear that overall congestion would be improved.
What else has been done to evaluate lane filtering?
In addition to the lane filtering trial, TfNSW has: analysed motorcycle crash data to identify any crash risks that may be associated with lane filtering reviewed Australian and international research on lane filtering reviewed international approaches to lane filtering and lane splitting extensively consulted with NSW Police and motorcycling groups such as the Motorcycle Council of NSW and the NSW Motorcycle Alliance.
What is being done in response?
The NSW Government reviewed the findings of the report, NSW crash analysis and the approach taken in other jurisdictions, and as a result proposed a new approach for lane filtering in NSW. Based on TfNSW’s recommendation, the Government decided to: Make lane filtering legal when done safely at a speed 30km/h or under (See conditions below). Create a new offence of ‘lane splitting’ to outlaw dangerous behaviour where a motorcycle rider moves past vehicles in the same lane unsafely at a speed faster than 30km/h. Launch an awareness campaign to educate all road users about:– the difference between lane filtering and lane splitting– how lane filtering can be done safely for all road users– the need for all road users to be aware of motorcyclists that may be lane filtering.
What’s the difference between lane filtering and lane splitting under the new law?
Lane filtering will be where a motorcycle rider rides past stationary or slow moving vehicles travelling in the same lane safely at a speed 30km/h or under. Lane filtering will become legal. Lane splitting will be where a motorcycle rider rides past vehicles travelling in the same lane at an unsafe speed of over 30km/h. Lane splitting remains illegal.
What conditions will apply to lane filtering?
To minimise safety risks, lane filtering is: • only allowed when safe to do so • not allowed at a speed greater than 30km/h • only allowed by fully licensed riders (i.e. riders on their Ls or Ps are not be allowed to lane filter) • not allowed in a school zone during school zone hours. Riders will also be warned not to lane filter near heavy vehicles or buses.
Do the new lane filtering laws apply to bicycle riders?
The new motorcycle lane filtering laws do not apply to bicycle riders. Existing law continue to apply to bicycle riders.

General FAQ

Where can I get cheaper CTP?
While motorcyclists in NSW have good reason to complain about the high price of greenslips (CTP), State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) have pointed out that many riders are paying more than they need to because they don’t shop around. You can check out the SIRA greenslip price calculator to compare the prices from all currently licensed Green Slip insurers (but not their agents).
I’m looking for a motorcycle club to join
The Motorcycle Council has over 60 affiliated clubs, so this is a good place to start.
I have a question that is not addressed here...
Feel free to contact the Motorcycle Council of New South Wales. Our phone number is 1300 NSW MCC (1300 679 622) and our email is enquiries@mccofnsw.org.au.
Motorway tolls
You don’t have to carry your e-tag provided your bike is listed as a motorcycle by your e-tag provider. This means you won’t be charged the numberplate recognition fees.

Safety and Training FAQ

Can you help me understand Helmet standards?
The wearing of UN ECE 22.05 helmets has been legal in NSW since just before Christmas 2015. For more information see http://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/motorcyclists/motorcyclehelmets.html. For maximum protection in the event of a crash, it’s important that the helmet stays in place. The above link has advice on choosing a helmet that is a good fit, particularly the roll-off test. Our advice is not to purchase a helmet you haven’t actually tried on for fit and comfort.
What sort of clothing should I be wearing?
For advice on protective clothing see:-http://roadsafety.transport.nsw.gov.au/stayingsafe/motorcyclists/ridinggear.html and the Motorcycle Council’s website.
Where can I get rider training?
The Motorcycle Council has a list of training providers and training courses.
General safety information
The NSW Motorcycle Riders Handbook is a good source of information on a wide range of topics. The Motorcycle Council of NSW website is also a good source of information; alternatively, email the MCC or ring 1300 NSW MCC.
What is being done about Wire Rope Barriers?
It is not just wire rope barriers that should concern riders. No barriers currently in use are motorcycle friendly. Riders should be concerned about all barriers and where they are placed on the road side. For more information see the MCCNSW’s position statement on crash barriers.
Where can I get those motorcycle stickers?
The Motorcycle Council produces a number of stickers such as:- ‘Motorcycle Aware Driver’, ‘Hang Up and Drive’, and ‘Motorcycling is Magic’. These are available at a number of shops and motorcycle shops, or they can be purchased from the MCCNSW’s eBay store.
How do I report a road hazard?
The Roads and Maritime Services have an incident reporting number 13 17 00, option 5, where you can report a road hazard. Note that 80% of roads are the responsibility of local councils, so unless you are certain it is a State road looked after by the RMS, it may be better to report it to the Local Council. It is also a good idea to report it to the Motorcycle Council as this could assist a fellow rider getting compensation should the hazard cause them to crash.

Road Rules

Aftermarket exhausts
It is not illegal to fit an aftermarket exhaust, but the noise level needs to comply with the noise label that is attached to the bike. The label looks like this:

Trail Bikes

Where can I ride a trail bike?
Where you can ride depends on whether the bike is registered or you have a licence. See Where can you ride? on our Trailriders website.