Key Motorcycle Australian Design Rules - Third Edition

The Australian Design Rules (ADRs) are national vehicle standards for vehicle safety, anti-theft and emissions. These standards apply to new vehicles manufactured in Australia and to imported new or second-hand vehicles being provided to the Australian market.
From 1 July 2021, the Australian Government began determining ADRs under the Road Vehicle Standards Act 2018 (RVSA) which replaced the Motor Vehicle Standards Act 1989 (MVSA).
 

ADR 13—Installation of Lighting and Light-signalling Devices on other than L-Group Vehicles

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify requirements for the number and mode of installation of lighting and light-signalling devices on motor vehicles other than L-group vehicles. This ADR outlines the performance and visibility requirements for lights, including:
  • Brightness levels
  • Flash rates for indicators
  • Light colour compliance
Reference: ADR 13/00

ADR 19 – Installation of Lighting and Light Signaling Devices

This ADR specifies how lighting must be installed on a motorcycle, including:
  • Indicator spacing
  • Mounting height
  • Visibility angles
Incorrect indicator positioning is one of the most common compliance issues when installing a Tail Tidy.
Reference:  ADR 19/00 - ADR 19/01 - ADR 19/02

ADR 47 – Retroreflectors

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify the dimensions, photometric and stability requirements for retro-reflecting devices which when mounted on a vehicle will ensure that they effectively warn of the presence of the vehicle. Motorcycles must have a rear reflector that meets specific requirements:
  • Must be red
  • Must be mounted at a certain height
  • Must be clearly visible from the rear
Many Tail Tidies require adding an aftermarket reflector to remain compliant.
Reference: ADR 47/00

ADR 48—Devices for Illumination of Rear Registration Plates

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify the photometric requirements for devices which illuminate the rear registration plate by reflection.
Reference: ADR 48/00

ADR 53—Front and Rear Position Lamps, Stop Lamps, Direction Indicators & Rear Registration Plate Lamps for L-Group Vehicles

The function of this Australian Design Rule is to specify the photometric requirements for front position lamps, rear position lamps, stop lamps, direction indicators and rear registration plate illuminating devices intended to be fitted to mopeds, motor cycles and vehicles treated as such.
Reference: ADR 53/00

ADR 61 – Vehicle Markings (Licence Plates)

This ADR covers licence plate visibility and mounting, including:
  • Plate angle
  • Plate visibility from certain distances
  • Illumination requirements
Improper plate angle is one of the biggest reasons modified bikes get defected.
Reference: ADR 61/00 - ADR 61/01 - ADR 61/02 - ADR 61/03

 

Page Reference:https://www.infrastructure.gov.au/infrastructure-transport-vehicles/vehicles/vehicle-design-regulation/australian-design-rules/third-edition

Disclaimer

This article is intended as general information only and does not constitute legal advice. Australian Design Rules and state regulations are subject to change and may be interpreted differently by enforcement authorities. Always check with your relevant state road authority or regulatory body to ensure compliance with current laws before making any modifications to your motorcycle.