Carrying a pillion on a motorcycle

Carrying a pillion on a motorcycle

After stopping a moped last week in this area, where the rider* was on a provisional licence and displaying L plates, yet carrying a pillion passenger, this is an important reminder. 

Unless you hold a full motorcycle licence, then you cannot carry a pillion passenger, regardless of the CC of the bike.  The offence is “Riding Otherwise than in Accordance with a Licence,” and carries points and a fine. 

However, there is also the issue of insurance. Even if you hold a full licence, you must have pillion cover specified on your licence, and since - as a learner rider - you cannot carry one at all, riding outside the conditions of your licence technically voids your insurance cover, which in turn leads to more points and more fines. 

As a driver or rider of any vehicle, it is your responsibility to know the rules of use of the vehicle under your control. Failing to abide by the rules, whether accidentally or recklessly, carries severe penalties, and life-changing consequences. 

*Last week's rider was given words of advice and his pillion given a lift home. However, cameras do not just check speed; they can also detect all manner of other offences, such as no seatbelt, mobile phone use, and illegal pillion carrying, to name just a few. It is not worth risking it. 

To find out more about your local policing team including who your officers are, updates on policing priorities and details of meetings and events please visit https://www.police.uk.