NZTA to make ABS on motorcycles compulsory?

Michelle Liew

March 21, 2019

NZTA has released new details on a proposed rule amendment that will require all motorcycles entering service in New Zealand to be equipped with either an anti-lock braking system (ABS) or a combined braking system. This will be implemented from November 1^st 2019, subject to some exceptions. Currently, bikes without ABS are legal in New Zealand. Exceptions apply to motorcycle manufacturers prior to January 1 1990.  Immigrant vehicles and specialist off-road motorsport motorcycles will be included as exceptions too. Some off-road bikes will be allowed to have switchable ABS. This would mean that motorcycles over 125cc to have ABS fitted and motorcycles between 50cc a 125cc to have either ABS or CBS. These would also include electrically-powered equivalents. The NZTA ABS amendment will also apply to used motorcycles entering the fleet starting November 1 2021.