Motorcycle Pillion Rules : Understanding Rule 85
Rider & Legal Requirements
One Passenger Maximum
You are legally prohibited from carrying more than one pillion passenger at any time .
Legal Compliance
No Passengers for Learners
Provisional license holders are strictly forbidden from carrying any pillion passengers .
These rules are enforced by Law RTA 1988 sect 23 , MV ( DL ) R reg 16 ( 6 ) , and CUR reg 102 .
Sit Astride the Machine
The passenger must sit with one leg on either side of the motorcycle rather than sitting side - saddle .
Passenger Positioning & Safety
Face Forward: For balance and safety , the passenger must always face the front of the vehicle .
Feet on Footrests
The passenger must keep both feet firmly on the designated footrests throughout the journey .
Equipment & Machine Specs
Proper Seating Required: Passengers must sit on a proper seat specifically designed for pillion use .
Machine Design Capacity
You must not carry a passenger unless the motorcycle was specifically designed by the manufacturer to do so .