Documentation, obligations, penalties and insurance
Documents to carry
You must hold the correct licence category for the motorcycle, a valid registration certificate, evidence of mandatory third-party insurance, and a current technical inspection where required. Police may ask to see these. The vehicle must display a registration plate as required.
Obligations after a crash
If you are involved in a crash, stop, give your details to other parties, and report it to the police where required, especially if there are injuries, significant damage or a dispute. Leaving the scene without exchanging details can turn a minor incident into a serious offence.
Insurance and penalties
Third-party insurance covers damage or injury you cause to others, not your own machine. Comprehensive cover is optional. Riding without insurance, without a licence, unregistered, without a helmet or with alcohol can lead to fines, penalty points, licence suspension and vehicle seizure.
Worked example
You lend your motorcycle to a friend whose licence does not cover it, and they collide with a car. The insurance position and the offence fall on the rider and owner. You cannot assume your policy automatically covers any rider. Check that the rider is licensed and covered before lending.
Traps that cost marks
Assuming insurance covers your own repairs; letting a policy expire; carrying a copy when the original is required; leaving a crash scene; ignoring penalty points until the licence is suspended.