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This information is applicable to motorcycles and sidecars manufactured prior to 1 January 1979 which remain in their original unmodified condition.
Replicas are not eligible.
Background
The fitting of a sidecar to the right-hand side of a motorcycle is prohibited by the Road Traffic (Light Vehicle Standards) Rules 2018. An exemption from this requirement is required before a motorcycle with a sidecar positioned on the right-hand side can be driven legally on South Australian roads.
Eligible vehicles
The following vehicles are eligible for a right-hand sidecar exemption:
- A motorcycle and sidecar were both manufactured prior to 1 January 1979.
- The motorcycle and sidecar must be in their original unmodified condition.
- The sidecar must have forward and rearward-facing clearance lights to delineate the right-hand side of the combination.
The motorcycle and sidecar combination must pass a roadworthy and identity inspection by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT).
Exemptions available
Single trip right-hand sidecar exemption
This allows the combination of a single nominated trip. The purpose of that trip must be either to take the combination home after its initial purchase, drive to a government inspection facility, or drive to a business for the removal of the right-hand sidecar.
A right-hand sidecar exemption cannot be issued for road testing purposes or to go to a place of repair or another usage.
The online application for a single-trip lefthand drive exemption for motor vehicles is to be used for right-hand sidecar exemptions.
Apply for a single-trip exemption
Unlimited use right-hand sidecar exemption
This allows unrestricted use of an eligible motorcycle with a right-hand sidecar. The combination may be fully or conditionally registered or used in conjunction with an unregistered vehicle permit.
For an exemption of this type to be issued the combination must meet the eligibility criteria and pass a roadworthiness and identity inspection undertaken by DIT inspectors.
It is a requirement that the exemption certificate is carried in the combination and produced upon request to a police officer or authorised inspector.
General conditions
When a motorcycle has a sidecar fitted to its right-hand side and is set up to be driven on the right-hand side of the road, the set-up of the combination may not suit a road with the opposite road camber. In this case, the rider of the combination will be required to compensate for handling and steering. This may present an additional challenge when responding to an emergency situation.
All aspects of the motorcycle and sidecar, except when otherwise allowed, must be identical to that originally supplied by the motorcycle and sidecar manufacturer - ie same material, style, shape, seating positions, wheels, and suspension.
The motorcycle and sidecar bodywork, paint, etc. must be in good condition. Original or replacement components cannot be modified in any way. Performance-enhancing equipment is not acceptable unless it was an option by the motorcycle manufacturer for that make, model and year of motorcycle - ie non standard exhaust, brakes, and suspension.
The combination must be in a roadworthy condition and meet all other requirements of the Road Traffic Act 1961 Rules and Regulations with the exception of Rule 55A of the Road Traffic (Light Vehicle Standards) Rules 2018 sidecars must be positioned on the left-hand side of a motorcycle.
Body
The shape of a motorcycle and sidecar body must remain the same as originally manufactured. Any replacement parts must be identical to the original component. The vehicle must be presented in a good condition for that make and model, without body rust, dents or any damage etc.
A motorcycle built before July 1975 must be fitted with at least 1 rear vision mirror and motorcycles built after June 1975 must be fitted with at least 1 rear vision mirror to each side.
Paint
The paintwork must be in good condition that is not faded, cracking or peeling. Paintwork does not need to be an original colour or type.
Engine
The engine must be of the size, make and configuration that the motorcycle was originally manufactured with.
Lighting
The combination lighting must comply with the Road Traffic (Light Vehicle Standards) Rules 2018.
The headlamps must be fitted with a dipping device to deflect the light projected from the headlamps downwards or downwards and to the left.
Motorcycles manufactured after June 1975 must be fitted with yellow front and red rear direction indicator lamps. The front and left-hand rear indicators may be mounted on the motorcycle but the right-hand rear indicator must be mounted on the sidecar no more than 150mm in from the outer edge.
A white or yellow front parking light must be fitted if the motorcycle or sidecar was built after June 1953, with the light being no more than 150mm in from the outside edge of the sidecar. If the motorcycle or sidecar were built after 1969 the parking light must remain switched on when the headlamps are switched on. A red rear-facing light must be mounted to the rear of the motorcycle and also the sidecar. It must be no more than 150mm in from the outer edge of the combination and automatically switched on when the front parking lamp or headlamp is on. A red rear-facing reflector must be mounted on the rear of the motorcycle and on the rear of the sidecar no more than 400mm in from its outer edge at right angles to the road surface.
In addition, the sidecar is to have forward and rearward-facing clearance lights to delineate the right-hand side of the combination mounted on the sidecar mudguard with a white light to the front and a red light to the rear.
Steering gear and handlebars
The handlebars on a motorcycle must extend at least 250 mm, but not over 550 mm, on each side of the centre line of the vehicle. The lowest part of the hand grip on the handlebars must not be higher than 380 millimetres above the attachment point of the handlebars to the motorcycle. Hand grips on the handlebars must be fitted symmetrically.
If a motorcycle has the head stem as the steering pivot point, the horizontal distance from the midpoint between the head stem bearings to the centre of the front wheel must not be over 550 mm.
Chain guards
- If the engine power of a motorcycle is transmitted to the rear wheel by a chain, the driver and any passenger must be protected from the front sprocket and at least the upper part of the chain by:
- the frame or equipment of the motorcycle, or
- a chain guard.
- A chain guard must cover the chain to a point:
- at least 300 millimetres to the rear of the rearmost footrest, or
- above the centre of the rear drive sprocket.
Inspections
Prior to registration the motorcycle and sidecar are required to be presented for both an identification and roadworthiness inspection.
For both inspections you'll need:
Step 1 - single trip exemption
Apply for a single-trip exemption
Step 2 - unregistered vehicle permit or trade plate
Unless the vehicle is currently registered interstate or operating under a trade plate.
Apply for an unregistered vehicle permit
The vehicle identification inspection must be undertaken and completed prior to the roadworthiness inspection.
Identity inspections
Identification inspections do not require a booking. Check out the inspection locations and opening hours.
Adjustments
As some, but not all, motorcycle and sidecar assemblies can be adjusted to suit either a left or right road camber, it is a requirement that adjustments are made wherever this facility is available on these vehicles. Motorcycles with right-hand sidecars must be presented for roadworthy inspections with the adjustments made.
Roadworthy inspections
Roadworthiness inspections require a prior booking. Check out organising a roadworthy inspection.
Vehicle Standards reference: MR1565.
