Questions and answers about the Land Transport Rule: Light Vehicle Brakes 2019 consultation.
Too many motorcyclists are being killed and seriously injured on our roads. ABS has the potential to save lives and reduce crashes.
Motorcyclists are at greater risk of injury in the event of a collision or crash, so prevention is the best policy. Due to the inherent instability of motorcycles relative to cars, motorcyclists are at greater risk of being involved in a crash and of suffering serious injuries or being killed. It has been shown that excessive braking can cause wheel skidding, which destabilises a motorcycle and increases stopping distances.
ABS ensures the maximum amount of brake force can be applied safely. By reducing skidding, ABS improves stability and shortens stopping distances.
CloseIt is estimated that the introduction of ABS on new-model new motorcycles (models currently not available in NZ) from 2019 and current-model new motorcycles and imported used motorcycles from 2021 would prevent 34 fatalities, 375 serious injuries and 656 minor injuries between 2019 and 2046.
CloseNo. The proposal is for ABS to apply to new-model, new motorcycles entering the fleet from 1 November 2019, and for current-model, new motorcycles and imported used motorcycles entering the fleet from 1 November 2021.
New-model, new motorcycles are defined as new model motorcycles introduced for sale in New Zealand after 1 November 2019. The 1 November 2019 cut-off would mandate any newly introduced motorcycles models to be fitted with ABS technology.
Current-model, new motorcycles are defined as motorcycles already available for sale in New Zealand prior to 1 November 2019. The 1 November 2021 cut-off allows motorcycle importers a sufficient period to update the specifications of current model motorcycles imported into New Zealand to include ABS technology.
There is no requirement for other motorcycles to be retrofitted with ABS as it would be too complex and expensive.
Most motorcycles entering New Zealand are new motorcycles. In 2017, 27 percent of motorcycles entering New Zealand were used motorcycles.
CloseAround 60 to 70 percent of new motorcycles entering the fleet in 2017 were estimated to already be fitted with ABS.
As manufacturers are now fitting ABS as standard there is not expected to be a significant cost impact on consumers.
CloseThere is an international trend towards requiring ABS, which means the number of used motorcycles fitted with ABS is expected to gradually increase over time. In Europe, since 2017, all models are required to have ABS fitted across all new and used motorcycles. This requirement extends to Brazil and India in 2019, and Japan and Australia in 2021.
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Type of motorcycle |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
|
New, over 125cc |
6622 |
6898 |
7102 |
|
New, 50cc to 125cc |
941 |
643 |
634 |
|
Used, over 125cc |
2485 |
2398 |
2897 |
|
Used, 50cc to 125cc |
42 |
46 |
36 |
|
Total |
10,090 |
9,985 |
10,669 |
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Without regulation, a market for cheaper but less safe new motorcycle models which lack ABS is likely to continue. The introduction of ABS could prevent suppliers from marketing lower cost and less safe vehicles in the future.
The prevalence of ABS in used motorcycles is much lower than in new motorcycles, primarily because the technology has only become common in the past five years. In 2017, it was estimated that less than 10 percent of used motorcycles had ABS. The number of used motorcycles fitted with ABS is expected to gradually increase over time because of ABS increasingly being required in other countries.
Without intervention it is likely that New Zealand will continue to import motorcycles that are not fitted with ABS for some time when motorcycles with ABS are readily available.
CloseCurrent models (available for sale at the time the rule comes into effect) would be exempt until 1 November 2021. This is to allow importers to sell any older stock that they may have on hand or ordered in advance of the rule being made.
It is proposed that motorcycles registered for use prior to one of three proposed dates - 1 January 1990, 1980 or 1970, would be exempt along with collectable (special interest) motorcycles.
There would also be an exemption to allow for New Zealand citizens or residents to continue to import, as an ‘immigrant’s vehicle’, a motorcycle that they had owned and registered for use overseas for at least 12 months.
Trial and Enduro motorcycles primary used off-road or at motor cross events would not have to be fitted with ABS.
CloseAn immigrant vehicle is a motor vehicle or motorcycle that a New Zealand citizen or resident had owned and registered for use overseas for at least 12 months.
CloseA new, special interest motorcycle permit would allow for collectable motorcycles to continue to be imported, under the condition that there is no equivalent option with ABS available. Applicants would be able to apply to the Transport Agency for a permit. The number of special interest permits would be limited to 100 per year.
CloseMotorcycles and quad bikes designed and constructed for off-road use would not be required to be fitted with ABS. As ABS may not work as effectively in off-road situations, motorcycles may be manufactured with a switch that can temporarily disable the ABS.
CloseThe benefits of ABS for motorcycles is much greater than for other vehicles. We are also seeing rapid voluntary update of the technology by manufacturers and consumers. Very few cars, either used or new, are sold without ABS.
CloseNo. The proposed implementation dates are to allow for a staged introduction. They are subject to change depending on feedback received from consultation. All feedback will be considered before a final decision is made.
CloseNew-model motorcycles are those that have not previously been sold in New Zealand. Current-models are those that were already available for sale at the time the Rule comes into effect. The delay is intended to allow importers to sell older stock, including stock already ordered but not yet in New Zealand, and allows importers a sufficient period to update the specifications of current-model motorcycles imported into New Zealand to include ABS technology.
CloseFor used motorcycles (and current-model new motorcycles) any ABS requirement will be delayed by two years after the date for new model motorcycles to reduce disruption in supply. The data we have obtained shows that most new-model motorcycles are fitted with ABS. However, the fitment of ABS to used motorcycles is less common.
The staged implementation provides time for used motorcycle importers to gear up for the change and source stock which is fitted with ABS.
CloseUsed motorcycle is the term given to a motorcycle that has previously been registered in New Zealand or in any other country.
CloseABS on motorcycles prevents wheel locking and increases stability. Motorcycles are, by nature, less stable than four-wheeled vehicles. Braking too hard can destabilise a motorcycle and lead to either the front or rear wheel locking, causing the bike to overturn or slide.
Alternatively, failure to brake hard enough can result in a rider failing to avoid a crash.
CloseABS works to prevent a motorcycle's wheel, or wheels, from locking during braking. ABS uses speed sensors on both wheels to accurately determine wheel speed as well as sensors to determine when a wheel is about to lock.
ABS adjusts the braking pressure accordingly to prevent the wheel from locking and assists with maintaining the stability of the motorcycle. In many circumstances, ABS has been shown to reduce braking distance. Motorcycles with ABS technology have been shown to be involved in fewer crashes on the road.
CloseThe proposed changes also cover electric-powered motorcycles that have equivalent engine sizes to the petrol-powered motorcycles that are covered.
CloseYou can make a submission:
Light-vehicle Brakes Amendment Rule
Regulatory and Transport Policy Team
NZ Transport Agency
Private Bag 6995
Wellington 6141
Please note the deadline for submissions is 5pm on Friday 26 April 2019.
CloseAll submissions will be analysed and considered in preparing a final proposed rule, which will be sent to the Associate Minister of Transport for approval and signing.
CloseConsultation material is available for you to download from the NZ Transport Agency website at: www.nzta.govt.nz/about-us/consultations/land-transport-rule-light-vehicle-brakes-2019(external link). You can also obtain copies by calling the NZ Transport Agency Contact centre on 0800 699 000.
CloseThe draft rule should be read in conjunction with the overview, which sets out the context for the proposed changes. The draft amendment rule sets out only the proposed changes to the Light-vehicle Brakes Rule 2002.
CloseThe rule is available on the NZ Transport Agency website at: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/rules/light-vehicle-brakes-2002-index/
Land Transport Rules can be purchased from selected bookshops throughout New Zealand that sell legislation. They are also available to read free of charge at any NZ Transport Agency office.
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