This isn't right FFS!!!

**Ixion** · 2nd November 2005, 11:53

Bike windscreens , in general, are not legally considered "windscreens" They are called wind deflectors, and all the stuff about wipers etc specifically excludes "wind deflectors".

**nadroj** · 2nd November 2005, 11:58

Sniper - Any chance you can scan the ticket & post it on a thread? We may be able to start a list of coppers too big for their boots to enable fellow bikers to defend themselves better.
Cheers

**Silage** · 2nd November 2005, 11:59

Originally Posted by Ixion

Bike windscreens , in general, are not legally considered "windscreens" They are called wind deflectors, and all the stuff about wipers etc specifically excludes "wind deflectors".

I only skimmed the link you posted Ix, but I did not see there that bike screens are specifically excluded, but Class LC (motorcycles) are required to comply with the "General requirements" and hence wipers, washers. Is there something specific in the regs?
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BTW Sniper, it would be great if you could post a (suitably anonymous) scan of the ticket you got.
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EDIT: Oooops too late.

**Sniper** · 2nd November 2005, 12:05

I'll try, but I won't say who its from. Just have to find a scanner.

**M1CRO:Me** · 2nd November 2005, 12:08

Originally Posted by Sniper

I'll try, but I won't say who its from. Just have to find a scanner.

Send it to TVNZ or Channel 3.. What a hoot that would be! Here's a ticket I got cos the cop thought it "might" be an offence!

**Grizz** · 2nd November 2005, 12:10

Sniper,

When I first read your post I thought you might have been taking the piss, I mean being charged for having (and not using) a tinted visor at night!!, but quickly realised you wern't.

Glad to hear that it looks like this is going to sort itself out in your favour, albeit that it has caused you much stress, inconvenience and time.

There seems to be a lot of posts lately that relate to either wierd infringements like this, or tickets being issued on the say so of other drivers, this is becoming a bit of a worry.

**Ixion** · 2nd November 2005, 12:50

Originally Posted by Jimmie

I only skimmed the link you posted Ix, but I did not see there that bike screens are specifically excluded, but Class LC (motorcycles) are required to comply with the "General requirements" and hence wipers, washers. Is there something specific in the regs?
--------------------------
BTW Sniper, it would be great if you could post a (suitably anonymous) scan of the ticket you got.
---------------------------
EDIT: Oooops too late.

Easiest place is the WOF manual. (VIRM)

Note 1 Windscreen means all glazing extending across the front of the vehicle that is not
parallel to the vehicle’s centre-line but does not include a wind deflector.

and

Summary of legislation Reasons for rejection
Applicable legislation
• Land Transport Rule: Glazing, Windscreen Wipe
and Wash, and Mirrors 1999
Mandatory equipment
1. A vehicle of class LC or LD manufactured on or
after 1/1/2000 that is fitted with a windscreen
must have a windscreen wipe and wash system.
Permitted equipment
2. A vehicle may be fitted with a wash system when
this is not required.

And from the Road Rule

Section 4 Vehicle standards and other safety requirements for windscreen wipe systems and windscreen wash systems
4.1 Scope of this section

This section applies to windscreen wipe systems and windscreen wash systems in all motor vehicles that have windscreens.

And the table in the thumbnail

Long and short, the "blades" on ordinary motorcycles are considered "wind deflectors" not "windscreens".

Could maybe be a bike that had an actual windscreen (and I don't know what the distinction is ) - maybe a harley dresser or something .

**M1CRO:Me** · 2nd November 2005, 12:56

Originally Posted by Ixion

Could maybe be a bike that had an actual windscreen (and I don't know what the distinction is ) - maybe a harley dresser or something .

My definition would be if you look through it when riding in a normal manner?

**Ixion** · 2nd November 2005, 13:07

Could be. Oddly I can't actually find a definition either for NZ legislation, or for OZ (from whence we "borrow" most of our stuff). Quite a lot of rules refer to "wind deflectors" , and there are definitions of "windscreens" which specifically exclude wind deflectors. But no definition of the latter.

I have a remembrance of the issue arising in the past with old sports cars that had little "monocle" screens.

Main thing here is the VIN inspection. Since bikes usually come with screens "built in" (as part of the fairing), and have been approved at the VIN stage without wipers etc, you can't be made to fit them later (Well, not without specific legislation).

It's amazing actually how many cops don't actually know what the rules are. And even, some WOF inspectors aren't familiar with their own VIR-M manual. In fact I encountered one who claimed never to have heard of it !

**MSTRS:Me** · 2nd November 2005, 13:21

These bikes 'may' have windscreens, rather than deflectors??

**Patrick** · 2nd November 2005, 13:43

I only just read this now, and couldn't believe what I was reading...you did exactly what I was going to suggest, speak to SS and even the copper at the same time to resolve the issue, end of story. He should be able to write in on your behalf/phone in and sort it without putting you through more crap. He created the problem, his problem to sort, not yours. What a weird one. Even for tints, how did he measure it? I have a card for "cars" which you place on the inside of the tint and if you can't read the card from the outside, it is too dark. Easy. Bizarre one that one. Was he a Pom BTW?