Learner's curfew - does anybody know why?

[rvross]

HI guys, I'm new in the forum and a new Biker, I got my Ls, and there's something that I can'i understand, no even the people from NZTA was capable to give me a good explanation about why as a learner or with a restricted Licence u can't drive after 10 pm??????
It's something that really bother me because I finish working after 10 pm, when no one is on the streets, and I can not ride at this time, which doesn't make sense at all to me because if as a learner u can drive during the day when the streets are full of cars, bikes, pedestrians, dogs, birds, etc. why not after 10 pm.???
Does some one knows why??

[cheshirecat]

Have theories but I wouldn't be surprised if you could get an exemption because of work requirements. Oh, welcome to the forum and to bikes

[Jonno.]

It's because most 15 year olds go to school and should be tired/sleeping 10 pm - 6am.

I think you're quite unlikely to get an exemption for this though.

[Ixion]

Cos the cabinet minister who was responsible for the legislation popped by to see his old Mum , takling the draft with him. Mum decided to ahve a look through it, and , as Mum's will, ahd decided ideas about when the children should get home at night. So, she made a couple of slight amendments Which passed unnoticed into law.

That was also the source of the ban on pillions. Mum apparently went out with a biker when she was herself a girl.

[MSTRS:Me]

That was also the source of the ban on pillions. Mum apparently went out with a biker when she was herself a girl.

Which lead to the cabinet minister's 'arrival'. She didn't want anymore (of the) bastards out there...

[kwaka_crasher]

Does some one knows why??

Perhaps the same reason overdimension permits are difficult to get around Xmas & New Years... drunks on the road... it's too much hassle to catch them so they target the otherwise law obiding citizen who just forgot his watch and has a job so can afford to pay...

[Leseid]

The fine for riding out side your licence conditions is only $100 (or so I last was informed). I get the feeling most police officers would let you get off if your out by an hour ether side (Just not worth the paperwork, until they introduce a quoter system for that type of offence).

The much larger thing to worry about is your insurance contract, riding outside your licence terms will void your cover. So wipe out anther motorcyclist on a expensive Ducati after 10 and before 5 and your at fault, your going to be up for some serous repercussions.

Because there is less traffic on the roads after 10, there's also going to be less people around to help you if you do have a serious learning experience.

If you do: ride well with in your limits, resists the temptation to race anyone or explore your riding capability. Is a very good idea not to drink any alcohol, this will allow you to retain your wit which you will need.

Get as much riding time during the conditions of your licence, ride in all weather so you gain experience in poor weather encase you get caught out one night.

Good luck.

[kwaka_crasher]

The fine for riding out side your licence conditions is only $100 (or so I last was informed).

And 25 demerit points...

The much larger thing to worry about is your insurance contract, riding outside your licence terms will void your cover. So wipe out anther motorcyclist on a expensive Ducati after 10 and before 5 and your at fault, your going to be up for some serous repercussions.

Not neccessarily (here we go again!). To decline cover the reason it must be material. The difference between 9:30pm and 10:30pm with regard to a crash would be very difficult to see as material to the event... just as no current evidence of inspection or not up to WoF standard or no current vehicle license would not be sufficient grounds unless there was a specific defect that was a contributing factor to the crash...

[Mom]

Wot Ixion said. It is a stupid condition that you can obtain an exemption for if you can prove you are working etc. Welcome to KB too btw. Make sure you do a Defensive Driving Course so you can advance to a Full as soon as possible.

[The Everlasting]

Welcome to KB.

Yeah I can see your point,the law seems stupid,it's much harder to ride in peak hour traffic then after 10.

[Diavolessa]

The fine for riding out side your licence conditions is only $100 (or so I last was informed).

Unfortunately, the infringement fee is $400 for riding outside licence conditions

[Mully]

Unfortunately, the infringement fee is $400 for riding outside licence conditions

I thought they'd changed it recently - added demerits and dropped the fine.

Hang about - I'll see if I can find it.

[JimO]

I thought they'd changed it recently - added demerits and dropped the fine.

Hang about - I'll see if I can find it.

i cant hold on much longer

[JimO]

I thought they'd changed it recently - added demerits and dropped the fine.

Hang about - I'll see if I can find it.

i cant hold on much longer

[Diavolessa]

I thought they'd changed it recently - added demerits and dropped the fine.

Hang about - I'll see if I can find it.

You are indeed correct

It was in the Land Transport Amendment Act Dec 09...............

Failure to display L plates results in in 25 demerit points and a fine of $100.

Breaching learner conditions (other than failing to display L plates) results in 35 demerit points and a fine of $100.
Breaching any other conditions you could receive 25 demerit points and a fine of $400.