No helmet, that'll be $410. But the biggest killer on our roads gets just $149
NSW has the highest fines in the world for not wearing a bicycle helmet.
Of course, Bicycle NSW understands that head trauma from a bicycle crash can be significant and wearing a helmet reduces the risk of life-changing injuries. It is important to follow the law and always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle.
However, most people would agree that a $410 fine for not wearing a helmet is unfair.
“What if I told you that a speeding ticket for driving a car up to 10kmph over the speed limit is $149?” asks Bicycle NSW CEO Peter McLean. “Speeding is the biggest cause of road deaths in NSW, yet the fine is only $345 if you drive up to 20km over the limit. You have to break the speed limit by more than 20k m/h to be fined more than for not wearing a helmet!
“The vast majority of us would say 'that's crazy'. But it is true and it is one of many examples where our fines in NSW are completely disproportionate.
“In actual numbers, the NSW Centre for Road Safety August 2025 data shows that speeding has caused 129 fatal crashes in the last 12 months. These crashes cause 41% of fatalities – or 155 people since September 2024 based on the current rolling annual toll of 377 deaths. That’s 3 lives lost per week due to excessive speed.”
“Any reasonable person would expect speeding fines to correlate with this major risk and consequence on our roads.”
Many bike riders in Sydney's CBD risk a hefty fine by not wearing a helmet (Image: Bicycle NSW)
This disparity in the number and value of fines issued to drivers and cyclists relative to the risk posed by each group has been discussed on the Bicycle NSW blog regularly over the years. A recent example is this excellent 2023 article by former Head of Advocacy Francis O’Neill, Police charge bike riders for existing.
Proportionality is a foundational principle of the justice system
The proportionality principle helps us to assess whether a law, decision or fine, is justified in relation to its impact on an individual’s rights or interests. It asks if the action is reasonable and necessary in light of its consequences. The Hon. Justice Susan Kiefel explained in her paper ‘Proportionality: A rule of reason' that when something is in proportion it may be said to have achieved a correct balance and vice versa.
“Clearly a fine of $149 or $345 for exceeding the speed limit by up to 10km and 20km respectively is not equal or a balance to not wearing a helmet,” says Peter McLean. “The first endangers the driver and occupants as well as pedestrians and all other road users while not wearing a helmet just endangers one person who bears the consequences themselves for not wearing a helmet.
“So, we'd like to hear from you. Should the helmet fines in NSW be reduced or should we simply quadruple the fines for speeding to ensure they equally represent a proportionate response?”
It is increasingly common to see bike riders without helmets in Sydney, particularly when using shared bikes (Image: Bicycle NSW)
As well as sending us your thoughts about helmet fines, be sure to ask Bicycle NSW for advice if you get fined for any bicycle-related offence that may be incorrect.
For further information and links to official resources about road rules and fines, please head to our Road rules for bicycles page.
You can help us help you!
Bicycle NSW has a seat at the table of all levels of government. Our small team is dedicated to making NSW better for bike riding. We work hard for you.
This is why we need you, as Members, to tell your friends and family to join Bicycle NSW today!
We would also love you to consider making a one-off donation to the Australian Bicycle Advocacy Fund.
Together we can achieve so much more.
Bicycle NSW CEO Peter McLean has regular meetings with NSW Police. Sgt. Barnes, Snr Con. Formosa and Snr Con. Weekes from the Bicycle Training & Coordination Unit visited the Bicycle NSW HQ recently to discuss how we can work together to enhance safety and education (Image: Bicycle NSW)
