Extension of Hours for Ute Tray Riding

Published on 11 December 2025

The Registrar of Motor Vehicles, in conjunction with the Norfolk Island Police Force, has endorsed an extension to the hours of ute tray riding for the purpose of allowing families to view the many properties around Norfolk that have erected Christmas lights.

This extension of hours is from 8pm to 10pm and only for the period of 19 December to 27 December 2025.

Community members are reminded that you must have the ute tray riding endorsement on your Norfolk Island driver’s licence if you wish to carry passengers on the tray of a ute.

Please contact Customer Care on phone 22001 or email customercare@nirc.gov.nf if you have any queries.

Reminders for Riding on the Back of Utes

The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and celebration. Whether you are enjoying the sites, the water or making memories around the island, please ensure your Christmas is safe for everyone.

On Norfolk Island, riding in the back of utes is permitted, but only under the following conditions:

• Licence requirement: Drivers must hold a full Norfolk Island driver’s licence to carry passengers in a ute tray.
• Knowledge test: Drivers must successfully complete a short written test to demonstrate their understanding of the rules for transporting passengers in a ute tray. Once passed, their licence will be formally endorsed.
• Alcohol restriction: Drivers must have a zero blood alcohol level when carrying passengers in a ute tray.
• Permitted hours: Transporting passengers in a ute tray is only allowed between 6:00am and 8:00pm (between 6:00am and 10:00pm 19 to 27 December 2025).
• Age limit: Passengers must be at least 8 years old to travel in a ute tray.
• Tray safety: The sides of the tray must be closed and extend at least 150 millimetres above the floor of the tray.

The written test is available free of charge at Customer Care.

Upon successful completion, the Registrar will endorse your Norfolk Island driver’s licence.