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Road Legal Knobby Tyres In Australia
If you're a dirt bike rider who wants the freedom to take your bike from the trails to the highway, the lack of clarity around what knobby tyres are road-legal in Australia, at some point has probably caused you some confusion. Is it DOT, E-marked, or Not For Highway Use that determines the tyres' compliance with Australian road rules? Let's give you some clarity, here we break down the Australian road laws for knobby tyres, explore the performance differences between off-road, dual-sport, and road-legal knobby tyres, and help you choose the best option based on how and where you ride.
It's a lot easier than you likely think. In Australia, check whether your tyres are marked "Not For Highway Use", if you find that, it's likely designed for off-road use only and therefore not road legal. DOT certifies the tyre manufacturer's compliance with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), however if a tyre is marked DOT approved it's unlikely you're also going to find "Not For Highway Use" or "Offroad Use Only" stamped on there. More specific laws you'll need to abide by are tread depth and tyre condition: To remain legal, tyres must have at least 1.5mm of tread depth across the contact surface and be free of cracks, tears, or significant wear.
How to choose the right tyre for your riding style?
When picking tyres, consider:
- Your Riding Split: 70% dirt and 30% road? A road-legal enduro tyre is your best bet. 50/50? Perhaps consider some dual-sport options.
- Terrain: Sand, mud, hardpack, or rocky trails — different tread patterns suit different conditions.
At MXstore, we stock a huge range of road-legal knobby tyres, enduro tyres, and MX tyres from brands including Pirelli, Dunlop, Michelin, Bridgestone, Motoz and more. Our team is here to help you pick the right tyre for your riding style and legal requirements.
If you're chasing the best of both worlds, solid off-road traction and legal on-road performance, these are some of the most popular and high-performance road-legal knobby tyres you can get:
Choosing the right knobby tyre is about more than just performance, you also need to consider safety, and legality. If you're planning to hit the road between trail rides, you'll need to check your tyres aren't marked "Not For Highway Use" or "Off-road Use Only", make sure they're in good condition, and suitable for your motorcycle’s spec. Still not sure which tyre is right for you? Chat with our team or explore our huge selection of motorcycle tyres online at MXstore.com.au.
