This is my 59th legal article for Fast Bikes and the topic today is Section 59 of the Police Reform Act. What are the chances. I am afraid to say a new law change has been ushered in which has dramatically changed the road traffic scene and you may well find yourself at the wrong end of a S.59 vehicle seizure, FOR DOING NOTHING WRONG!
Let me explain. Years ago, when S.59 first came in it came with a safeguard. The safeguard was that when a warning was given, it could not be acted upon by the police until a second offence/warning was committed within a 12-month period. The warning applied to both rider and motorcycle (the idea was to also target pool vehicles, where crime or antisocial riding was being committed). Fast forward to 2026 and the act has been amended to remove the 12-month warning principles.
Therefore, if a copper in uniform (s/he must be in uniform) believes that you’ve ridden carelessly, dangerously (which is a fairly high bar) OR your riding is causing, or is likely to cause, alarm, distress or annoyance to members of the public they can now immediately seize your motorcycle. There is no warning, it is an immediate seizure, and you are walking home.
I have seen evidence of loud car exhaust (and this can be applied to bikes) where the copper believes it is causing an annoyance to the general public and the machine gets seized. Got a Panigale V4 with a race exhaust? It is now fair game for the police to seize. I find this law change quite incredible and the war on bikers has just gone up a notch.
My personal view is that these powers go too far, especially if you’ve done nothing wrong but the copper believes your machine or riding is causing an annoyance, alarm or distress. This is a low bar and there are no checks/balances where you would normally be able to argue a case before the Magistrates’ Court. This is a roadside seizure with no right to appeal or put before the Courts. It also means you will need to pay for the vehicle seizure costs when collecting your bike.
I could see an argument where you sue the police force for the costs of an improper seizure but how do you prove the copper’s belief was unreasonable? It is a tough one and doesn’t get around the fact you would be walking home from the roadside in the first instance.
Gavin Grewal
Fast Bikes Magazine – November 2026
