Unlicensed or unregistered motorbike riders could potentialy face a $150 fine or risk losing their bike if they are caught riding in public places.

This warning comes following an increase in unlicensed riders on unregistered dirt bikes, without helmets or protective clothing, riding in public places in the Bay of Plenty.

Senior Sergeant Megan Te Aho says riders are frequently found travelling on roads and footpaths at excessive speeds throughout Kawerau, Ōpōtiki and Whakatāne and frequently fail to stop for police when signalled to do so.

She says this is very unsafe and can lead to a fatal crash.

Police will be stopping and forbidding these riders to drive their motorbikes until they obtain a motorbike driver's license.

Riders should also stay away from public areas.

The infringement fine for riding in public spaces such as parks, reserves and footpaths is $150.

Police will look to enforce this and impound motorbikes if riders continue, which leads to a Driving Whilst Forbidden charge in court.

'This is not a way that most of these young people envisage the start of their driver license journey.

'Police implore parents to help with this issue and stop their children riding dirt bikes around the streets.

'Unless you have a driver's license, please only ride your bike on farmland and purpose-built dirt bike tracks such as the Awakaponga Motocross Track at Manawahe.

'Safer roads whanau, for us all.”