Approximately 12 tickets have been issued to teenagers since new motorcycle riding restrictions were put into place.

The majority of the offences involved riders carrying pillion passengers.

Riders between the ages of 16 and 18 were banned from towing passengers under the Bermuda Youth Licence Act.

The Transport Control Department (TCD) and the Road Safety Council yesterday issued a joint statement.

"In the lead-up to the enactment date, the Road Safety Officer embarked upon an extensive public awareness campaign before the launch of the BYL that by all indications has proven very effective," said a spokesperson. "Feedback received to date has been very positive from the students and parents alike."

The spokesperson added that most of the offences occurred immediately after the Act went into effect on April 1.

"This enforcement appears to be making an impact on BYL holders as the Officers in the [Bermuda Police Service] have advised that there haven't been any recent instances of teens towing."

In order to obtain a Bermuda Youth Licence (BYL) a person must:

¦ complete the standard application form at TCD;

¦ provide a completed medical assessment form which confirms the applicant's proof of physical fitness;

¦ pay the prescribed fee for BYL license;

¦ produce a certificate to confirm that they have successfully completed the Project Ride Programme.