The government is now focused on the laws of motorcycle riding on the road and laws for wearing helmets. In particular, helmet laws are changing radically in many countries, including Europe countries, Australia, and the United States. All such changes in the laws leave riders confused about what they can and what they cannot do with their helmets while riding on the road. The US federal government is allowing European standard helmets to be sold and worn throughout the country.
So, our team at TopMoto considered this as an important circumstance for all motorcyclists and discussed the helmet laws with our law experts. And now, today, we are here to ask you, “How much do you need to know about helmet laws?” Or you could say, we are here to help you by providing a few things that you need to know regarding helmet laws.
Note: – Remember, the helmet laws we mention here are specifically for those living in Australia.
Things to Look for While Buying a New Helmet
Like DOT and Snell M2015, which are currently being used in the United States and nearby countries as safety standards, similarly, AS1698 or UNECE 22.05 are being used in Australia as safety standards. It is the responsibility of every rider to ensure that the helmet they are wearing or purchasing is approved according to one of these safety standards. ECE 22.05 standards are recognized as European standards.
Many riders are purchasing a motorcycle helmet that exceeds the European safety standard, although a few riders are unable to find a decent store to buy a new, approved helmet.
What Stickers and Labels Should Be on My Helmet?
As we mentioned AS1698 or UNECE 22.05 standards must be on your helmet in Australia. Now, the question is, where should the sticker be placed?
Well, police departments in many states believe that the AS1698 CAB Sticker must be on the exterior of the helmet and the AS1698 only requires a label sewn into the liner. However, UNECE 22.05 only requires a label on the chin strap or the liner.
Can We Use Bluetooth or a Camera With a Helmet?
Well, in many countries, using Bluetooth headsets or a cameras with a motorcycle helmet is legal but there are many countries where this law is a “gray area.” There are lots of arguments and discussions over the use of Bluetooth devices or other accessories with a motorcycle helmet. In many states, riders are drilling holes in their helmets to ensure a proper fit for the accessory attachment, which is not legal. Unlike, DOT and Snell approved helmets, AS1698, and UNECE 22.05 approved helmets haven’t been updated to specify accessory attachment methods.
I hate to say it, but attaching a Bluetooth headset or an action camera to your helmet so carelessly will not be suitable for you and is considered against the law. However, police officers in all states have cameras and Bluetooth units attached to their helmets.
Using Helmet Stickers or Paint
Similar to Bluetooth and cameras, using stickers or painting your helmet is also a “gray area.” Plus, using various glues and different solvents can destroy the helmet’s structural integrity. I hope, you will not want to compromise your helmet’s safety.
Are Tinted Visors and Goggles Legal?
Modern optical treatments or internal visors exceed the requirements of visible light transmittance (VLT) of the AS1698 and UNECE 22.05 specified requirements on visible light transmittance for tinted visors. Both standards have an average limit of 50-85% VLT for allowable tinting. On the other hand, as long as goggles are not tinted, you can use them with helmets. It is totally legal. In fact, nowadays, goggles are designed for use with helmets.
See Also: Using Mobile Phones While Riding?
Apart from this, there are many small things that you need to know, such as not to argue with the police officer when you are fined and have to replace your helmet. These things are important to adopt as soon as possible because these laws are absolute and are made for the sake of the safety of motorcycle riders.
Leave a Reply