Index
Introduction to the new motorcycle helmet regulation
The new ECE 22.06 regulation, which came into force in July 2023, replaces the previous ECE 22.05 standard that had been in place for over two decades. While that earlier regulation served its purpose well for many years, it had simply run its course. Advances in helmet technology, new materials and a deeper understanding of the types of impact involved in motorcycle accidents all made an update not just desirable, but necessary.
ECE 22.06 was developed over several years, with input from road safety experts, helmet manufacturers and certification bodies. Its primary goal is to offer greater protection to riders in the event of an impact, reducing the risk of serious head injuries. The new regulation also aims to harmonise safety standards across Europe, ensuring that every helmet sold on the European market meets the same minimum safety requirements.
Key changes in the regulation
ECE 22.06 introduces a series of significant changes affecting helmet design, manufacturing and testing. These updates are designed to improve rider safety in the event of an accident by addressing a wider range of impact types and real-world scenarios.
Helmets must now pass more rigorous testing, including the following:
- Multi-speed impact testing: Helmets are now tested at higher speeds and across more impact points, simulating a broader range of accident scenarios. This ensures better protection in more severe collisions.
- Rotational impact testing: A new rotational impact test has been introduced to assess how well a helmet protects the rider's head during an oblique impact — the kind that can cause serious brain injuries. This is a particularly important addition, as many motorcycle accidents involve rotational forces.
- More impact points: The number of impact points tested has been increased from 6 to 18, enabling a far more comprehensive assessment of the helmet's protective coverage. This includes critical areas such as the forehead, temples and the back of the head.
- Penetration testing: Penetration tests — which assess how well a helmet resists sharp objects — have been made more stringent. This is especially important in protecting riders from injuries caused by objects that could pierce the shell.
- Visors: Visors must now be certified and meet stricter requirements in terms of impact resistance, anti-fogging properties and tint levels. Fully tinted visors are no longer permitted; the maximum level of darkening is now regulated to ensure good visibility across different lighting conditions.
- Materials: The regulation also sets new requirements for the materials used in helmet construction, demanding greater resistance and durability. This not only improves protection but also extends the helmet's lifespan.
- Labelling: Helmet labelling has also been updated. Helmets certified under ECE 22.06 carry a label featuring the letter "E" followed by a number indicating the country of approval and the certification number. The label must also include information on the helmet type, size and date of manufacture.
Impact on rider safety
The changes introduced by ECE 22.06 represent a significant step forward in motorcycle helmet standards. And these aren't just technical adjustments — they translate directly into better, more meaningful protection for riders on the road.
How do these changes improve rider protection?
Studies consistently show that wearing a helmet significantly reduces the risk of serious injury and death in motorcycle accidents. By demanding more rigorous testing, the new regulation ensures greater protection across a wider range of impact types — including rotational impacts, which are among the most dangerous.
According to Spain's Directorate General of Traffic (DGT), 80% of fatalities in motorcycle accidents involve head injuries. Wearing a helmet reduces the risk of fatal injury by around 30% and increases the likelihood of walking away unharmed by 20%. These figures speak for themselves — and they underline just how important it is to wear a properly certified, well-fitted helmet. ECE 22.06 raises the safety floor for all helmets on the market, contributing to fewer and less severe injuries when accidents do occur.
Why are lightweight helmets banned?
They aren't — not exactly. The regulation doesn't ban lightweight helmets outright; it simply requires that all helmets, regardless of weight, meet the new safety standards. A lightweight helmet that fails to provide adequate protection will not receive certification.
Fines and penalties for non-compliance
While the primary aim of the new regulation is to improve safety, it also means that riders need to adapt — or risk facing legal consequences. Staying informed is the best way to avoid penalties and make sure your helmet is up to standard.
- Financial penalty: In Spain, any rider caught on the road without a helmet or wearing a non-certified one faces a €200 fine and the loss of 4 points from their driving licence. This type of infringement is classified as a serious offence under the Road Traffic Act. The fine may be higher in cases of repeat offences or where the rider is deemed to have put other road users at risk.
- Possible aggravating factors: If the helmet fails to meet safety certification requirements, the rider may also face additional consequences — including the possibility of their insurance provider refusing to cover any claim arising from an accident. In the worst-case scenario, a non-certified helmet could leave the rider without any insurance protection at all, making an already difficult situation considerably worse.
How does this affect new and experienced riders?
The regulation applies to all motorcyclists, regardless of experience level. Whether you've just passed your test or you've been riding for decades, make sure your helmet meets the new certification standard.
Recommendations for adapting to the new regulation
We know this kind of regulatory change can raise a lot of questions, so here are a few practical tips to help make the transition as smooth as possible:
Which helmets are legal and certified?
As mentioned above, a regulation-compliant helmet is one that meets ECE 22.06 certification. Look for the label bearing the letter "E" followed by the country approval number and certification reference, along with details on helmet type and size.
Is a flip-front or full-face helmet better?
The choice between a flip-front (modular) and a full-face helmet comes down to personal preference and how you ride. Full-face helmets offer the highest level of protection, while flip-front models offer greater versatility. Whichever type you go for, make sure it's certified to ECE 22.06.
What if you already own an older helmet?
If your helmet is certified to ECE 22.05, you can continue to use it. However, if you're in the market for a new one, opt for an ECE 22.06-certified model for the best available protection.
Are there any exceptions to the new regulation?
No, there are no exceptions. All motorcyclists are required to wear a helmet certified to the current applicable standard.
Find out more
- For a detailed look at the changes introduced by the new motorcycle helmet regulation, refer to the original document from the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE): https://unece.org/sites/default/files/2022-06/ECE_TRANS_WP.29_2022_63E.docx
- For further data on helmet protection and its impact in the event of an accident, visit the DGT's dedicated resource: https://www.dgt.es/muevete-con-seguridad/viaja-seguro/en-moto/
