Motorcycle Helmets: Australia's Helmet Law History

Australia has stringent laws regarding the use of helmets for motorcycles and bicycles. In 1989, Australia became the first country to enforce compulsory helmet laws for bicycle riders. The Australian Road Rules require all motorcycle riders and any pillion or sidecar passengers to wear an approved motorcycle helmet. The AS1698 standard, published by the Standards Association of Australia, outlines the requirements for motorcycle helmets, and compliance stickers are mandatory for 2010 or later models. The AS1698 standard was updated in 2006 and again in 2007, 2009, and 2011 to address various issues and incorporate new research. In recent years, Australia has also allowed the use of European Standard Certified (ECE 22.05) helmets, providing a wider range of options for riders.

Australian motorcycle helmet standards

The history of Australian motorcycle helmet standards and regulations is a long and complex one. In this article, we will delve into the key developments and changes that have shaped the current landscape of motorcycle helmet standards in Australia.

The journey towards consistent motorcycle helmet standards across Australia has been a gradual process. The first road motorcycle helmet standard was the British Standard 2001:1953, "Protective Helmets for Motor Cyclists", which was adopted in Australia as the Australian Standard E33/1959. This standard remained in place until 1974, and during the period from 1959 to 1972, there was no legal requirement for motorcyclists to wear a helmet when riding on public roads.

In the following years, Australia saw the introduction and evolution of various standards, including the adoption of the US Department of Transportation Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218 (FMVSS 218), commonly known as DOT, as the new Australian standard AS1698. The AS1698 standard was published by The Standards Association of Australia, and they handled the testing and certification of products until 2002.

One of the critical milestones in the history of Australian motorcycle helmet standards was the publication of AS1698-1988. This standard referenced the "Kite Mark" as the Standards Mark and was mandated under the Trade Practices Act as the Australian Standard for road use. Customs regulations were also enacted, restricting the importation of motorcycle helmets to only those that complied with the AS1698 standard.

However, the landscape of motorcycle helmet standards in Australia continued to evolve. In February 2015, Queensland legalised the use of European helmets, creating inconsistencies across the country. This move led to changes in all States' Road Traffic Acts, allowing the use of ECE 22.05 or ECE 22.06 standard helmets nationwide. As a result, manufacturers and importers could now bring models directly from Europe without undergoing the Australian testing and approval process.

Today, the Australian motorcycle helmet standards include the Australian Standard (AS) 1698:1988, "Protective helmets for vehicle users", and the Australian Standard/New Zealand Standard (AS/NZS) 1698: 2006, also for protective helmets for vehicle users. Additionally, the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UN ECE) 22.05 and ECE 22.06 standards are recognised, focusing on uniform provisions for protective helmets and their visors for motorcycle and moped users.

To ensure compliance, all helmets must bear identifying marks, such as sewn-in labels and compliance stickers, indicating that they meet the relevant Australian Standard or the UN ECE standards. These marks provide crucial information about the standard, type of helmet, and production serial number, ensuring that motorcyclists can make informed choices about their protective gear.

The introduction of European Standard Certified helmets

In 2017, Australia introduced European Standard Certified (ECE 22.05) helmets to the list of road-legal helmets. This change was made to the Road Traffic Acts of all States and Territories, bringing consistency to the country's motorcycle helmet laws. Previously, inconsistencies existed, with Queensland legalising the use of European helmets in February 2015, while other states had differing regulations.

The new standard allows manufacturers and importers to bring models directly from Europe without undergoing the Australian testing and approval process, benefiting consumers through a wider range of helmets, lower prices, and reduced confusion.

To ensure compliance with the new standard, motorcyclists should look for identifying marks on their helmets. For ECE 22.05 certified helmets, this will be a label sewn into the retention system, featuring a circle surrounding the letter 'E', followed by a number indicating the country where testing and certification were approved. For example, '2' denotes France, and '3' represents Italy. The label must also display information about the standard, type of helmet, and production serial number.

It is important to note that not all helmets are automatically approved for Australian roads. SNELL-rated helmets sourced from the US, for instance, must still carry an AS/NZS 1698 sticker or the appropriate European Standard certification.

Additionally, the E mark on approved helmets may be hidden on or under the helmet liner or affixed to the chin strap, rather than in the typical location at the back of the helmet.

With the introduction of the European Standard Certified helmets, Australia continues to prioritise the safety of motorcyclists and adapt to the evolving global standards in this field.

The AS/NZS1698 sticker

In recent years, there has been a shift towards accepting other international safety standards, such as the European ECE22.05 standard. This standard is considered equivalent to the Australian standard, and helmets certified with this standard are also legal for road use in Australia. However, it is important to check the specific regulations in each state, as some may have different requirements for helmet certification.

If a helmet is repainted or the original AS/NZS1698 sticker is damaged or removed, it is possible to purchase a replacement sticker. These stickers are designed to adhere strongly to the helmet's surface, providing a durable solution.

The ECE 22.05 certification mark

The ECE 22.05 standard focuses on testing for shock absorption, strength, wear resistance, and roll-off. In addition, impact tests are conducted, and the visor is tested for the strength of its closure. This version of the standard allows manufacturers to focus their efforts on specific parts of the helmet. While the ECE 22.05 certification is still widely used and accepted, a newer and stricter standard, known as ECE 22.06, has been introduced to address some of the limitations of the previous version.

In Australia, the ECE 22.05 helmets were added to the list of road-legal helmets in 2017. This change provided greater flexibility for certain manufacturers, who were previously required to have their helmets certified under Australian Standards. The acceptance of ECE 22.05 helmets in Australia meant that a wider range of helmets would become available to Australian riders more quickly. However, it is important to note that not all helmets are automatically approved for use on Australian roads. Australia has stringent regulations regarding helmets, and additional standards or certifications may be required.

While the ECE 22.05 standard has been a widely accepted safety benchmark, the introduction of the ECE 22.06 standard aims to further enhance rider protection. The new standard includes additional tests and stricter criteria to ensure an even higher level of safety. Despite the update, ECE 22.05 helmets will remain road-legal, and riders can continue using them. However, it is recommended to replace helmets at least every five years, as they do have a limited lifespan.

The AS1698 standard

To ensure that a protective helmet is compliant with Australian legal standards and types, look for identifying marks on the helmet, such as a sewn-in label and, for 2010 or later helmets, a compliance sticker. All helmets must be marked to show that they comply with the relevant Australian Standard (i.e. AS 1698:1988 or AS/NZS 1698:2006).

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