Motorcyclists of Europe, listen up: the days of casual helmet shopping are over. From July 1, a new regulation for all motorcycle helmets sold across Europe will rev up safety standards, swapping the long-lived ECE 22.05 certification for the tougher, shinier ECE 22.06. Thinking you’ll need a new helmet or wondering what all this means for your prized headgear (and your wallet)? Don’t panic — we’ve broken it down, visor up, for you.
What is Actually Changing from July 1?
Until now, the ECE 22.05 certification, which has been in place since 2007, governed the safety of motorcycle helmets in Europe. This regulation didn’t leave much to the imagination, imposing:
- A white label with the letter E (for Europe) and a national code on every helmet model
- Four mandatory reflective bands (front, back, and both sides)
- A chin strap (jugular closure) meeting strict resistance standards
Manufacturer? End user? Everyone had to comply or risk facing legal trouble. Not convinced? If you were caught wearing a non-certified helmet, you’d risk a fine of 90 euros and a loss of three points on your license, with the law spelled out under article R431-1 of the Highway Code.
But what about safety tests? ECE 22.05 required helmets to survive impact tests: being projected onto two anvils at 27 km/h and enduring a further drop from 3 meters (about 7.5 m/s for the speed geeks among us).
Now, enter the ECE 22.06 certification. Some things stay the same, such as the iconic label, the reflective bands, and the correct jugular strap fitting — because tradition matters almost as much as your skull. However, that’s where the similarities end.
How the New Rules Raise the Safety Bar
With ECE 22.06, helmet testing is, quite literally, hitting new heights (and speeds). Eric Thiollier, president of the Fédération française des motards en colère, describes the new tests as “more realistic and comprehensive.” Let’s see what that actually means:
- Helmets will be subjected to three separate impacts at different speeds.
- Instead of the old six impact points, there are now a whopping eighteen. (Paging the world’s most stressed crash test dummies…)
- A high-speed resistance test: helmets will be projected at 215 km/h.
- The visor gets its moment in the spotlight too, facing tests for impact and scratch resistance.
- An internal sensor will more precisely measure abrasion resistance.
In short, your next certified helmet will go through an obstacle course that would make even the most adventurous stunt rider break a sweat — all for your safety.
The Price Tag: Will It Go Up?
Of course, nothing says “progress” like the possibility of higher prices. Will beefed-up technology and more stringent testing inflate costs? According to Eric Thiollier, the price of certification itself will rise, and some of this could trickle down to sticker prices in stores. But — and this is crucial — this is no excuse to boost prices without good reason, especially for helmets with the previous certification. In short: expect some changes, but beware of overblown markups.
What About Your Current Helmet?
Already invested in an ECE 22.05 helmet? Good news: after July 1, you are still allowed to use it. In fact, retailers can continue selling ECE 22.05 helmets up to December 31, 2023. From January 1, 2024, though, sales of these helmets are banned — but their legal use on public roads is not.
For bikers, this gradual transition means you’re not forced to replace a perfectly good helmet overnight. The goal is clear: boost safety for everyone without penalizing those who’ve already made a smart, safe purchase.
Summing Up: A Smoother, Safer Ride — No Sudden Stops Required
The arrival of ECE 22.06 is a genuine leap forward for motorcycle safety. Helmets sold in Europe will soon be stronger, more innovative, and able to withstand a battery of tougher tests. Still, you don’t have to swap out your current helmet at the stroke of midnight — unless, of course, it’s already seen more drops than a beginner’s clutch.
If you’re eyeing a new helmet this year, keep an eye out for that ECE 22.06 label. Otherwise, ride on with confidence, knowing that tomorrow’s safety standards are all about keeping your journeys as carefree — and as safe — as possible.
John is a curious mind who loves to write about diverse topics. Passionate about sharing his thoughts and perspectives, he enjoys sparking conversations and encouraging discovery. For him, every subject is an invitation to discuss and learn.
