Helmet safety standards across Australia are in a state of utter bewilderment.(http://www.mrasa.asn.au/pdf/MotorcycleHelmetStandards.pdf)

  NT: Helmets must comply with AS/NZS 1698:2006 (from 1 Jan 2012)

·         Qld: Helmets must comply with AS 1698–1988

·         NSW: Helmets must comply with AS/NZS 1698:2006 and bear a sticker from a JAS-ANZ accredited certifier (5 Feb 2010, 5 Nov 2010).

·         ACT: Helmets must bear the certification trade mark of which the Standards Association of Australia is the registered proprietor together with the figures “1698” (reconfirmed 2009).

·         Vic: Helmets must be marked with an official standards mark, comply with AS/NZS 1698:2006 and bear a JAS-ANZ certifier sticker (1 July 2012).

·         Tas: Helmets must comply with AS/NZS 1698 (NB: no year) and bear the Australian Standards Mark (1 July 2012).

·         SA: Helmets must be manufactured, tested and marked in accordance with AS 1698:2006 and bear the certification mark of the Standards Association of Australia (28 Nov 2007).

·         WA: Helmets must comply with AS/NZS 1698:2006 and carry a sticker issued by Standards Australia (14 Dec 2007).

 Why can helmets be purchased and worn in one state but not be worn in another?

 Also under the Manual of Motorcycle Sport (MoMS) it states (pg 255)

(http://www.ma.org.au/fileadmin/user_upload/Documents/MOMS/2013_MoMS_Files/2013_MOMS_VERSION_2/2013_MOMS_29JAN_WEB.pdf)

APPENDIX 1 HELMET APPROVALS & FITTING

30.1.1 APPROVAL LABELS FOR HELMETS

30.1.1.1 Helmets must carry one of the following approval labels, as listed in Rule 01.70 of the FIM Technical Rules.

a) Europe ECE 22 - 05 ‘P’,‘NP’ or ‘J’ [Label affixed inside the helmet]

b) USA DOT Federal Standard No 218 / SNELL M2005, M2010

[Label affixed inside the helmet]

c) Japan JIS T 8133: 2007 [Label affixed inside the helmet]

d) Australia Standards Association of Australia AS1698

 So why let sportsmen race at speeds far exceeding our national limits with helmets not approved by our own standards?

Helmet safety standards of New Zealand (http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/roadcode/motorcycle-road-code/you-and-your-motorcycle/wearing-the-right-gear.html)

An approved motorcycle helmet is one that complies with one or more of the approved international standards:

• UN/ECE Regulation No. 22: Protective helmets and their visors for drivers and passengers of motorcycles and mopeds (Europe)
• Australian Standard AS 1698: Protective helmets for vehicle users
• New Zealand Standard NZS 5430: Protective helmets for vehicle users
• Snell Memorial Foundation: Helmet Standard for use in motorcycling
• Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 218: Motorcycle helmets
• British Standard BS 6658: Specification for protective helmets for vehicle users (for type A helmets only)
• Japan Industrial Standard T8133.

Helmets that comply with approved standards can be identified using these markings:

 Australia needs a uniform helmet standard for the entire riding community! Not a different law per state, but a singular Federal Law.

 I believe we should adopt the New Zealand Standard, which allows for international standards, and removes confusion for retailers and consumers alike.

Information has been taken from websites and documents, with address under their respective headings.