We all know that when it comes to motorcycle riding here in the UK, safety is everything. While the thrill of the open road is undeniable, it’s essential to ensure you and other road users are safe at all times.
It’s also useful to understand the legal requirements and recommendations surrounding protective gear while riding a motorcycle, whether on the roads, on the tracks or off-road on the trails. Many people wonder whether protective motorcycle clothing is mandatory in the UK or whether it’s something only the most risk-averse motorcyclists should consider. In this article, we’re going to delve into the specifics and answer the question, ‘do you have to wear protective clothing on a motorcycle, scooter or moped?’
Mandatory Motorcycle Protection
In the UK, the only piece of protective gear that is legally required for motorcycle riders and their passengers is a motorcycle helmet. According to GOV.UK, all helmets worn on UK roads must meet at least one of the following standards:
- British Standard BS 6658:1985 and carry the BSI Kitemark
- UNECE Regulation 22.05 or the newer ECE 22.06
- A standard accepted by a member of the European Economic Area which offers a level of safety and protection equivalent to BS 6658:1985 and carries a mark equivalent to the BSI Kitemark
These British Standards are the legal minimum for helmets, but we always recommend going a bit further with your protection, especially when it comes to your head. There is also the SHARP Helmet Ratings test which puts helmets through a more vigorous test and provides a score based on how protective the helmet is.
Goggles and visors must also meet British Safety Standards or have an equivalent safety standard from Europe. Failure to wear a compliant helmet can result in a fine of up to £500 and will also impact insurance claims in the event of an accident.
Recommended Protective Gear
While helmets are the only legally mandated protective gear, other equipment is highly recommended for rider safety. This is especially true when sport racing and green laning, but many regular road motorcyclists may feel more safe and protected while riding thanks to some additional armour. UK Government advice is that specialised motorcycle gear is highly recommended – it could save your life.
This may not mean full protective gear, but specialist motorcycle clothing that protects the wearer with in-built protection in all the right areas. Some recommended motorcycle kit includes:
- Motorcycle Jackets and Trousers: Jackets and trousers for motorcyclists are generallymade from abrasion-resistant materials like leather or textiles with CE-approved armour. Often, these offer padding and support in the areas of the body which are most likely to be affected in a collision.
- Motorcycle Gloves: Motorcycle gloves are an absolute must. They protect your hands from injury but improve your grip and control of the bike.
- Motorcycle Boots: We also recommend choosing specialised motorcycle boots, featuring abrasion resistant materials, ankle protection, waterproofing and other benefits. As a minimum, you must wear sturdy footwear that covers the ankles to provide protection in case of a fall.
Although not legally required, wearing this gear can significantly reduce the severity of injuries in the event of an accident. For added protection, consider the kind of motorcycle body armour worn by off-roaders.
CE Certification and PPE Regulations
It’s important to note that while wearing protective gear (other than helmets) isn’t mandatory, any motorcycle clothing sold in the UK must meet certain safety standards. As per EU regulations, all the gear must be CE-certified, ensuring it has undergone rigorous testing for impact and abrasion resistance. This certification applies to the sale of the gear, not its use.
Legal Implications of Not Wearing Protective Gear
While you won’t face legal penalties under UK law for not wearing protective gear (aside from helmets), there could be legal implications in the event of an accident. For instance, courts have considered the absence of protective clothing or suitable clothing when determining liability and compensation. In some cases, not wearing appropriate gear has led to reduced compensation due to contributory negligence. Basically, we recommend you wear proper motorcycle gear to protect yourself, those around you and your bank balance too!
In Summary: Mandatory Motorcycle Protection
So, to answer that initial question in simple terms… motorcycle protective gear is not mandatory in the UK, other than a motorcycle helmet. While it’s only compliant helmets that are legally required in the UK, we strongly advise that all riders wear additional protective clothing to safeguard against injuries. Investing in quality gear not only enhances your safety but could also have legal and financial benefits in the unfortunate event of an accident.
For more information on rider safety and the kind of protective motorcycle clothing we would recommend, feel free to get in touch with our team.
