What changes for motorcyclists with the new helmet law from July 1?

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• The End of an Era: Goodbye ECE 22.05, Hello ECE 22.06
• What’s Actually New in ECE 22.06?
• What About the Price Tag?
• Can I Still Use My Old Helmet?

Attention, motorcyclists of Europe: your headgear is about to get a 21st-century upgrade! Starting July 1, a new helmet law will rev up safety standards across the continent. But what exactly does this mean for those of us who love a good two-wheeled adventure—and, more importantly, for our precious brains? Let’s steer through the changes and separate the facts from the fiction, so you’ll know whether to update your helmet or just give your old one an affectionate pat.

The End of an Era: Goodbye ECE 22.05, Hello ECE 22.06

For over a decade, ECE 22.05 has been the gold standard for motorcycle helmets in Europe since its introduction in 2007. This regulation required manufacturers and users to follow very specific rules:

• All helmet models had to sport a white label with the letter E, denoting Europe, plus the coding of the country granting approval.
• Four reflective bands were mandatory — one at the front, one at the rear, and one on each side.
• The chinstrap fixing system (the jugular closure, for those who like technical terms) had to meet strictly defined resistance requirements.

Testing under ECE 22.05 involved projecting helmets against two anvils at 27 km/h, and also dropping them from a 3-meter height (equivalent to 7.5 m/s). Anyone caught flaunting an unapproved helmet risked penalties: a 90 euro fine and losing 3 points off their driving license, as set out by article R431-1 of the Highway Code. Ouch!

What’s Actually New in ECE 22.06?

Here comes ECE 22.06 with the roar of progress. While it preserves several classic obligations (yes, your next helmet will still need its telltale E-label, reflective strips galore, and a robust jugular closure), it supercharges testing for a new era. As Eric Thiollier, president of the French Federation of Angry Motorcyclists—yes, that’s a thing—explains: “the tests will be more realistic and comprehensive.”

So, what are these tougher tests?

• Helmets now have to survive three impacts at different speeds, rather than the previous single-speed method.
• Instead of testing six impact points, they’re condition-checked at a whopping 18 points. Triple the precision, triple the peace of mind!
• For the daredevil factor: resistance now gets checked by projections at 215 km/h, so your helmet keeps up whether you’re city cruising or unleashing your inner Valentino Rossi.
• The helmet visor isn’t neglected either—it has its own dedicated impact and scratch resistance tests.
• Internal abrasion resistance will be measured with a dedicated internal sensor, all in the name of accuracy.

The core promise? Helmets will be more robust, more innovative, and quite simply, safer.

What About the Price Tag?

Naturally, when anything gets a technological upgrade, the specter of rising prices is never far behind. More advanced helmets and complex tests could well send manufacturing and certification costs higher. “Homologation costs will increase, and part of this may reflect on retail prices,” says Thiollier. However, he’s quick to warn: this should not be used as an excuse for excessive hikes, especially not on helmets certified under the old standard. So, while shoppers may need to brace for some adjustment, profiteering is not (officially) on the agenda.

Can I Still Use My Old Helmet?

Don’t panic! If you already have a helmet certified to ECE 22.05, feel free to keep wearing it after July 1. In fact, retailers are allowed to continue selling these until December 31, 2023. Starting from January 1, 2024, however, sale of ECE 22.05 helmets will be banned—but as a rider, you’re free to wear your existing lid as long as it meets the standard. No need to storm the shops just yet or start budgeting for a new helmet—unless you want to, of course.

In summary:

• If you’re in the market for a new helmet after July 1, expect tougher safety standards thanks to ECE 22.06.
• Existing ECE 22.05 helmets will remain legal for use—transition is gradual, not abrupt.
• Prices might inch up, but regulators urge against unjustified increases, especially on older stock.
• Whatever you ride, make sure your helmet is properly approved—otherwise you’re risking more than just a bad hair day.

So, gear up and ride on. With the new ECE 22.06, your next adventure could be even safer—and maybe, just maybe, your hairstyle will thank you too.