To wear or to not wear full motorcycle gear, that is the question…
Motorcycle gear really can be the make or break especially in the event of a collision or you falling off your motorcycle, as well as protecting you from any adverse weather or riding conditions.
In this blog, we are going to be going through whether or not wearing full motorcycle gear is a legal requirement, as well as explaining all of the laws and fines you can face if you do not comply with UK law.
So without further ado - let’s get into it!
Do you legally have to wear a helmet on a motorcycle?
The answer is yes. If you intend to ride your motorcycle or scooter on UK roads, you must legally wear a motorcycle helmet. The helmet you wear must meet at least one of the following requirements set out by the UK Government, these are:
- British Standard BS 6658:1985 and carry the BSI Kitemark
- UNECE Regulation 22.06
- European Economic Area member standard offering the same safety and protection as BS 6658:1985, and carry a mark equivalent to the BSI Kitemark
What is the penalty for riding a motorcycle without a helmet?
Being caught riding by the police not wearing a motorcycle helmet may result in you either receiving an official warning or a fine of up to £500.
Not wearing a motorcycle helmet is not only illegal, but it is also extremely dangerous, especially in the event of a collision. These rules have been put into place to protect you from harm, so it is advised to follow them at all times!
Can not wearing protective gear affect insurance?
Failure to wear protective gear (such as motorcycle jackets, trousers, and gloves) will not affect your insurance in any way. However, whilst it is not a legal requirement within UK law or your insurance policy to wear full protective gear it is most definitely advised that you do.
At the time of writing, the Highway Code for Motorcyclists states that anyone riding on UK roads is advised to wear ‘strong boots and gloves, as well as suitable clothing to protect you in the event of a collision’. A common phrase shared between riders is as follows - prepare yourself for the slide, not the ride!
We’ve got you covered
So there you have it, I hope you enjoyed my full rundown on UK law and motorcycle gear.
Last but not least, if you do have your very own motorcycle helmet and leathers you want to keep protected, you’ll be pleased to know here at Lexham we can provide you with Helmet and Leathers Insurance that you can add optionally to your motorcycle or scooter insurance policy.
