The use of the open-face helmets in Australia is legal, though certain safety standards have to be fulfilled. The helmet must adhere to Australian, New Zealand or some European standards where the helmet must be safe and legal to all the riders in the country.
| Type | Standard | Legal in AU? |
|---|---|---|
| Open-face | AS/NZS 1698, UNECE | Yes |
| Full-face | AS/NZS 1698, UNECE | Yes |
| Non-standard/unmarked | None | No |
Knowing about the Helmet Laws in Australia.
The motorcycles, scooters, and similar vehicles are not forbidden to use an open-face helmet in Australia. The most important need is to follow safety standards as dictated by the nation. This will ensure every type of helmet, whether full face or open face, provides some form of protection when it is applied on the main highways.
Legal Standards for Helmets
A helmet used in Australia must be made to either Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 1698:2006, previously known as Alaska Standard AS 1698:1988, or the European requirements of UNECE22.05/22.06 to be legally used. Since the past years, the European helmets that are compliant, as long as they have the approved mark, have become legal. All certified helmets will also include a stitched label or a sticker on them stating that they comply with these regulations.
Essential Helmet Features
No matter the design, all the helmets are required to have a chin strap and be tested on protection, retention and impact and penetration tests. Helmets that are open-face can only be used provided that they provide the same protective purposes as the others that are approved. Riders should ensure that the helmet bears appropriate marks before they can ride in the public roads, failure to which they incur hefty fines.
Violation of the Code: Non-compliance with the Code will be penalized based on the specific criteria of the level of infraction and degree of severity. Violation of the Code: Non-adherence to the Code will be punished according to the particular principles of the degree of violation and the extent of seriousness.
Australia also practises stiff fines against those who fail to wear the helmet or those using non-approved helmets. The fines may be up to 100 and up to 1626, and the offenders may be given up to nine demerit points, which also depend on the state or territory. Drivers and passengers are both subject to penalties in case of not wearing helmets, which is why everyone should be properly equipped with a head protection every single time they are on the road.
Tips and Tricks of the Region and Last Minute Advice.
Although the requirements that are set by the nation can be easy to understand, there are other details that may vary in states like legality of tinted visors. Confirmation with local authorities would mean that all is well. Since roads authority rules are sometimes changed, riders are advised to check official government sources to get the latest details on the matter before purchasing their equipment or wearing new helmets.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: In Australia, could it be considered illegal to wear an open-face helmet?
A1: No, provided the helmet is to the approved standards.
Q2: What are the labels of a helmet that are considered legal?
A2: Find a sewn-in certifying label or sticker complying with either of the standards of AU/NZ or European.
Q3: What will be the punishment of not complying?
A3: Fines will vary between $100 and more than 1,600, in addition to nine demerit points.
