Flip front helmets and the law

[Big Stu]

The instructor on my CBT said it could be an offence to ride with the face up as it is a structural part of the helmet but only works as one in the down position. He also said that his main concern is that the flip part does not lock fully in the up position and could therefore fall down while riding - could be a bit distracting lol

[techno]

The Law should be that you keep them down at all times cos you look like an idiot when its flipped open

[griff488]

The Law should be that you keep them down at all times cos you look like an idiot when its flipped open

[Guest]

Why would you want to ride with it up? or with an open face helmet?

 

Cos I can

[Throttled]

The Road Traffic Act 1988 deals with helmets. Section 18 states

"Authorisation of head-worn appliances for use on motor cycles.(1)The Secretary of State may make regulations prescribing (by reference to shape, construction or any other quality) types of appliance of any description to which this section applies as authorised for use by persons driving or riding (otherwise than in sidecars) on motor cycles of any class specified in the regulations.(2)Regulations under this section—(a)may impose restrictions or requirements with respect to the circumstances in which appliances of any type prescribed by the regulations may be used, and(b)may make different provision in relation to different circumstances."

Section 3 is the offence to use a helmet in other than its authorised use,

"If a person driving or riding on a motor cycle on a road uses an appliance of any description for which a type is prescribed under this section and that appliance—(a)is not of a type so prescribed, or(b)is otherwise used in contravention of regulations under this section,he is guilty of an offence."

Meaning unless your helmet is authorised to be use open faced, it is illegal to do so. Section 17 makes it illegal to sell an unauthorised helmet and Section 16 is the offence of not wearing a helmet.

[Mrbarry]

If you look on the DSA web site it states that a flip front helmet will be rated as 'P' or 'P/J', 'P' must be down when moving, 'P/J' can be up or down. Riding with the front open on a 'P' helmet is classed as not wearing a helmet in law.

That's not an exact quote it's from memory but I only read it this week so it's accurate enough.