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western europe helmet laws/requirements? western europe helmet laws/requirements?
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Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #1  
Old 4 Dec 2001
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western europe helmet laws/requirements?
I know most if not all western european countries require a helmet .But what are the restrictions as to what type of helmet I need to use ? like the D.O.T. laws in the states and do they vary between countries?Any info would be helpful, thanks
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  #2  
Old 4 Dec 2001
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Hai,

Most european country's folow the "E" type aprovement. Usualy for a motorcycle this is from "E4" and up.
But... No one, and I mean NO ONE will ever check this. It is only for comercial use.

The police will check if you were a helmed suited for motorcycle use. So everything made for motorised tranportation is OK. (for the law)
...But be carefull with your head, you only have one.... and it's not alowed to drive a motorbike without a head (course you can't fit the helmed)

Maarten
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Old 7 Dec 2001
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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by glennersf:
I know most if not all western european countries require a helmet .But what are the restrictions as to what type of helmet I need to use ? like the D.O.T. laws in the states and do they vary between countries?Any info would be helpful, thanks <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

In clear words: In all (read ALL) western european countries a helmet is mandatory. Forget DOT ECE and others, buy a modern,safe and up to date model. No soup bowls like the harley folks, no open face helmet, no tinted visor or other fancy but unsafe stuff. A full face like an Arai, BMW Evo 4, Nolan, Shoei what ever. Protection is the key word: from weather, insects and most of all impacts. With a working ventilation system, noise reduction and a wide vision angle. A clear shield and bring your sunglasses instead. BUT! Don´t forget the safety gear! Leather or Gore-Tex with shells, gloves, boots, kidney belt or spin protector. Entendido Hombre?
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Old 10 Dec 2001
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I work as a fireman on the ambulance in Belgium. I have had lots of discussions with people about protective clothing and the helmet.
Those riding around in T-shirt always end up with the fact that it is their choice and their body and blablabla....

I can ensure you, summer season here mains daily having to go and help a biker that took a fall or was hit by a car.

If you chose to save money on your protection then do so, but realise that your changes when you hit the tarmc are being reduced to zero. If you survive we can litteraly scrape you of the tarmac.

It frustrates me like hell and I feel little sorry for those that fall without approriate protective clothing. It is, as they say themselve, their choice.

Get smart, protect yourselve and survive in one piece! Get a descend helmet and appropiate clothing.
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  #5  
Old 26 Dec 2001
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Hi
I was riding last year in Greece (2 up). There you can see riders wearing T shirts bare footed bare heads, riding a super bike 200km on highways. so what? Greece's driving culture was new to us (and eaven if not)so we were fully dressed and protected. we servived to falls, and hade no problem.
Use the best you can afford starting with the helmet.
YONI
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My ride from Dead horse to Ushuaia 2009 is at
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It's in hebrew but lots of pics and some translation

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  #6  
Old 2 Jan 2002
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I think helmets are obligatory in all the Western European countries.

I rode through Slovakia and Poland this summer, everyone I saw there was also wearing a helmet.
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