Can You Wear a Motocross Helmet on the Street?

Motorcycle helmets are an essential part of any rider's gear. They provide protection and safety while riding, reducing the risk of severe injuries in case of an accident. However, not all helmets are created equal. Different types of helmets are designed for different types of riding. One question that often arises among riders is whether they can wear a motocross or off-road helmet on the street, especially in the UK. This blog post will delve into this topic and provide some insights.

Understanding Motorcycle Helmets Off Road

Before we answer the question at hand, it's crucial to understand what motocross or off-road motorcycle helmets are and how they differ from regular street motorcycle helmets.

Motocross helmets, also known as off-road motorcycle helmets, are specifically designed for dirt biking and off-road racing. They have a distinct design with an extended chin bar and visor portion, offering better protection against debris, dust, and sun glare. These helmets also provide excellent ventilation due to their open-face design.

On the other hand, street motorcycle helmets are designed for use on paved roads and highways. They offer full-face protection and have built-in visors to protect against wind and other elements.

Can You Wear a Motocross Helmet on the Street in the UK?

Now to answer our main question: Can you wear a motocross helmet on the street in the UK? The simple answer is yes; you can wear a motocross helmet on public roads in the UK. However, it must meet certain safety standards set by European law (ECE 22.05) or British Standard BS 6658:1985.

These standards ensure that all motorcycle helmets sold within Europe or Britain provide adequate levels of protection to riders. So if your motocross helmet meets these standards (which most do), you can legally wear it on the streets.

However, just because you can doesn't necessarily mean you should.

Considerations for Wearing a Motocross Helmet on the Street

While motocross helmets are legal to wear on the street, they may not be the best choice for street riding. Here's why:

1. Noise: Motocross helmets are designed with more ventilation to keep riders cool during intense off-road riding. However, this increased airflow can also lead to more wind noise when riding at high speeds on the street.

2. Protection: While motocross helmets provide excellent protection against impacts, they lack some features that street helmets have. For example, they don't usually come with a built-in visor, meaning you'll need to wear goggles for eye protection. This could be inconvenient and less protective against wind and debris compared to a full-face street helmet.

3. Comfort: The extended chin bar and visor of a motocross helmet can catch wind when riding at high speeds on the highway, leading to neck strain over time.

In conclusion, while it's legal to wear a motocross helmet on the streets in the UK as long as it meets safety standards, it may not be your best option if you primarily ride on paved roads or highways. Street motorcycle helmets offer better noise reduction, wind protection and comfort for these types of rides.

However, if you're an off-road enthusiast who occasionally ventures onto public roads or simply prefers the style of motocross helmets, there's no legal reason preventing you from wearing one. Just ensure that your helmet meets safety regulations and consider additional eye protection if necessary.

Remember that regardless of what type of helmet you choose, wearing one is crucial for your safety while riding. Always make sure your helmet fits correctly and is in good condition before hitting the road or trails.

Race Leathers Motorcycle Helmets

Check out our full range of motorcycle helmets, including full face motorcycle helmets, open face motorcycle helmets, flip front motorcycle helmets, off road motorcycle helmets and childrens motorcycle helmets, available online or by visiting our Darwen store today. If you have any questions regarding any of our ranges, please call our customer service team at Race Leathers Motorcycle Gear store on 01254 704 000 and we will be more than happy to help.