What are the UK Legal Standards for Visors?

Motorcycle riding is an exhilarating experience, but it comes with its own set of risks. One of the most critical components of motorcycle safety is the helmet, particularly its visor. In the UK, visors are subject to stringent legal standards and regulations designed to ensure safety and visibility for riders. Understanding these standards is essential for every motorbike enthusiast. This blog post will delve into the key legal requirements surrounding motorcycle visors in the UK.

British Standard BS 4110

The British Standard BS 4110 plays a pivotal role in regulating motorcycle helmet visors. This standard specifies several crucial requirements that visors must meet before they can be legally sold and used on UK roads.

Optical Quality

One of the primary aspects covered by BS 4110 is optical quality. Motorcycle visors must provide clear vision without distortion, ensuring that riders can see their surroundings accurately. Poor optical quality can lead to accidents, making this standard vital for rider safety.

Light Transmission

Another critical requirement under BS 4110 is light transmission. Visors must allow a certain percentage of light to pass through to ensure adequate visibility in various lighting conditions. This aspect becomes especially important during dusk or dawn when light levels fluctuate dramatically.

Impact Resistance

Impact resistance is another essential factor specified by BS 4110. The visor should be able to withstand impacts from debris or other objects that may come into contact with it while riding. A visor that shatters upon impact could pose serious risks to a rider's eyes and face.

European Standards: ECE 22.05 & ECE 22.06

In addition to British standards, motorcycle helmets and their visors must also comply with European standards ECE 22.05 or ECE 22.06 to be legally approved for use on UK roads.

Safety Requirements

The ECE standards set forth comprehensive safety requirements for helmets and visors across the European Union, ensuring a high level of protection for riders regardless of where they are in Europe. Compliance with these standards means that a visor has undergone rigorous testing for various factors such as impact resistance, penetration resistance, and retention system effectiveness.

Importance of Compliance

Riders should always check whether their helmet visors bear the appropriate certification marks indicating compliance with either BS 4110 or ECE standards before purchasing or using them on public roads.

Tint Restrictions

Tinted visors are popular among many motorbike riders, but there are legal restrictions governing their darkness in the UK.

Minimum Visible Light Transmission (VLT)

The law stipulates that tinted visors must allow a minimum level of visible light transmission (VLT). This requirement ensures that riders maintain adequate visibility at all times, particularly during low-light conditions such as night-time riding or overcast days.

Checking VLT Compliance

Riders should always verify that their tinted visors meet these VLT requirements before hitting the road. Using non-compliant tinted visors can not only lead to penalties but also compromise safety by impairing vision when it’s needed most.

Anti-Scratch Coating

To enhance visibility further, many UK helmet visors come equipped with anti-scratch coatings.

Importance of Clear Visibility

Scratches on a visor can significantly hinder visibility and create distractions while riding. An anti-scratch coating helps maintain clarity over time, allowing riders to focus on the road ahead without unnecessary obstructions in their line of sight.

UV Protection: A Recommended Feature

While UV protection isn’t strictly mandated by law in the UK, it’s highly recommended for motorcycle helmet visors.

Shielding Against Harmful Rays

UV rays can cause long-term damage to your eyes; therefore, having a visor that provides UV protection adds an extra layer of defence against harmful exposure while riding under sunlight.

Eye Health Considerations

Investing in a visor with UV protection not only enhances comfort during rides but also promotes overall eye health, an essential consideration for any rider who spends significant time on two wheels.

The Importance of Compliance

For motorbike riders in the UK, understanding what constitutes legal standards for motorcycle helmet visors is crucial not just for compliance but also for personal safety on the road. Using non-compliant or illegal visors can result in penalties ranging from fines to points on your driving licence and more importantly compromise your safety while riding.

Before purchasing any motorcycle gear, especially helmets and their accompanying visors, always check if they meet British Standard BS 4110 or European Standards ECE 22.05/22.06 requirements along with tint restrictions and additional features like anti-scratch coatings and UV protection options.

By ensuring your equipment meets these legal standards, you’re not just abiding by regulations; you’re investing in your safety and well-being as you navigate through life’s thrilling rides!

Race Leathers Motorcycle Gear

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.