How strict are helmet laws In the UK?

Vexon101 · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 26 Jun 2011 Karma :

This question doesn't concern me, however A neighbor drive's a CBR 600R & I always see her fully kitted up, except.... She doesn't wear a helmet?

I find It hilarious yet why can she drive her bike everyday without wearing a helmet and without getting done for It?

Don't understand why you wouldn't wear a helmet, probably doesn't wanna ruin her hair.

-LG- · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 Jul 2010 Karma :

Maybe she doesn't get caught? I know if I came across someone not wearing a helmet, they would be getting a ticket, not sure if its a fine and points though.

Vexon101 · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 26 Jun 2011 Karma :

Dazbo666 · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 Jun 2004 Karma :

We can only hope that natural selection makes its choice Twisted Evil

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Tristan. · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 May 2007 Karma :

lllN30lll · World Chat Champion Joined: 12 Jun 2005 Karma :

Troll?

trikeschick · Traffic Copper Joined: 14 Mar 2010 Karma :

P.addy · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

Being that a helmet is the only legally required bit of kit... Laughing

Shes a bit of a moose.

Religion? Laughing

Either way, Sod wearing no helmet...

Frost · World Chat Champion Joined: 26 May 2004 Karma :

I think helmet law is just a fine, however i'd expect police to hassle you a fair bit as they don't want to be the ones called to the accident where they see your skull smashed open.

SweenyT · Trackday Trickster Joined: 22 Sep 2010 Karma :

It's no wonder paramedics and the like call us organ donors when riders do stupid things like that!

If I had to choose which bit of kit I would save in a fire then before the question was finished I'd have my helmet on Laughing

Vexon, you should go over and ask her next time you see her. I'd love to hair her reason (pun intended).
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Hockeystorm65 · Spanner Monkey Joined: 08 Sep 2010 Karma :

kingley · Nova Slayer Joined: 01 Aug 2010 Karma :

Apparently it's only a £30 fine for wearing no helmet. Personally I think it should be a massive fine and points for a first offence of wearing no helmet and then a years ban for a second offence. I also think they should change the law so that at least gloves and jacket are compulsory. I see so many idiots (especially middle aged blokes) on sports bikes wearing t-shirt, shorts or tracksuit bottoms and trainers with no gloves on. God help 'em if they ever fall off!!
I came off my little YBR 125 in the Trough of Bowland at about 40mph and it bloody well hurt. I was wearing boots, jacket, gloves, helmet and some good sturdy jeans. So luckily I walked way with only a cut knee (no rip in my jeans! Smile

) and torn ligaments in my ankle. If I'd have been dressed like one of those morons I shudder to think what might have happened.

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

AFAIK, the current controlling legislation is the Motor Cycles (Protective Helmets) Regulations 1998

c_dug · Super Spammer Joined: 04 Sep 2007 Karma :

Personally I disagree with compulsory gear. If I wan't to go ride my bike in just shorts and t-shirt then why should I not be allowed? Who are you to tell me otherwise?

And don't start with the costing the NHS money blah blah..... I pay National insurance for that reason.

If it was my choice, around town I would wear gloves over helmet.
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kingley · Nova Slayer Joined: 01 Aug 2010 Karma :

Paivi · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 Sep 2005 Karma :

Dilyan · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Nov 2010 Karma :

blurredman · World Chat Champion Joined: 18 Sep 2010 Karma :

I wouldn't wear a helmet on short journeys..
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c_dug · Super Spammer Joined: 04 Sep 2007 Karma :

J.M. · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Mar 2011 Karma :

I agree with c_dug that helmet laws shouldn't really be compulsory. If I want to go out on my bike in just my boxers then that's really my choice; not that I ever would do.

Though I actually like wearing a helmet. I can't say the amount of times I've been going down a national road and been thankful of my visor for splatting the huge flies rather than them ending up in my eyes/face! Laughing

I don't agree with that turban law either though. What makes biking any less dangerous for them than it is for us? Nothing. So why should the law change for them and not for us.
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shooter · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 03 Oct 2010 Karma :

I was reading a James May article about this recently.

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/columnists/jamesmay/3128309/James-May-One-helmet-law-for-all.html

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/columnists/jamesmay/3173972/James-May-I-fought-the-law....html

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

The turban exemption is of course ludicrous, offensive and discriminatory. Sadly, none of those are grounds for challenging the law. In case anyone is tempted to mention the ECHR, please take a moment to read it and note the very careful wording of Articles 9 and 14 to allow for selective favouritism.

By the way, mandating helmets for all car occupants would reduce KSIs more than making bikers wear them. I can't recall hearing any Private Member's Bills about that, but maybe a biking MP could be persuaded to try one. Wink

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Alex_B · Brolly Dolly Joined: 15 Jul 2011 Karma :

I would wear a crash hat even if they were not compulsory.

I do sometime wear no Jacket when it's really hot though. I haven't bought a summer jacket yet and I will for next year, but today, through London, I was baking but I wore my jacket and gloves until I got to Greenwich then I put it in the top box and resolved with myself that I will go no more than 30mph.
Yea, I know that can bring out the bone with an off though.

After I cooled down I put it back on. I really don't like riding without it but it was just a great day tbh Thumbs Up

Oh and kingsley, I am one of those "middle aged blokes" sorry mate, Wink

I don't do it often though and it is worrying without the protection.
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P.addy · Red Rocket Joined: 14 Feb 2008 Karma :

I've worn shorts and tshirts a few times.... doesnt really bother me if its a short journey, wouldnt do motorways and spirited rides without some clothing though.

That said...I dont wear boots Laughing

anthony_r6 · World Chat Champion Joined: 31 Mar 2011 Karma :

I don't mind the helmet law, it's definitely there for a reason. However, I don't think it's anyone's place to tell me what is and isn't okay to wear when I ride. I do occasionally ride in t-shirts and I am WELL AWARE of the risks involved. Likewise, I totally except responsibility for any injuries/scars or death that may occur from my actions.
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