Pack for what you must wear, what the bike must carry and what you need after a breakdown. Those are different duties, and a car checklist often gets them wrong for motorcycles. Include your passenger when checking helmets and clothing.

Start with your type of motorcycle

Check the registration category first. An ordinary two-wheel bike, a sidecar, a tricycle and a moped can have different requirements. Austria’s warning-equipment exemption, for example, is for single-track vehicles. Don’t extend it to every vehicle called a motorcycle. Austrian rules

For each required item, note whether you must wear it while riding, carry it, or use it after stopping. A vest buried under a week’s luggage is awkward even when it meets the carrying rule.

Find the equipment rules for your route

Choose the countries below for their motorcycle requirements. Read any road, vehicle or rider restrictions in the note: Mexico’s federal-road finding, for instance, doesn’t establish the rules for every city street.

Check your destinations

Choose a destination to compare motorcycle travel notes. Read the location, vehicle and licence conditions alongside each rule.

Updated:

Netherlands

Helmet law and clothing advice

Wear an approved motorcycle helmet. Protective riding clothing is recommended; additional clothing requirements apply during the motorcycle practical examination.

Conditions and qualifications

Motorcycle road use.

Sources

Belgium

Protective clothing for rider and passenger

On an ordinary motorcycle, the rider and passenger must wear a helmet, gloves, a long-sleeved jacket and long trousers, or an overall in place of the jacket and trousers. Boots or ankle boots must protect the ankles.

Conditions and qualifications

Ordinary motorcycles; rider and passenger.

  • The rider and passenger must wear a protective helmet.
  • The rider and passenger must wear gloves.
  • The rider and passenger must wear a long-sleeved jacket and long trousers, or an overall in place of the jacket and trousers.
  • The rider and passenger must wear boots or ankle boots that protect the ankles.
Sources

Germany

Helmet duty and carried-equipment exemptions

On an ordinary two-wheel motorcycle, the rider and passenger must wear a suitable protective helmet. The motorcycle is exempt from the duties to carry a warning triangle, a high-visibility vest and first-aid material.

Conditions and qualifications

Ordinary two-wheel motorcycles designed to exceed 20 km/h.

  • The rider and passenger must wear a suitable protective helmet while riding.
Sources

France

Helmet, gloves and emergency vest

The rider and passenger must wear approved, securely fastened helmets with four visible retroreflective elements and CE-marked gloves. The rider must carry a CE-marked high-visibility vest and wear it after an emergency stop when leaving the bike on the roadway or its surroundings. Two- and three-wheel motor vehicles are exempt from the warning-triangle duty.

Conditions and qualifications

Motorcycle rider and passenger; the vest duty applies to the rider.

  • The rider and passenger must wear an approved, secured helmet with four visible retroreflective elements.
  • The rider and passenger must wear CE-marked gloves.
  • The rider must have a CE-marked high-visibility vest on their person or stored on the motorcycle.
  • The rider must wear the vest when leaving the emergency-stopped motorcycle on the roadway or its surroundings.

Not covered by this finding

  • Two- and three-wheel motor vehicles are exempt from carrying and deploying the warning triangle. The high-visibility vest duty still applies.
Sources

United Kingdom

Helmet law versus clothing advice

In Great Britain, the rider and pillion passenger must wear a compliant, securely fastened helmet. Gloves, boots and other protective clothing are recommended. A follower of the Sikh religion wearing a turban is exempt from the helmet duty.

Conditions and qualifications

Great Britain

Great Britain; motorcycle, scooter and moped riders and passengers.

  • The rider and pillion passenger must wear a helmet meeting an accepted safety standard.
  • The helmet must be securely fastened.
  • If used, visors and goggles must meet an accepted safety standard.

Not covered by this finding

  • A follower of the Sikh religion wearing a turban is exempt from the helmet duty.
Sources

Austria

First-aid material and single-track motorcycle exemptions

A single-track motorcycle must carry first-aid material suitable for treating wounds, packed in a sturdy dustproof container and protected from contamination. It does not have to carry a warning triangle or reflective warning clothing.

Conditions and qualifications

Single-track motorcycles; sidecars and other multi-track vehicles follow different warning-equipment rules.

  • Carry material suitable for treating wounds in a sturdy dustproof container protected from contamination.

Not covered by this finding

  • A warning triangle and reflective warning clothing are not compulsory for single-track vehicles.
  • A kit meeting ÖNORM V 5101 is recommended rather than compulsory.
Sources

Switzerland

Motorcycle helmets for both people

The rider and passenger must wear motorcycle helmets complying with UNECE R22. The rider must ensure passengers under 12 wear a helmet.

Conditions and qualifications

Ordinary motorcycles; rider and passenger.

Sources

Czechia

Helmet and motorcycle first-aid kit

The rider and passenger need protective helmets. Carry a motorcycle first-aid kit; the Police exclude mopeds up to 50 cm³ and motor-assisted bicycles. Reflective vests are recommended.

Conditions and qualifications

Ordinary motorcycles.

Sources

Spain

V16 not compulsory for motorcycles

Motorcycles do not have to carry a V16 warning beacon. DGT recommends one as additional breakdown equipment; the motorcycle exemption does not remove the separate clothing and high-visibility vest duties.

Conditions and qualifications

Motorcycles.

Sources

Protective gloves, closed footwear and high-visibility vest from October 2026

From 1 October 2026, the rider and passenger must wear protective gloves on interurban roads and closed footwear covering the whole foot on all roads. The motorcycle must carry a compliant high-visibility vest; the rider must wear it when leaving the motorcycle and occupying an interurban roadway or shoulder. Separate professional-use duties and the specified vehicle-structure and seat-belt exception apply.

Effective from

Timing and date qualifications: The transition provision permits protective motorcycle gloves of the type currently in use until the ministerial technical specifications take effect. The protective-glove wearing duty applies on interurban roads.

Conditions and qualifications

Motorcycles; gloves on interurban roads, closed footwear on all roads, with separate emergency and professional-use vest duties.

  • The rider and passenger must wear protective gloves on interurban roads.
  • The rider and passenger must wear closed footwear covering the whole foot on all roads.
  • The motorcycle must carry a high-visibility vest meeting the applicable protective-equipment requirements.
  • The rider must wear the vest when leaving the bike and occupying an interurban roadway or shoulder.
  • A rider using the vehicle professionally must wear the compliant vest on all roads.

Not covered by this finding

  • The helmet, glove and closed-footwear duties do not apply when the vehicle has the prescribed self-protection structure and safety belts recorded in its technical documents, and the rider and passenger use those belts.
Sources

Italy

Helmet and triangle rules

The rider and passenger must wear approved, properly fastened helmets. Ordinary motorcycles are excluded from Article 162’s warning-triangle duty.

Conditions and qualifications

Ordinary motorcycles.

Not covered by this finding

  • Specified safety-cell/restraint vehicles follow separate helmet rules.
Sources

Norway

Carry a reflective vest

Statens vegvesen requires carrying a reflective vest on motorcycles and mopeds. Choose a CE-approved vest and keep it accessible.

Conditions and qualifications

Motorcycles and mopeds.

Sources

United States

California: DOT helmets

The rider and passenger must wear a U.S. DOT-compliant motorcycle helmet. Eye protection, protective clothing, boots and gloves are recommended.

Conditions and qualifications

California, United States

California motorcycles.

Not covered by this finding

  • Other states set their own helmet rules.
Sources

Canada

British Columbia: approved helmets

The rider and passenger must wear approved, correctly labelled helmets. The rider ensures passengers under 16 comply.

Conditions and qualifications

British Columbia, Canada

British Columbia motorcycles.

Not covered by this finding

  • Sikh people with unshorn hair wearing full turbans are exempt; other provinces differ.
Sources

Australia

New South Wales: helmets

The rider and passenger must wear approved motorcycle helmets.

Conditions and qualifications

New South Wales, Australia

New South Wales motorcycles.

Not covered by this finding

  • Other states and territories have their own rules.
Sources

Vietnam

National-standard, fastened helmets

The rider and passenger must wear helmets meeting Vietnam’s national technical regulation, with straps correctly fastened. This covers two- and three-wheel motorcycles and mopeds.

Conditions and qualifications

Ordinary motorcycles; rider and passenger.

Sources

China (mainland)

Helmets for rider and passenger

The rider and passenger must wear safety helmets meeting the applicable requirements.

Conditions and qualifications

Ordinary motorcycles; rider and passenger.

Sources

Indonesia

SNI helmets for both people

The rider and passenger must wear helmets meeting Indonesia’s national standard. Check the SNI mark on each helmet.

Conditions and qualifications

Motorcycle rider and passenger.

Sources

Brazil

Certified helmet and eye protection

The rider and passenger need fastened, INMETRO-certified helmets and a visor or protective goggles. Helmets made from August 2007 need the prescribed reflective markings.

Conditions and qualifications

Ordinary motorcycles.

Not covered by this finding

  • Helmets above size 64 bought abroad by individuals have a certification exemption.
Sources

Morocco

Approved, correctly fitted helmets

The rider and passenger must wear approved, correctly fitted and fastened motorcycle helmets. A child passenger needs a helmet designed for children.

Conditions and qualifications

Ordinary motorcycles; rider and passenger.

Sources

South Africa

Fitted helmets and triangle exemption

The rider and passenger need properly fitting motorcycle helmets, with chin straps fastened. The rider ensures passengers under 14 comply. Motorcycles are exempt from the emergency warning-triangle duty.

Conditions and qualifications

Ordinary motorcycles.

Sources

Denmark

Fastened crash helmets

The rider and passengers aged 15+ must wear fastened helmets. The rider ensures passengers aged 5–14 wear one unless their seat has a seat belt.

Conditions and qualifications

Motorcycle riders and lawful passengers.

Not covered by this finding

  • Seat-belt duties and specified parking/service-area exemptions apply.
Sources

Sweden

E-marked, fastened helmet

Use an E-marked helmet approved to UNECE R22.05 or later, securely fastened. Do not use a helmet after changes that could reduce its protection. Modifications must conform to its type approval.

Conditions and qualifications

Motorcycle helmet use.

Sources

Finland

Approved helmets for both people

The rider and passenger must wear type-approved, properly fastened protective helmets.

Conditions and qualifications

Ordinary motorcycle rider and passenger.

Sources

Poland

Technical-standard protective helmets

The rider and passenger must wear protective helmets meeting the technical requirements.

Conditions and qualifications

Ordinary motorcycles.

Not covered by this finding

  • Motorcycles factory-equipped with seat belts are exempt.
Sources

Slovakia

Carry a motorcycle first-aid kit

L3e–L5e and L7e vehicles must carry a first-aid kit. Foreign-registered bikes may use a kit valid in their registration country. Motorcycle helmets must have UNECE R22 approval.

Conditions and qualifications

Listed L-category vehicles.

Sources

Hungary

Helmet law and clothing advice

Helmets are compulsory when motorcycling. Protective riding clothing, motorcycle boots and gloves are recommended.

Conditions and qualifications

Motorcycle road use.

Sources

Romania

Motorcycle carry-kit exemption

Motorcycle and moped categories AM, A1, A2 and A are excluded from the general duty to carry a first-aid kit, two reflective triangles and a fire extinguisher.

Conditions and qualifications

Listed motorcycle and moped categories.

Sources

Greece

Helmets apply to passengers too

The rider and passenger must wear protective helmets. The rule also applies to rental motorcycles; the rider is responsible for the passenger’s helmet use.

Conditions and qualifications

Ordinary motorcycles; rider and passenger.

Sources

Ireland

Helmet law and protective clothing

Everyone on the motorcycle must wear an approved, properly fastened crash helmet. RSA recommends protective jacket, trousers, gloves and motorcycle boots for passengers.

Conditions and qualifications

Motorcycle rider and passenger.

Sources

Iceland

Approved helmets for rider and passenger

The rider and passenger on an ordinary motorcycle must wear approved motorcycle helmets. The rider is responsible for the passenger wearing one. The law has a narrow exception for riding in a car park, at a filling station or repair workshop, and similar situations; it is not a general short-trip exemption.

Conditions and qualifications

Ordinary motorcycle riders and passengers, including an exposed sidecar passenger.

  • Wear an approved helmet intended for motorcycle use.
  • The rider must ensure that the passenger wears a helmet.

Not covered by this finding

  • Article 78 exempts riding in a car park, at a filling station or repair workshop, and similar situations.
  • The rule concerns people not protected by vehicle bodywork; a seat fitted with a seat belt carries a separate duty to use that belt.
Sources

Luxembourg

Wear an approved helmet and check its label

Wear an approved helmet on an ordinary motorcycle. Luxembourg police say each helmet must carry an approval number or ECE number, usually on a label inside. Check the approval of a replacement visor too. The police recommend protective motorcycle clothing and fluorescent or reflective details.

Conditions and qualifications

Helmet use and approval on ordinary motorcycles, with or without a sidecar.

  • Use an approved motorcycle helmet carrying an approval number or ECE number.
  • Check the approval of a visor that has been replaced.

Not covered by this finding

  • The national-authority overview gives a helmet exception for a vehicle with protective bodywork, with mandatory seat-belt use instead.
  • The police describe the additional motorcycle clothing and fluorescent or reflective details as safety advice; this note does not turn that advice into a complete statutory clothing list.
Sources

Malaysia

Fastened helmet and clear visor

The rider and passenger need a securely fastened helmet meeting MS 1 or UN Regulation No. 22. Any fitted visor must be clear and untinted. JPJ lists turban exemptions for Haji, Hajah and Lebai, and for Sikhs.

Conditions and qualifications

Motorcycle rider and passenger on roads, subject to the named helmet exemptions.

  • The rider and passenger must wear a securely fastened helmet meeting MS 1 or UN Regulation No. 22.
  • A fitted helmet visor must be clear and uncoloured.

Not covered by this finding

  • JPJ’s 2025 driver textbook lists Haji, Hajah and Lebai wearing turbans, and Sikhs wearing turbans, as exempt from the helmet-wearing requirement. This is not an exemption for everyone wearing religious headwear.
Sources

Singapore

Secure helmet with an accepted approval

The rider and passenger must wear an approved helmet securely fastened. UNECE R22.06 is an accepted approval; some SS9 helmets also qualify under the dated certification rules. A male Sikh wearing a turban is exempt from the personal helmet duty.

Timing and date qualifications: The older SS9:2014 route using TUV SUD PSB marks issued by 31 October 2025 runs through 18 November 2026. The newer SS9:2014 route requires accredited certification by 18 November 2026 and its specified label, and runs through 18 November 2031. SS9:2024 approval lasts 5 years from certification; UNECE R22.06 has been accepted since 1 November 2025.

Conditions and qualifications

Motorcycle rider and passenger; the driver also has a separate duty concerning the pillion’s helmet.

  • The rider and passenger must wear an approved protective helmet securely; the driver must also ensure the pillion wears one.
  • Use a UNECE R22.06-approved helmet with its specified approval mark or label, or a helmet satisfying a valid SS9 certification route.

Not covered by this finding

  • The helmet exemption disapplies Road Traffic Act section 74(1) for a male Sikh wearing a turban while driving or being carried on a motorcycle.
  • The Gazette excuses an otherwise qualifying approval mark or label that has worn out through wear and tear; it does not accept an unapproved helmet.
Sources

Mexico

Federal roads: helmets and lights for every ride

On federal roads and bridges, both the rider and passenger must wear protective helmets, with eye protection where applicable. Motorcycles must travel with their lights on at all times. State and city rules need a separate check.

Conditions and qualifications

Mexico; highways and bridges under federal jurisdiction

Motorcycles on federal roads; rider and passenger helmet duties.

  • The rider and passenger must wear protective helmets, with eye protection where applicable.
  • Ride with the motorcycle lights on at all times.

Not covered by this finding

  • This federal-road finding does not establish the equipment rules on state or municipal roads.
Sources

Chile

Helmets, gloves, eye protection and closed shoes

Both rider and passenger need a regulation helmet fastened under the chin, eye protection, abrasion-resistant gloves covering the entire hand and fingers, and closed shoes covering the foot. On roads with a speed limit of 80 km/h or more, clothing must fully cover the arms and legs.

Conditions and qualifications

Motorcycle rider and passenger; the additional arm-and-leg clothing duty depends on the road speed limit.

  • Secure the regulation helmet under the chin with its buckle or fastener.
  • Wear eye protection, either glasses or protection built into the helmet.
  • Wear abrasion-resistant gloves covering the whole hand, including every finger.
  • Wear closed footwear covering the foot.
  • On roads whose maximum speed is 80 km/h or higher, wear clothing covering the arms and legs completely.

Not covered by this finding

  • Non-slip soles are preferred; the mandatory footwear rule is closed shoes covering the foot.
  • For the arm-and-leg clothing rule, abrasion-resistant material is preferred rather than mandatory.
Sources

Check the labels before packing

Check the approval mark on each helmet and any required gloves. In France, the helmet needs four visible retroreflective elements: front, back and both sides; official guidance lists ECE 22.05 and 22.06 approvals. Both rider and passenger need CE-marked gloves. French equipment guidance

Great Britain accepts UNECE 22.05 and 22.06 helmets, BS 6658:1985 with the BSI Kitemark, or an EEA standard offering equivalent protection and an equivalent approval mark. Visors or goggles, if used, must also meet an accepted standard. The helmet must be securely fastened; a Sikh wearing a turban has a specific exemption. Other protective clothing is recommended. Helmet standards · Highway Code

For a rental, ask about helmet sizes and approval markings before paying. Try the complete outfit before departure; meeting a label requirement doesn’t make an ill-fitting helmet comfortable or suitable.

Keep emergency kit within reach

Austria requires suitable first-aid material in a sturdy, dustproof container protected from contamination; an ÖNORM V 5101 kit is recommended, rather than compulsory. Germany exempts ordinary motorcycles from that carrying duty. Buy for your whole route. Austria · Germany

Keep vests and emergency contacts accessible. We recommend a vest for each person, even where the legal duty addresses only the rider. After a breakdown, get yourself and your passenger away from danger where possible and follow local emergency instructions; don’t step into traffic to place equipment.

Spain: the October 2026 changes

Motorcycles do not have to carry a V16 warning beacon. DGT recommends one as extra breakdown equipment. That exemption doesn’t cancel the separate clothing and vest rules. DGT’s motorcycle FAQ

From 1 October 2026, both rider and passenger must wear protective gloves on interurban roads and closed footwear covering the whole foot on all roads. Properly fastened UNECE R22-approved helmets are required. The exception is a vehicle with the prescribed self-protection structure and safety belts recorded in its technical documents, with those belts used. Article 118 · DGT explanation

The motorcycle must carry a compliant high-visibility vest. The rider must wear it when leaving the bike and occupying an interurban roadway or shoulder. Riders using the vehicle professionally must wear the compliant vest while riding on all roads. Article 118 and the amended equipment list

The transition provision permits protective motorcycle gloves of the type currently in use until ministerial technical specifications take effect. It doesn’t postpone the interurban wearing duty. Transitional provision 2

Turn the route into one packing list

For Belgium–France–Germany–Austria, start with Belgium’s helmet, gloves, long-sleeved jacket and long trousers or overall, and ankle-protecting boots. Check the French helmet and glove markings, add the French emergency vest and suitable first-aid material for Austria. Germany’s carrying exemptions don’t cancel those requirements on the other legs. Belgium · France · Austria

Give each item a place in the luggage and note who needs it. Keep optional extras identifiable so you can see which purchases are needed before leaving.

Use the motorcycle pre-ride checklist for the bike and loading, and the travel abroad checklist for documents and insurance.

Questions riders ask

Must every motorcycle carry a warning triangle in Europe?

No. France exempts two- and three-wheel motor vehicles, Germany exempts motorcycles and Austria exempts single-track vehicles. Check the category before applying an exemption to a sidecar or tricycle. France · Germany · Austria

Does my passenger need the same equipment?

Check both people. France’s helmet and glove duties, Belgium’s riding-clothing duties and Spain’s helmet, glove and closed-footwear duties include the passenger. The French and Spanish vest duties address the rider separately. France · Belgium · Spain

Are spare bulbs or a breathalyser compulsory everywhere?

No. France removed the general portable-breathalyser carrying requirement in 2020. Keep the bike’s required lights working; choose spare bulbs only if they suit its lighting system. A bulb pack is a practical choice for serviceable bulbs, rather than a universal motorcycle requirement. French decree, articles 8–9 · Lighting requirements

Can a high-visibility jacket replace a separate vest?

In France, yes, if it is compliant high-visibility clothing with the required CE marking. A jacket, parka, vest, shirt or tabard can qualify; bright fabric or decorative reflective strips alone don’t establish compliance. French equipment guidance