Bicycle helmet laws by country


The wearing of bicycle helmets and the attitudes towards their use vary around the world. Compulsory use of helmets has often been discussed, and is disputed. Only the three countries of Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand currently both require and enforce universal use of helmets by cyclists. In some other jurisdictions partial rules apply, such as only for children, in certain states or sub-national divisions, or under other limited conditions. Denmark and the Netherlands, while two of the countries with the strongest cycling culture, do not compel and have some of the lowest levels of helmet use.

Legislation by country

Australia was the first country to enact mandatory bicycle helmet use for all cyclists. Mexico City has had mandatory cycle helmet laws repealed, and in Italy the Federazione Italiana Amici della Bicicletta managed to block a proposed helmet law. While bicycle helmets are not required to be worn by law in the United Kingdom the British Medical Association advocates the compulsory use of helmets. Cycling UK, the largest cycling advocacy organisation in the UK, consider helmet wearing as personal choice rather than being mandated by legislation. In 2002 an attempt was made to introduce bicycle helmet legislation in Poland but it was opposed by cyclists' organisations.
CountryAgeLast ChangeNotes
All2004Mandatory. Fines are collected by the provinces.
All1990-92Compulsory for all ages except on Northern Territory public spaces that are not roads for over 17s.
122011
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-1997
Legislation on the use of bicycle helmets originates from provincial and territorial legislation. As a result, laws surrounding the use of bicycle helmets varies across the provinces and territories of Canada.
The use of bicycle helmets is compulsory in the provinces of British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island. In the provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Ontario, the use of helmets is mandatory for cyclists under the age of 18 years.
Use of a helmet is not mandatory in the Northwest Territories, Nunavut, Quebec, Saskatchewan, and Yukon.
All2009Mandatory in urban zones and suggested in rural zones
All2012
162011Mandatory for children below 16 only if riding on a road.
182006
-
162011
-2003Not required, but recommended.
122017Mandatory for children below 12 year old, fines apply
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-In 2009, Transport Secretary announced that government had no intention of introducing mandatory helmet law, based partly on "international views that a mandatory requirement may lead to a reduction in cycling activities."
2010Wearing a helmet increases the speed limit for bicycles outside populated areas from 40 km/h to 50 km/h.
151998Iceland has considered - but not pursued - extending its helmet law to adults.
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Isle of Man-Cyclists "should" wear helmets, but they are not compulsory.
182011Starting from 2011, only applies under 18 years of age, in interurban ways and during sport events.
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132008
132014Failure to comply with the Law could result in a fine being issued.
122014
102004Bicycles: Only under 10 year olds riding as passengers on an adult's bicycle are required to wear a helmet.
2010Mexico City repealed mandatory helmet laws in 2010.
All1993
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-
-2013No requirement
-2014No requirement
AllFrom Year 2018, all cyclist must use helmet.
15Only cyclists under 15 years of age a
152000
All2004Compulsory for all cyclists but in practice the law is not enforced. No fine had been agreed.
132006
All2004Required on interurban routes except when going uphill or in very hot weather, or for professional cyclists.
152005No penalty for children cycling alone who do not obey the law. Also applies to Segway use.
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All2013Mandatory helmet policy was enacted by the National Assembly of Togo, since 1975 but the enforcement by the National Police only started in Jun 2013 upon enactment of a new road code. ]]
All2010Dubai
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2015