Build your packing list around what you must wear, what you must carry, and what you will use after a breakdown. Start with the rules for an ordinary two-wheel motorcycle, then check the rider and passenger separately. A car packing checklist can send you shopping for equipment your bike does not need while missing clothing you must wear.

France requires approved helmets, CE-marked gloves and an emergency high-visibility vest. Belgium requires a full set of riding clothing. Germany exempts ordinary motorcycles from carrying a triangle, vest and first-aid material, while Austria still requires first-aid material on single-track motorcycles. In Spain, the motorcycle V16 exemption sits alongside clothing and vest duties that changed on 1 October 2026. France · Belgium · Germany · Austria · Spain

Check your destinations

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

Updated:

This guide shows: Required equipment.

Netherlands

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

Helmet law and clothing advice

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

Jurisdiction
Netherlands
Who and what this covers
Motorcycle road use.
Checked
Sources

Veilig rijden op de motor: protective clothing

Publisher
Netherlands Government
Source scope
Netherlands; ordinary motorcycle road use; examination clothing duties are separate.
Source checked

Belgium

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

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.

Jurisdiction
Belgium
Who and what this covers
Ordinary motorcycles; rider and passenger.
Checked

Conditions and qualifications

  • 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

Belgium: road rules and safety

Publisher
Belgian national information published by European Commission / Your Europe
Source scope
Belgium; road rules
Source checked

Current road traffic regulations: motorcycle filtering and protective clothing

Publisher
Flemish Government, Vlaamse Codex
Source scope
Belgium; official Flemish consolidation of Articles 16.2bis, 17.2(5) and 36, valid through 31 May 2027
Source checked

Germany

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

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.

Jurisdiction
Germany
Who and what this covers
Ordinary two-wheel motorcycles designed to exceed 20 km/h.
Checked

Conditions and qualifications

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

Road Traffic Regulations section 21a: helmets and safety belts

Publisher
German Federal Ministry of Justice / Federal Office of Justice
Source scope
Germany; motorcycles and open three-/multi-wheel motor vehicles designed to exceed 20 km/h
Source checked

Road Vehicle Approval Regulations §53a

Publisher
German Federal Ministry of Justice / Federal Office of Justice
Source scope
Germany; ordinary motorcycles
Source checked

Road Vehicle Approval Regulations §35h

Publisher
German Federal Ministry of Justice / Federal Office of Justice
Source scope
Germany; first-aid carrying requirements and the motorcycle exemption
Source checked

France

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

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.

Jurisdiction
France
Who and what this covers
Motorcycle rider and passenger; the vest duty applies to the rider.
Checked

Conditions and qualifications

  • 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

Compulsory motorcycle equipment

Publisher
French Service Public
Source scope
France; separate bike technical requirements also apply
Source checked
Source date

Road Traffic Code Article R416-19: warning triangle and high-visibility clothing

Publisher
France, Légifrance
Source scope
France; two- and three-wheel motor vehicles and unbodied motor quadricycles
Source checked
Source date

United Kingdom

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

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.

Jurisdiction
Great Britain
Who and what this covers
Great Britain; motorcycle, scooter and moped riders and passengers.
Checked

Conditions and qualifications

  • 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

Highway Code: rules for motorcyclists 83–88

Publisher
UK Government
Source scope
Great Britain; Highway Code rules 83–88
Source checked
Source date

Motorcycle helmets and safety equipment

Publisher
UK Government
Source scope
Great Britain; motorcycle helmet and eye-protection standards
Source checked

Austria

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

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.

Jurisdiction
Austria
Who and what this covers
Single-track motorcycles; sidecars and other multi-track vehicles follow different warning-equipment rules.
Checked

Conditions and qualifications

  • 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

First-aid material carried in motor vehicles

Publisher
Austrian Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure
Source scope
Austria; all motor vehicles, including single-track motorcycles
Source checked
Source date

Warning equipment for motor vehicles

Publisher
Austrian Federal Ministry for Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure
Source scope
Austria; single-track versus multi-track motor vehicles
Source checked
Source date

Switzerland

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

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.

Jurisdiction
Switzerland
Who and what this covers
Ordinary motorcycles; rider and passenger.
Checked
Sources

Who must wear which protective helmet in traffic?

Publisher
Swiss Council for Accident Prevention (BFU)
Source scope
Switzerland; BFU legal explanation citing VRV Article 3 b; ordinary motorcycles.
Source checked

Slovenia

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

Approved, fastened helmets

The rider and passenger must wear approved, fastened motorcycle helmets.

Jurisdiction
Slovenia
Who and what this covers
Ordinary motorcycles; rider and passenger.
Checked
Sources

Traffic safety: motorcycles and motorised bicycles

Publisher
Slovenian Police
Source scope
Slovenia; Police traffic guidance; ordinary motorcycle rider and passenger helmets.
Source checked

Czechia

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

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.

Jurisdiction
Czechia
Who and what this covers
Ordinary motorcycles.
Checked
Sources

Driver: compulsory motorcycle equipment

Publisher
Czech Police
Source scope
Czechia; Police motorcycle equipment guidance; first-aid kit and reflective vest.
Source checked

Spain

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

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.

Jurisdiction
Spain
Who and what this covers
Motorcycles.
Checked
Sources

V16 warning devices: official questions and answers

Publisher
Dirección General de Tráfico
Source scope
Spain; motorcycle exemption, not all vehicles
Source checked
Source date
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.

Jurisdiction
Spain
Who and what this covers
Motorcycles; gloves on interurban roads, closed footwear on all roads, with separate emergency and professional-use vest duties.
Checked
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

  • 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

Real Decreto 518/2026: protection of vulnerable road users

Publisher
Spain, Boletín Oficial del Estado
Source scope
Spain; motorcycle equipment duties effective 1 October 2026; rider/passenger, interurban/all-road, emergency and professional-use scopes
Source checked
Source date

DGT: new circulation rules effective from 1 October 2026

Publisher
Spain, Dirección General de Tráfico
Source scope
Spain; official 30 September 2026 explanation of changes effective 1 October 2026
Source checked
Source date

Italy

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

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.

Jurisdiction
Italy
Who and what this covers
Ordinary motorcycles.
Checked

Not covered by this finding

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

Codice della strada: Article 171

Publisher
Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI public body)
Source scope
Italy; ACI publication of Road Traffic Code Article 171(1) and (1-bis).
Source checked

Codice della strada: Article 162

Publisher
Automobile Club d’Italia (ACI public body)
Source scope
Italy; Road Traffic Code Article 162(1); ordinary motorcycle warning-signal exemption.
Source checked

Portugal

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

Officially approved helmets

The rider and passenger must wear officially approved helmets, including when riding a motorcycle with a sidecar.

Jurisdiction
Portugal
Who and what this covers
Ordinary motorcycles; rider and passenger.
Checked
Sources

Approved protective helmets for motorcycle riders and passengers

Publisher
Portuguese Institute of Mobility and Transport (IMT)
Source scope
Portugal; IMT explanation of the approved helmet duty for motorcycle riders and passengers.
Source checked
Source date

Norway

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

Carry a reflective vest

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

Jurisdiction
Norway
Who and what this covers
Motorcycles and mopeds.
Checked
Sources

Reflective vests: motorcycles and mopeds

Publisher
Norwegian Public Roads Administration (Statens vegvesen)
Source scope
Norway; Public Roads Administration motorcycle and moped reflective vest guidance.
Source checked

United States

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

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.

Jurisdiction
California, United States
Who and what this covers
California motorcycles.
Checked

Not covered by this finding

  • Other states set their own helmet rules.
Sources

California Motorcycle Handbook: Preparing to Ride

Publisher
California Department of Motor Vehicles
Source scope
California, United States; 2024 DMV Motorcycle Handbook, printed pages 8–10, PDF pages 12–14.
Source checked

Canada

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

British Columbia: approved helmets

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

Jurisdiction
British Columbia, Canada
Who and what this covers
British Columbia motorcycles.
Checked

Not covered by this finding

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

Helmet and seating laws

Publisher
Insurance Corporation of British Columbia (provincial driver-licensing authority)
Source scope
British Columbia, Canada; ICBC helmet law, accepted standards and Sikh exemption.
Source checked

Australia

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

New South Wales: helmets

The rider and passenger must wear approved motorcycle helmets.

Jurisdiction
New South Wales, Australia
Who and what this covers
New South Wales motorcycles.
Checked

Not covered by this finding

  • Other states and territories have their own rules.
Sources

Minor traffic offences: motorcycle offences

Publisher
New South Wales Government
Source scope
New South Wales, Australia; motorcycle rider and passenger helmet law.
Source checked

New Zealand

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

Approved, securely fastened helmets

The rider and passenger must wear approved-standard safety helmets, securely fastened, on ordinary motorcycles.

Jurisdiction
New Zealand
Who and what this covers
Ordinary two-wheel motorcycles.
Checked
Sources

Yamaha Tricity motorcycles: registration and helmet requirements

Publisher
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi
Source scope
New Zealand; NZTA 2025 official response, question 5, PDF page 4; Road User Rule 7.12(1).
Source checked

Japan

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

Helmet law and Police recommendations

The rider and passenger must wear motorcycle helmets. NPA recommends PSC- or JIS-marked helmets with securely fastened chin straps, protective clothing and protectors.

Jurisdiction
Japan
Who and what this covers
Ordinary and large motorcycles; rider and passenger.
Checked
Sources

Road Traffic Act: Article 71-4

Publisher
Japanese Government e-Gov legislation service
Source scope
Japan; current Road Traffic Act Article 71-4(1),(2),(3),(8); ordinary and large motorcycles.
Source checked
Source date

Promoting safe motorcycle use: helmets and protective clothing

Publisher
Japanese National Police Agency
Source scope
Japan; National Police Agency motorcycle helmet and protective-clothing recommendations.
Source checked

Thailand

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

Passenger helmets are compulsory too

The rider and passenger must wear protective helmets. The rider must not carry a passenger without a helmet.

Jurisdiction
Thailand
Who and what this covers
Ordinary motorcycle occupants covered by Section 122.
Checked

Not covered by this finding

  • Specified religious occupants and traditional religious head coverings are exempt.
Sources

Safe Roads programme: rider and passenger helmet law

Publisher
Royal Thai Police, Public Affairs Division
Source scope
Thailand; Royal Thai Police explanation of Road Traffic Act Section 122; ordinary motorcycle riders and passengers.
Source checked
Source date

Helmet-law enforcement study: Section 122 religious exceptions

Publisher
Thai Office of Justice Affairs
Source scope
Thailand; Section 122 religious exemptions quoted on report page 10.
Source checked

Vietnam

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

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.

Jurisdiction
Vietnam
Who and what this covers
Ordinary motorcycles; rider and passenger.
Checked
Sources

Consolidated Road Traffic Order and Safety Law 55/VBHN-VPQH 2026

Publisher
Vietnamese National Assembly Office / Government publication portal
Source scope
Vietnam; 2026 consolidated Law 36/2024/QH15 as amended, Article 33(2), printed page 24.
Source checked

China (mainland)

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

Helmets for rider and passenger

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

Jurisdiction
China (mainland)
Who and what this covers
Ordinary motorcycles; rider and passenger.
Checked
Sources

Road Traffic Safety Law 2021: Article 51

Publisher
Chinese State Administration for Market Regulation
Source scope
China (mainland); Road Traffic Safety Law as amended 2021, Article 51.
Source checked
Source date

India

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

Fastened helmets above age four

In public places, riders and passengers above four years of age must wear compliant, securely fastened helmets.

Jurisdiction
India
Who and what this covers
Motorcycle occupants above four.
Checked

Not covered by this finding

  • Sikh people wearing turbans are exempt; younger children have separate safety rules.
Sources

Motor Vehicles Amendment Act 2019: Section 44 replacing 129

Publisher
Indian Ministry of Law and Justice / Delhi Traffic Police official copy
Source scope
India; 2019 Motor Vehicles Amendment Act §44 replacing §129, PDF page 17.
Source checked
Source date

Traffic violations and penalties: helmets

Publisher
Delhi Traffic Police
Source scope
Delhi, India; current Traffic Police helmet enforcement table.
Source checked

Indonesia

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

SNI helmets for both people

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

Jurisdiction
Indonesia
Who and what this covers
Motorcycle rider and passenger.
Checked
Sources

Obligation to use an SNI helmet

Publisher
Indonesian National Police, Riau Islands public-information office
Source scope
Indonesia; Police explanation of Law 22/2009 Articles 57(2),106(8),291 and the SNI mark.
Source checked
Source date

Brazil

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

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.

Jurisdiction
Brazil
Who and what this covers
Ordinary motorcycles.
Checked

Not covered by this finding

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

CONTRAN Resolution 940/2022: motorcycle helmets

Publisher
Brazilian National Traffic Council (CONTRAN)
Source scope
Brazil; CONTRAN Resolution 940/2022 Articles 1–4; motorcycle helmet and eye protection.
Source checked
Source date

Morocco

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

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.

Jurisdiction
Morocco
Who and what this covers
Ordinary motorcycles; rider and passenger.
Checked
Sources

Riding without a helmet: what are the risks?

Publisher
Moroccan National Road Safety Agency (NARSA)
Source scope
Morocco; NARSA motorcycle rider and passenger helmet guidance.
Source checked
Source date

South Africa

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

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.

Jurisdiction
South Africa
Who and what this covers
Ordinary motorcycles.
Checked
Sources

National Road Traffic Regulations: Regulations 207 and 214

Publisher
South African Department of Transport; official Gauteng government copy
Source scope
South Africa; National Road Traffic Regulations 207(1),(3),(4),214(1)(a); ordinary motorcycles.
Source checked

Denmark

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

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.

Jurisdiction
Denmark
Who and what this covers
Motorcycle riders and lawful passengers.
Checked

Not covered by this finding

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

Road Traffic Act §81: crash helmets

Publisher
Danish Ministry of Transport / Retsinformation
Source scope
Denmark; Færdselsloven §81, consolidated Act 118 of 12 January 2026, PDF pages 19–20.
Source checked
Source date

Sweden

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

E-marked, fastened helmet

Use an E-marked helmet approved to UNECE R22.05 or later, securely fastened. Changes that impair the helmet’s protective properties must comply with its approval.

Jurisdiction
Sweden
Who and what this covers
Motorcycle helmet use.
Checked
Sources

TSFS 2017:94: protective helmets

Publisher
Swedish Transport Agency
Source scope
Sweden; TSFS 2017:94 §§3,5,6; motorcycle helmet approval and use.
Source checked
Source date

Finland

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

Approved helmets for both people

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

Jurisdiction
Finland
Who and what this covers
Ordinary motorcycle rider and passenger.
Checked
Sources

Almost every motorcyclist wears a helmet

Publisher
Finnish Road Safety Council (Liikenneturva)
Source scope
Finland; motorcycle rider and passenger helmets; national Road Safety Council explanation.
Source checked

Poland

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

Technical-standard protective helmets

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

Jurisdiction
Poland
Who and what this covers
Ordinary motorcycles.
Checked

Not covered by this finding

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

Prawo o ruchu drogowym: Article 40

Publisher
Polish Government legislation portal
Source scope
Poland; Road Traffic Act Article 40(1)–(3), official consolidated 2024 text.
Source checked

Croatia

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

Approved, properly fastened helmets

The rider and passenger must wear prescribed, approved and properly fastened protective helmets on roads.

Jurisdiction
Croatia
Who and what this covers
Ordinary motorcycles; rider and passenger.
Checked
Sources

Does the law prescribe the helmet worn on a motorcycle or bicycle?

Publisher
Croatian Ministry of the Interior
Source scope
Croatia; Ministry of Interior explanation of Road Traffic Safety Act Article 114.
Source checked

Slovakia

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

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.

Jurisdiction
Slovakia
Who and what this covers
Listed L-category vehicles.
Checked
Sources

Decree 134/2018 §§22,25: motorcycle equipment

Publisher
Slovak Ministry of Transport / Slov-Lex
Source scope
Slovakia; Decree 134/2018 §§22(6),25(1)(d),25(4); categories L3e–L5e and L7e.
Source checked
Source date

Hungary

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

Helmet law and clothing advice

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

Jurisdiction
Hungary
Who and what this covers
Motorcycle road use.
Checked
Sources

Wearing a helmet can save your life

Publisher
Hungarian Police
Source scope
Hungary; Police explanation separating compulsory helmets from clothing advice.
Source checked
Source date

Romania

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

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.

Jurisdiction
Romania
Who and what this covers
Listed motorcycle and moped categories.
Checked
Sources

Law 82/2024: motorcycle carrying-equipment exemption

Publisher
Romanian Parliament / Ministry of Justice
Source scope
Romania; Law 82/2024 replacing Road Traffic Ordinance 195/2002 Article 8; categories AM, A1, A2 and A.
Source checked
Source date

Greece

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

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.

Jurisdiction
Greece
Who and what this covers
Ordinary motorcycles; rider and passenger.
Checked
Sources

One year of the mandatory helmet enforcement campaign

Publisher
Hellenic Police
Source scope
Greece; Hellenic Police 8 July 2026 explanation of mandatory helmets under Law 5209/2025.
Source checked
Source date

Ireland

Required equipment

Separate what the rider and passenger must wear from what the motorcycle must carry or use after a breakdown. Keep optional safety equipment alongside the legal requirements.

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.

Jurisdiction
Ireland
Who and what this covers
Motorcycle rider and passenger.
Checked
Sources

Pillion passengers: safety gear

Publisher
Irish Road Safety Authority
Source scope
Ireland; ordinary motorcycle rider and passenger helmet law; recommended pillion clothing.
Source checked

1. Check the vehicle category first

An ordinary two-wheel motorcycle, a sidecar, a motor tricycle and a moped can fall under different equipment rules. Check the category on the registration document before relying on an exemption. Austria's warning-equipment exemption, for example, is for single-track vehicles; it is not an exemption for every vehicle described as a motorcycle. Austrian warning-equipment rules

For each item, record the country, who needs it and the obligation: wear while riding, carry on the bike, or use after a breakdown. A rider may have to carry a vest throughout the journey while only having to wear it after stopping. Gloves can be compulsory for both rider and passenger even when the vest rule addresses the rider.

Use the motorcycle's registration category for carried equipment and the local rider and passenger rules for clothing. A foreign number plate is not a shortcut around local helmet or clothing duties.

2. Country rules: what to wear and carry

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.

Jurisdiction: France
Who and what this covers: 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.
  • Two- and three-wheel motor vehicles are exempt from carrying and deploying the warning triangle. The high-visibility vest duty still applies.

Compulsory motorcycle equipment · Road Traffic Code Article R416-19: warning triangle and high-visibility clothing

Checked

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.

Jurisdiction: Belgium
Who and what this covers: 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.

Belgium: road rules and safety · Current road traffic regulations: motorcycle filtering and protective clothing

Checked

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.

Jurisdiction: Germany
Who and what this covers: Ordinary two-wheel motorcycles designed to exceed 20 km/h.

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

Road Traffic Regulations section 21a: helmets and safety belts · Road Vehicle Approval Regulations §53a · Road Vehicle Approval Regulations §35h

Checked

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.

Jurisdiction: Spain
Who and what this covers: Motorcycles.

V16 warning devices: official questions and answers

Checked

Spain — 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.

Jurisdiction: Spain
Who and what this covers: 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.

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.

  • 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.

Real Decreto 518/2026: protection of vulnerable road users · DGT: new circulation rules effective from 1 October 2026

Checked

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.

Jurisdiction: Great Britain
Who and what this covers: 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.
  • A follower of the Sikh religion wearing a turban is exempt from the helmet duty.

Highway Code: rules for motorcyclists 83–88 · Motorcycle helmets and safety equipment

Checked

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.

Jurisdiction: Austria
Who and what this covers: 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.
  • 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.

First-aid material carried in motor vehicles · Warning equipment for motor vehicles

Checked

These country notes answer different packing questions. France's emergency vest is compulsory; an ordinary motorcycle's triangle is not. Austria's first-aid material is compulsory even though a single-track bike does not need a triangle or reflective warning clothing. Keep each rule beside the relevant item in your packing list. French Road Traffic Code, Article R416-19 · Austria: first aid · Austria: warning equipment

3. Check approval markings, not just whether you own the item

In France, both rider and passenger need an approved, securely fastened helmet with four visible retroreflective elements: front, back and both sides. French public-service guidance lists ECE 22.05 and 22.06 approvals. Both people must also wear CE-marked gloves. Check those markings before setting off. French motorcycle equipment guidance

Belgium requires a helmet and gloves for both rider and passenger, plus 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. Pack the full outfit for short city rides too. Article 36

In Great Britain, a compliant, securely fastened helmet is compulsory for the rider and pillion passenger; a Sikh wearing a turban has a specific exemption. Gloves, boots and other protective clothing are recommended. Accepted helmet standards include UNECE 22.05 and 22.06, BS 6658:1985 with the BSI Kitemark, or an EEA standard offering at least the same protection as that British Standard and carrying an equivalent approval mark. If you use a visor or goggles, those must meet an accepted standard too. Highway Code · Helmet and eye-protection standards

For a rental, confirm the available helmet sizes and approval markings before paying. The helmet must fit the person wearing it as well as meeting the destination's rule. Purpose-made protective clothing can go beyond the legal minimum; keep those extra safety choices on your list as recommendations.

4. Pack breakdown equipment where you can reach it

In France, the rider must have a CE-marked high-visibility vest on their person or in storage on the motorcycle. Wear it if you leave the bike after an emergency stop on the roadway or its surroundings. France expressly exempts two- and three-wheel motor vehicles from carrying and deploying a warning triangle. French motorcycle equipment guidance · Article R416-19

In Germany, an ordinary motorcycle is exempt from carrying a warning triangle, a high-visibility vest and first-aid material. The helmet duty still applies. Warning equipment · First-aid material · Helmet rule

In Austria, first-aid material is required on every motorcycle ride. It must be suitable for treating wounds, in a sturdy dustproof container and protected from contamination. A kit meeting ÖNORM V 5101 is recommended, rather than compulsory. Single-track motorcycles do not have to carry a warning triangle or reflective warning clothing. First-aid material · Warning equipment

For your own safety, keep a vest accessible for each person, even when the local minimum only addresses the rider. Store emergency items where you can reach them without unpacking beside traffic. Keep the breakdown provider's number and emergency contact details available too.

After a breakdown, move yourself and your passenger away from danger where possible and follow the local emergency instructions. Do not step into traffic to place a device. A first-aid kit is useful equipment, but knowing how to call for help and use its contents matters too.

5. Spain: separate V16, clothing and vest duties

Motorcycles do not have to carry a V16 warning beacon. DGT recommends one as an extra safety measure. The connected V16 requirement from 1 January 2026 applies to the other vehicle classes listed in the regulations. DGT's motorcycle FAQ

Spain's clothing rules changed on 1 October 2026. On ordinary motorcycles, both rider and passenger must wear protective gloves on interurban roads and closed footwear covering the whole foot on all roads. They must also wear properly fastened UNECE R22-approved helmets. A specific exception applies when the vehicle has the prescribed self-protection structure and safety belts recorded in its technical documents, and those belts are used. Article 118 · DGT explanation

The motorcycle must carry a high-visibility vest meeting the protective-equipment requirements. The rider must wear it when leaving the bike and occupying the roadway or shoulder of an interurban road. A rider using the vehicle for professional activity must wear the compliant vest while riding on all roads. These are separate carrying, emergency-use and professional-use duties. Article 118

The decree's transition provision permits protective motorcycle gloves of the type currently in use until the ministerial technical specifications take effect. The wearing duty on interurban roads still applies. Buy gloves made for motorcycle protection, and keep the manufacturer's labels and instructions. Transitional provision 2

The V16 exemption does not remove the clothing or vest duties. If you rent a car or another vehicle instead of a motorcycle, use the equipment rules for that vehicle category.

6. Build one packing list without merging the rules

For a ride through Belgium, France, Germany and Austria, pack the riding outfit required in Belgium, the approved helmet and gloves required in France, and an accessible emergency vest that meets the French requirements. Add suitable first-aid material for Austria. Germany's carried-equipment exemptions do not cancel the requirements on the other legs of your trip. Belgium · France · Germany · Austria

An effective packing table has four columns: item; rider or passenger; why it is on the list; where it is stored. Record the relevant approval marking and the country beside each required item. Put optional safety equipment on separate lines so you can see which purchases are essential before departure.

Try the fully packed setup on a familiar ride. Check that emergency items remain accessible and that luggage does not interfere with the controls or required lights. Follow the bike and luggage manufacturers' instructions for loading.

Use the motorcycle pre-ride checklist for the mechanical and packing check. Use the travel abroad checklist for documents and insurance.

Questions riders ask

Must every motorcycle carry a warning triangle in Europe?

No. France expressly exempts two- and three-wheel motor vehicles. Germany exempts motorcycles, and Austria exempts single-track vehicles. Spain's DGT says motorcycles do not have to carry a V16 beacon. A sidecar or tricycle can have a different equipment category from an ordinary two-wheel bike. France · Germany · Austria · Spain

Does my passenger need the same equipment?

For the clothing duties described here, yes: France's helmet and glove rules, Belgium's helmet and riding-clothing rules, and Spain's helmet, glove and closed-footwear rules include the passenger. The French and Spanish vest duties address the rider separately. We recommend packing an accessible vest for each person. France · Belgium · Spain

Are spare bulbs, a breathalyser or a first-aid kit compulsory everywhere?

No. Austria requires suitable first-aid material on motorcycles; Germany exempts motorcycles from that carrying duty. France removed the general portable-breathalyser carrying requirement in 2020. Keep your bike's required lights working, and choose any spare bulbs to suit its actual lighting system. A spare-bulb pack is a practical choice for serviceable bulbs, rather than a universal motorcycle requirement. Austria · Germany · French decree, articles 8–9 · French 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: the official definition includes a jacket, parka, vest, shirt or tabard worn on the upper body. A bright colour or a few decorative reflective strips alone do not make an ordinary riding jacket compliant. A separate CE-marked vest is an easy item to pack and use after a breakdown. French motorcycle equipment guidance

Once the kit and documents are ready, check the forecast for your departure time and route. Change the plan if necessary; waterproof clothing does not make every weather condition comfortable or manageable.