Motorcycle helmets and licences in France (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: Riders and passengers must wear an approved helmet, and motorcycles need lights by day only when visibility is insufficient. Minimum ages are 16 (A1), 18 (A2) and 20 for category A after two years on A2.

RuleWhat applies
Helmet required for the riderRiding a motorcycle; MotorcycleYes [1]
Helmet required for a passengerRiding a motorcycle; MotorcycleYes [1]
Minimum age, category A1 (light motorcycle)Riding a motorcycle; Category A1 (light motorcycle)16 years [2]
Minimum age, category A2Riding a motorcycle; Category A2 (medium motorcycle)18 years [3]
Minimum age, category A (direct access)Riding a motorcycle; Category A (unrestricted motorcycle)⚠ Not yet verified
Minimum age, category A (after two years on A2)Riding a motorcycle; Category A (unrestricted motorcycle)20 years [4]
Dipped beam or daytime running light required by dayRiding a motorcycle; MotorcycleNo [5]

Notes

  • The helmet rule does not apply to riders or passengers wearing a seat belt in a vehicle type-approved with one.
  • The official pages read describe category A only as open to holders of A2 for two years or more. They do not state whether direct access exists.
  • Mopeds (cyclomoteurs) must use dipped beam at all times. Other motorcycles must use lights at night or when daytime visibility is insufficient.

Sources

  1. Légifrance: Article R431-1 - Code de la route (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Service-Public.gouv.fr (DILA): Motorcycle license: A1 license or 125 license (light motorcycle) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Service-Public.gouv.fr (DILA): Motorcycle license: A2 license (intermediate power motorcycle) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  4. Service-Public.gouv.fr (DILA): Permis moto : permis A (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  5. Légifrance: Section 2 : Eclairage et signalisation de nuit, ou de jour par visibilité insuffisante. (Articles R416-4 à R416-16) - Code de la route (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.