Motorcycle helmets and licences in Germany (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Riders and passengers must wear a helmet, and motorcycles must use the dipped beam or daytime running lights by day. Minimum ages are 16 (A1), 18 (A2) and 24 for category A with direct access, or 20 after two years on A2.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Helmet required for the riderRiding a motorcycle; Motorcycle | Yes [1] |
| Helmet required for a passengerRiding a motorcycle; Motorcycle | Yes [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 [2] |
| Minimum age, category A (direct access)Riding a motorcycle; Category A (unrestricted motorcycle) | 24 years [2] |
| Minimum age, category A (after two years on A2)Riding a motorcycle; Category A (unrestricted motorcycle) | 20 years [2] |
| Dipped beam or daytime running light required by dayRiding a motorcycle; Motorcycle | Yes [3] |
Notes
- No helmet is required where mandatory seat belts are fitted and fastened.
- Motorcycle riders must use the dipped beam or daytime running lights by day.
Sources
- Bundesministerium der Justiz (gesetze-im-internet.de): Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung (StVO) § 21a Sicherheitsgurte, Schutzhelme (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Bundesministerium der Justiz (gesetze-im-internet.de): Fahrerlaubnis-Verordnung (FeV) § 10 Mindestalter (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Bundesministerium der Justiz (gesetze-im-internet.de): Straßenverkehrs-Ordnung (StVO) § 17 Beleuchtung (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.