Motorcycle helmets and licences in the United Kingdom (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Riders and passengers must wear a helmet in Great Britain, and daytime dipped headlights are not required. Minimum ages are 17 (A1), 19 (A2) and 24 for category A with direct access, or 21 with progressive access.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Helmet required for the riderRiding a motorcycle; Motorcycle; Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) | Yes [1] |
| Helmet required for a passengerRiding a motorcycle; Motorcycle; Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) | Yes [2] |
| Minimum age, category A1 (light motorcycle)Riding a motorcycle; Category A1 (light motorcycle); Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) | 17 years [3] |
| Minimum age, category A2Riding a motorcycle; Category A2 (medium motorcycle); Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) | 19 years [3] |
| Minimum age, category A (direct access)Riding a motorcycle; Category A (unrestricted motorcycle); Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) | 24 years [3] |
| Minimum age, category A (after two years on A2)Riding a motorcycle; Category A (unrestricted motorcycle); Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) | 21 years [3] |
| Dipped beam or daytime running light required by dayRiding a motorcycle; Motorcycle; Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) | No [2] |
Notes
- A Sikh wearing a turban is exempt from the helmet requirement.
- This covers Great Britain only. Northern Ireland has its own driver licensing and road traffic law.
- The Highway Code describes dipped headlights by day as a way to be more conspicuous, not as a requirement.
Sources
- UK Government (legislation.gov.uk): The Motor Cycles (Protective Helmets) Regulations 1998, regulation 4: Protective headgear (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Department for Transport / DVSA (GOV.UK): The Highway Code - Rules for motorcyclists (83 to 88) (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- Department for Transport / DVSA (GOV.UK): The Highway Code - Annex 2. Motorcycle licence requirements (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.