Regulation - Minister
Motorcycle Helmet Standards
Regulation Number(s):
610
Instrument Type:
Regulation - Minister
Bill or Act:
Highway Traffic Act
Summary of Decision:
An amendment made to Highway Traffic Act Regulation 610 (Safety Helmets) has added the European helmet standard, commonly known as ECE 22.05, to the list of recognized standards for helmets worn by riders of motorcycles and motor assisted bicycles. This amendment comes into force on July 1, 2012.
Further Information:
Thom, D.R. 2006. Comparison Tests of Motorcycle Helmets Qualified to International Standards.
R.R.O. 1990, Regulation 610 - Safety Helmets
Highway Traffic Act
R.R.O. 1990, Regulation 610 - Safety Helmets
Proposal Number:
12-MTO004
Posting Date:
February 10, 2012
Summary of Proposal:
The Ministry of Transportation (MTO) is proposing to add the ECE Regulation 22, United Nations Economic Commission for Europe motorcycle helmet standard (commonly known as ECE 22.05) to the list of recognized standards in Regulation 610 under the Highway Traffic Act.
The Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) has recommended all Canadian jurisdictions to adopt the ECE 22.05 motorcycle helmet standard. It is the most commonly used standard internationally and is required by over 50 countries worldwide. The ECE standard does not conflict with existing standards. ECE 22.05 also requires mandatory batch testing of helmets prior to being sold to ensure quality and therefore, safety for the rider.
In a series of independent tests reflecting realistic crash conditions, a 2006 study* found that helmets qualified to the US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218 (known as DOT) and helmets qualified to both DOT and ECE provide better protection as measured in those particular laboratory tests than helmets qualified to the British Standards Institute and Snell. However, the same author notes that research has never shown helmets qualified to one standard to be significantly better or worse in actual crash protection.
Recognizing the ECE 22.05 motorcycle helmet standard will enable motorcycle drivers and passengers to have greater choice in selecting a motorcycle helmet. It will also allow Ontario to be aligned with efforts to move towards international harmonization of helmet standards.
MTO is inviting the public to comment on the proposed addition of the ECE 22.05 motorcycle helmet standard to Regulation 610 under the Highway Traffic Act.
The Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA) has recommended all Canadian jurisdictions to adopt the ECE 22.05 motorcycle helmet standard. It is the most commonly used standard internationally and is required by over 50 countries worldwide. The ECE standard does not conflict with existing standards. ECE 22.05 also requires mandatory batch testing of helmets prior to being sold to ensure quality and therefore, safety for the rider.
In a series of independent tests reflecting realistic crash conditions, a 2006 study* found that helmets qualified to the US Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218 (known as DOT) and helmets qualified to both DOT and ECE provide better protection as measured in those particular laboratory tests than helmets qualified to the British Standards Institute and Snell. However, the same author notes that research has never shown helmets qualified to one standard to be significantly better or worse in actual crash protection.
Recognizing the ECE 22.05 motorcycle helmet standard will enable motorcycle drivers and passengers to have greater choice in selecting a motorcycle helmet. It will also allow Ontario to be aligned with efforts to move towards international harmonization of helmet standards.
MTO is inviting the public to comment on the proposed addition of the ECE 22.05 motorcycle helmet standard to Regulation 610 under the Highway Traffic Act.
Contact Address:
Road Safety Policy Office - Vehicles, Room 212, Building "A", 1201 Wilson Ave. Downsview, ON, M3M 1J8
Effective Date:
July 1, 2012
Decision:
Approved