Required Motorcycle Equipment by Country and License

In most places the only riding gear the law requires is a helmet that meets an approved standard. Some countries go further: France requires CE-marked gloves, Belgium requires gloves, a jacket, trousers and ankle boots on motorcycles over 50 cc, and Spain now requires gloves outside towns and closed shoes everywhere. In the US each state sets its own helmet rule, and many depend on the rider's age or license status.

Every rule below was checked on 10 October 2026 against the government or legal source linked in its section. Laws change, so open that source before you ride. This page is a summary, not legal advice.

Key takeaways

• US: 17 states and the District of Columbia require a helmet for every rider. 30 states require one only for some riders, and 3 have no helmet law.
• UK and Germany: the law requires a helmet. Other gear is advised, not required.
• France, Belgium and Spain: gloves are required too, and Belgium and Spain also set rules for clothing or footwear.
• Legal minimums are not the same as full protection. Gear protects best when it covers the whole body.

Quick comparison

United States: helmet laws by state and license

The IIHS helmet law table (October 2026) groups the states like this. A universal helmet law covers every rider; a partial helmet law covers only some riders:

The helmet itself. Helmets sold as motorcycle head protection must meet the federal standard. A helmet meeting FMVSS 218 carries a label with "DOT", "FMVSS No. 218" and "CERTIFIED". Riders in non-compliant novelty helmets were about twice as likely to die in crashes as riders in certified full-face helmets.

Everything else. The IIHS table covers helmets only. For eye protection and any other rider equipment, check your state's motorcycle handbook before a trip that crosses state lines.

United Kingdom

Rule 83 of the Highway Code says the rider and pillion must wear a protective helmet on all journeys. It must comply with the Regulations and be fastened securely. Sikhs wearing a turban are exempt.

Eye protectors are advised, and if you wear them they must comply with the Regulations. Strong boots, gloves and suitable clothing are advice, not law.

France

According to service-public.gouv.fr (verified 16 June 2026):

• Helmet. Rider and passenger wear a fastened helmet approved to ECE 22.06 or 22.05, with 4 visible reflective elements. The usual fine is 135 euros, up to 750, plus 3 points for the rider.
• Gloves. Rider and passenger wear CE-marked gloves. The usual fine is 68 euros, up to 450, plus 1 point.
• High-visibility vest. A CE-marked vest must be worn or carried, and worn if you leave the bike after an emergency stop.

The same page gives two different maximum fines for the vest: up to 38 euros in the text for riding without one, and up to 750 euros in its infographic. Check the page for the current figure.

Belgium

Every rider or passenger on a motorcycle over 50 cc must wear gloves, a protective helmet, a long-sleeved jacket, trousers or a one-piece suit, and boots that protect the ankles. On smaller motorcycles a helmet is enough. The rule comes from article 36 of the Royal Decree of 1 December 1975.

The rule sets no quality level for the clothing. Belgium's Walloon road safety agency points out that linen trousers and gardening gloves would technically comply. Check the current text on codedelaroute.be before you ride.

Germany

Section 21a(2) of the road traffic regulations (StVO) requires riders and passengers of motorcycles to wear a suitable helmet while moving. The section sets no rule for gloves or clothing.

Spain

Since 1 October 2026, the amended article 118 of the General Traffic Regulations requires motorcycle and moped riders and passengers to wear:

• a helmet homologated to UNECE R22, properly fastened, on all roads
• protective gloves on interurban roads
• closed footwear covering the whole foot on all roads

Until a ministry order sets glove specifications, gloves like those used today are accepted. Moped riders may keep using certified helmets until 1 October 2027.

Australia: Western Australia

Under regulation 244 of the Road Traffic Code 2000, the rider must wear an approved helmet, securely fitted and fastened. The penalty is a 550 dollar infringement and 4 demerit points. Pillion passengers must also wear one.

Approved standards are AS 1698:1988, AS/NZS 1698:2006 and UNECE 22.06, plus 22.05 helmets imported or made in Australia before 3 January 2024. The Road Safety Commission presents jackets, gloves, boots and pants as recommended, not required. This section covers Western Australia only. Check the rules of the state you ride in.

What "approved" or "CE-marked" means for clothing

Standards test gear, and laws sometimes point to them. EN 17092 sorts riding garments into classes AAA, AA, A, B and C. EN 13594 is the motorcycle glove standard. Where a law asks for CE-marked gloves, as in France, look for the marking on the product label and its documentation before you buy.

How to read those labels, piece by piece, is covered in how to choose proper motorcycle riding gear.

The legal minimum is not the full kit

Jackets, pants, gloves and boots designed for motorcyclists have been shown to improve outcomes after severe crash injuries. Gear works best when helmet, jacket, pants, gloves and boots cover the whole body. Kits by riding style and budget are on our motorcycle riding gear hub.

Planning a trip across states or countries? Add a rules check to the motorcycle touring plan. Going camping? See motorcycle camping gear and essentials.

Build a full riding kit

There are no bundle offers yet . You can build the riding kit from Leather Collection motorcycle riding gear, including leather motorcycle gloves. Everything is made to order with custom sizes. We don't sell helmets.

This page does not say any product meets a country's legal requirement. Check each product's own label and documents against the rules above.

FAQ

What do you need to ride a motorcycle?

On the gear side, every country outside the US covered here requires at least a helmet meeting an approved standard. In the US, some states require one only for younger riders or new license holders, and 3 have no helmet law. License rules are set separately by each state or country.

Does my riding gear need to be CE certified?

Only where the law says so. France requires CE-marked gloves. The UK and Germany require only an approved or suitable helmet. Belgium's clothing rule sets no quality level. Ask the seller for the certificate behind any CE marking.