Victoria has become the second last state or territory to adopt the 2024 ACCC changes to helmet legislation.
With a modification to Victorian Road Safety Road Rules 2017, Victorian bicycle helmet standards now allow more options while ensuring safety through additional approved international standards.
Bicyle helmets sold in Victoria must now comply with any one of:
- Australian New Zealand standard AS/NZS 2063:2020 – Helmets for use on bicycles and wheeled recreational devices
- Australian New Zealand standard AS/NZS 2063:2008 – Bicycle Helmets
- European standard EN 1078:2012+A1:2012 Helmets for pedal cyclists and for users of skateboards and roller skates
- US Consumer Product Safety Commission standard US CPSC 16 C.F.R. Part 1203 Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets
- American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) International standard F1447-18 Standard Specification for Helmets Used in Recreational Bicycling or Roller Skating
- Snell standard B-95 1995 Bicycle Helmet Standard, 1998 revision, Standard for Protective Headgear for Use in Bicycling.
Bicycle helmet exemptions
You may be exempt from wearing a helmet if your religious headdress means a helmet won’t sit correctly on your head.
You may also be exempt for medical reasons. If so, you must carry a medical certificate from your doctor when you ride. This certificate may expire if you have a short-term condition.
Relevant medical conditions may include:
- severe skin conditions
- hearing aids or bionic ears
- a head that is larger than normal
- a head injury that may be more painful while wearing a helmet.
