Exemption from wearing a helmet

Most people riding a motorbike or bike must wear a helmet. 

There are a few exceptions to the rules for wearing helmets. If you don't fall under one of these exceptions, but you want to be exempt from wearing a helmet on religious or medical grounds, you need to apply for an exemption

Motorcycle helmet exemption

Bicycle helmet exemption

Motorbike helmet

You must wear a motorbike helmet if you're travelling on a:

• motorbike
• moped
• all-terrain vehicle (ATV)
• motorbike sidecar.

Exceptions

However, you don't have to wear a helmet if you're on a motorbike, moped or ATV and:

• you're travelling from one part of a farm to another on the same farm, or an adjoining farm owned or occupied by the same person, and you're only travelling up to 30km/h, or
• you can prove you are a member of the Sikh religion, and you're only travelling at up to 50km/h.

You don't have to wear a helmet if you're on an ATV and:

• it is fitted with a roll bar, and
• you're occupying a seat fitted with a seat belt, which is correctly fastened.

Exemption

If you don't fall under one of these exceptions, but you think you should be exempt from wearing a helmet on medical grounds, you'll need to apply for an exemption. 

Apply for an exemption from wearing a helmet

Possible exemption from wearing a bike helmet

You must wear a bike helmet if you're:

• riding a bike
• being carried as a passenger, or
• being towed in a trailer by a bike.

Exception

However, you don't have to wear a bike helmet if you can prove you're a member of the Sikh religion, and you're only travelling at up to 50km/h. 

Exemption

You might be able to get an exemption due to:

• religious beliefs
• physical disability, or 
• medical conditions or other such reasonable grounds. 

Apply for an exemption from wearing a helmet