Motorcycle Helmet Safety Standards Explained: ECE 22.06, ECE 22.05 and SHARP

When you're buying a motorcycle helmet, safety certification is one of the first things to check. You'll see terms such as ECE 22.06, ECE 22.05, P/J approval and SHARP ratings, but what do they actually tell you about the helmet you're considering?

These markings aren't simply marketing claims. They relate to established testing procedures, the type of protection a helmet has been approved to provide, and, in some cases, additional independent safety assessments.

Understanding the differences can help you make a more informed purchase.

For riders in Ireland, ECE 22.06 is particularly relevant when choosing a new helmet. It introduced updated testing requirements, including additional impact locations and tests designed to assess how helmets respond to angled impacts.

This guide explains what the standards mean, how helmet approval works, what to look for on a certification label and how to use independent SHARP ratings when comparing helmets.

The main point: A helmet should have the appropriate approval for its intended use, fit your head correctly and be securely fastened every time you ride. A particular approval label or high safety rating cannot compensate for an incorrectly fitting helmet.

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Motorcycle helmet safety standards at a glance

ECE approval and SHARP ratings are not interchangeable.

ECE establishes the requirements a helmet must meet to receive a particular type approval. SHARP provides additional information about how independently tested helmet models perform.

1. What is ECE 22.06?

ECE 22.06 is the 06 series of amendments to United Nations Regulation No. 22, which establishes technical approval requirements for protective helmets used by motorcycle and moped riders and passengers.

The standard is often described as a European motorcycle helmet standard, but its scope is broader. It is developed through the United Nations vehicle regulations framework and is used in countries beyond Europe.

ECE 22.06 entered into force in 2021 and introduced important updates to the previous ECE 22.05 testing requirements.

These updates reflect developments in helmet design, testing technology and research into the forces involved in motorcycle accidents.

What does ECE 22.06 test?

Motorcycle helmet approval involves considerably more than dropping a helmet onto a hard surface.

The requirements address different aspects of helmet performance, including:

• Impact absorption at specified locations and under specified conditions.
• Additional impact points beyond the earlier standard.
• Oblique impacts and rotational acceleration.
• Helmet retention and fastening performance.
• Structural and material requirements.
• Field of vision.
• Visor performance and optical characteristics.
• The behaviour of relevant components and accessories.
• Particular requirements for protective chin bars and helmet configurations.

A helmet must meet the applicable requirements for its design and approval category.

Why does the standard include so many different tests?

A motorcycle helmet has several jobs to perform.

The shell and impact-absorbing liner help manage impact energy. The retention system helps keep the helmet in position. The visor must allow sufficient visibility, while the helmet's construction should avoid introducing additional hazards.

Testing these elements separately helps establish whether the complete helmet meets the prescribed approval requirements.

However, no laboratory test can recreate every possible motorcycle accident.

ECE approval provides an important safety baseline, not a guarantee against injury.

2. ECE 22.06 vs ECE 22.05: what's the difference?

ECE 22.05 was widely used for many years and formed the basis for approving numerous road helmets.

ECE 22.06 builds on those requirements with additional test conditions and more detailed assessment of certain helmet characteristics.

The most significant changes concern the range of impacts being considered and the forces measured during testing.

Additional impact locations

Under ECE 22.05, helmet impact testing used specified locations and prescribed test conditions.

ECE 22.06 expands the assessment to include additional impact locations.

This matters because real-world impacts do not necessarily occur at the limited set of points used in earlier approval testing.

Testing more locations helps assess the helmet across a broader range of possible impact areas.

Tests at different impact speeds

ECE 22.06 also introduces additional impact-energy conditions.

Rather than assessing helmet performance only under the previous principal impact conditions, the updated requirements examine performance across a wider range of prescribed impact situations.

This is important because different impact energies can place different demands on a helmet's construction and impact-absorbing liner.

Oblique impact testing

One of the most important developments in ECE 22.06 is the inclusion of oblique impact testing.

A motorcycle rider's head does not always strike a surface directly.

In an accident, the helmet may contact the road or another object at an angle, potentially producing both linear and rotational motion.

ECE 22.06 incorporates testing intended to assess the helmet's response under specified oblique-impact conditions.

Rotational acceleration

Rotational acceleration describes how quickly the rotational motion of the head changes.

In an angled impact, forces may cause the head to rotate as well as accelerate in a straight line.

These movements matter because the brain can be affected by rotational motion during an accident.

The updated standard includes measurements and requirements addressing these effects under its specified test conditions.

This doesn't mean an ECE 22.06 helmet can prevent every rotational injury. It means the approval process now considers a category of impact response that was not assessed in the same way under ECE 22.05.

Updated visor and accessory requirements

The newer standard also contains updated requirements for visors and certain helmet features.

Visor approval involves more than checking whether the visor is transparent.

Relevant requirements address matters such as light transmission, optical quality and other performance characteristics.

Where accessories are covered by the approval requirements, their effects on helmet performance may also need to be considered.

For riders, the practical lesson is straightforward: use components and accessories approved or permitted for your particular helmet.

ECE 22.05 vs ECE 22.06 comparison

ECE 22.06 represents a significant development in helmet approval testing.

For somebody purchasing a new helmet today, choosing a properly fitting model with ECE 22.06 approval is a sensible approach.

3. Are ECE 22.05 motorcycle helmets still legal in Ireland?

This question needs care because three different matters are often confused:

1. Whether a helmet was legitimately approved under ECE 22.05.
2. Whether a business can continue placing or selling helmets with an older approval under the applicable market rules.
3. Whether a rider can continue wearing an existing, serviceable helmet.

These are not necessarily governed by the same transitional provisions.

The introduction of ECE 22.06 does not mean that every existing ECE 22.05 helmet immediately became unsafe or automatically unlawful to wear.

However, approval and market requirements have changed as the newer standard has been introduced.

For customers buying a new helmet in Ireland, we recommend looking for current ECE 22.06 approval and checking that the helmet is genuine, correctly labelled and suitable for road use.

If you already own an ECE 22.05 helmet, consider its condition, age, fitting and the manufacturer's replacement guidance.

Do not assume that an older helmet is suitable for continued use simply because it carries an approval label.

Important: This guide explains helmet approval standards rather than providing a definitive interpretation of every Irish legal or transitional provision. Where legal eligibility is in doubt, consult the current Irish requirements and official guidance.

4. How to recognise an ECE-approved motorcycle helmet

A genuine UN Regulation No. 22 approved helmet carries a type-approval marking.

This provides information that helps identify the approval associated with the helmet.

The most recognisable feature is a capital E inside a circle, followed by a number.

The number identifies the country whose approval authority granted the approval.

It does not identify where the helmet was manufactured.

What do the numbers on the label mean?

A helmet approval label includes an approval number.

The first two digits of that number identify the relevant amendment series.

For example:

• 05 indicates approval under the 05 series.
• 06 indicates approval under the 06 series.

Other numbers identify the particular approval and production-related information.

The approval label can also contain characters indicating the helmet's protective configuration.

Where is the approval label?

On a conventional ECE-approved motorcycle helmet, the approval label is commonly attached to the retention system or chin strap.

The precise appearance can vary.

Check the actual approval information rather than relying solely on a sticker on the outside of the helmet or a statement printed on its packaging.

The manufacturer's documentation should also identify the relevant approval.

Does the E-number identify the helmet's quality?

No.

The country number identifies the authority that granted the approval. It is not a safety ranking.

A helmet approved by one recognised authority is not automatically safer than a helmet approved by another simply because their E-numbers differ.

Approval requirements and conformity procedures are part of the common regulatory framework.

Is an ECE mark the same as a CE mark?

No. The markings serve different regulatory purposes.

The circled E approval mark relates to vehicle-type approval under the relevant UN regulation.

CE marking is associated with conformity requirements under applicable European product legislation.

You may encounter both terms when researching motorcycle equipment, but they should not be treated as interchangeable evidence of motorcycle helmet approval under Regulation No. 22.

For a road motorcycle helmet, check the relevant helmet approval information.

5. What do P, J and P/J helmet markings mean?

These markings are particularly important when comparing full-face, open-face and modular helmets.

They help identify the protective configuration for which the helmet has been approved.

P: protective chin-bar approval

A P marking indicates that the helmet has an approved protective chin-bar configuration.

This is associated with helmets intended to provide protective coverage around the chin.

For a conventional full-face helmet, the fixed chin bar is part of the protective structure.

J: jet or open-face approval

A J marking is associated with an open-face helmet configuration.

An open-face helmet can provide approved head protection while leaving the face and chin exposed.

It should not be assumed to offer the same lower-face coverage as a full-face design.

P/J: dual approval

A P/J marking indicates that the helmet has approval for both the protective chin-bar and open-face configurations.

This is particularly relevant to certain modular and flip-up helmets.

It means the helmet has the appropriate dual approval, but you must still follow the manufacturer's instructions concerning operation and use.

An important distinction: Even when a P/J-approved helmet is used correctly with the chin bar raised, the rider does not have the protective chin coverage provided by the closed chin bar.

Does every modular helmet have P/J approval?

No.

A modular helmet may have a chin bar that can be opened for convenience without being approved for riding with it raised.

The fact that the mechanism physically opens is not proof of dual approval.

Check the actual label and manufacturer's instructions before riding with the chin bar in an open position.

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6. What are SHARP motorcycle helmet safety ratings?

SHARP stands for the Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme.

It is operated by the UK's Department for Transport and provides independent information about the assessed protective performance of motorcycle helmets.

SHARP is not a replacement for ECE approval.

Instead, it tests selected helmets and publishes results intended to help riders compare different models.

How does SHARP test motorcycle helmets?

SHARP purchases helmets from normal retail stock rather than relying solely on specially supplied manufacturer samples.

Its published methodology uses 32 impact tests for a model, comprising:

• 30 linear impact tests.
• Two oblique impact tests.

The testing uses multiple helmet samples and includes different impact locations, surfaces and speeds.

For linear impacts, SHARP uses flat and kerb-shaped anvils.

Its published methodology includes impact speeds of 6.0, 7.5 and 8.5 metres per second.

The programme uses the results to assess protective performance and produce an overall star rating.

This is additional consumer information rather than a new legal approval standard.

What do the SHARP stars mean?

SHARP uses a rating scale from one to five stars.

A higher star rating indicates better assessed protection in the programme's testing.

A five-star helmet has performed particularly well under those test conditions.

However, a star rating is not a promise that a rider will avoid injury in a particular accident.

It also does not describe every feature of the helmet, such as noise, ventilation, comfort or suitability for your head shape.

Does a helmet need a SHARP rating?

No.

A helmet can meet the applicable ECE approval requirements without having been assessed by SHARP.

Not every helmet model has been tested.

Therefore, the absence of a published SHARP rating should not be interpreted as a failed safety test.

It simply means you do not have that particular additional assessment available.

Is a five-star SHARP helmet always the best choice?

A five-star rating is useful information, but it should not be considered in isolation.

A helmet that performs well in independent tests still needs to fit your head correctly.

If a five-star helmet causes painful pressure or moves excessively, it is not a suitable choice for you.

Look for a correctly approved helmet that fits securely, then compare independent ratings among the models that suit you.

You can check published results directly through the SHARP helmet ratings database.

7. What is the SHARP modular helmet latch score?

This is a particularly useful part of the SHARP programme that many riders may not know about.

Modular helmets have a movable chin bar. When that chin bar is closed, the locking mechanism needs to keep it secured.

During SHARP impact testing, the programme records whether the chin bar remains fully locked.

The results are published as a percentage known as the latch score.

How does the percentage work?

A 100% latch score means that the chin bar remained fully locked during all 30 relevant linear impact tests.

A 70% score means that it remained locked in 21 of the 30 tests and opened in nine.

The percentage is therefore an observation from the laboratory testing.

It is not a prediction of the exact probability that a helmet will open during a particular road accident.

Is the latch score included in the star rating?

No.

SHARP reports the latch score separately from the overall star rating.

This matters because two modular helmets with similar star ratings may have different observed chin-bar retention results.

A high star rating does not necessarily mean that the chin-bar locking mechanism remained closed in every test.

How should you use the latch score?

If you're considering a modular helmet and SHARP has assessed the specific model, examine both:

• Its overall star rating.
• Its published latch score.

These provide different information about the helmet's assessed performance.

They should be considered alongside ECE approval, correct fit and the manufacturer's instructions.

For riders comparing modular helmets for commuting or touring, this is one of the more useful additional pieces of independent safety information available.

8. Does ECE 22.06 make SHARP ratings unnecessary?

No. They have different purposes.

ECE 22.06 establishes approval requirements that helmets must satisfy.

SHARP assesses selected helmets independently and provides comparative information about their performance under its own testing programme.

The introduction of additional rotational-impact testing under ECE 22.06 doesn't remove the potential value of independent comparisons.

Two helmets can meet the same approval requirements yet perform differently in specific impact tests.

SHARP can help identify those differences where it has tested the relevant models.

However, the two programmes should not be directly compared as though they use identical tests or scoring methods.

A helmet's ECE approval and SHARP rating answer different questions.

9. What about DOT and Snell motorcycle helmet standards?

If you read American motorcycle reviews or watch helmet comparisons online, you'll probably encounter DOT and Snell certification.

These should not be confused with ECE approval.

DOT

DOT refers to the United States motorcycle helmet standard, FMVSS No. 218.

It operates within a different regulatory framework from UN ECE Regulation No. 22.

A helmet carrying DOT certification alone should not automatically be assumed to satisfy the applicable approval requirements for road use in Ireland.

If you're importing a helmet from outside Europe, check the relevant approval carefully.

Snell

Snell certification is associated with additional helmet performance standards developed by the Snell Memorial Foundation.

Snell standards differ according to the relevant standard and intended application.

A Snell certification is not the same thing as ECE approval, nor does it automatically establish suitability for Irish road use.

FIM homologation

FIM helmet homologation is particularly relevant to certain forms of motorcycle competition.

It concerns requirements established by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme for applicable racing disciplines and events.

Competition requirements can be more specific than those for ordinary road riding.

If you're buying a helmet for track days or racing, check the requirements of the organiser and governing body for the activity.

For everyday motorcycle riding in Ireland, start with the appropriate road-helmet approval rather than choosing solely on the basis of an American or motorsport certification.

10. Are carbon fibre helmets safer than polycarbonate helmets?

Helmet shell material is often presented as a major selling point.

You'll see helmets advertised with polycarbonate, fibreglass, composite and carbon fibre construction.

These descriptions tell you something about the shell materials, but they do not provide a complete assessment of the helmet's protective performance.

A helmet is a system combining its shell, impact-absorbing liner, retention mechanism and other components.

Its effectiveness depends on the complete design and how that design behaves during an impact.

A carbon fibre helmet is not automatically safer than an approved polycarbonate helmet.

Likewise, weight alone does not establish impact protection.

When comparing helmets made from different materials, consider:

• Relevant safety approval.
• Correct fit.
• Available independent test results.
• Weight and balance.
• Comfort during your typical journeys.
• The features included in the particular model.

The appropriate approval applies to the complete helmet, not simply its shell material.

11. Are motorcycle helmet visors safety approved?

Visors are an important part of the helmet's protective and practical design.

They need to provide appropriate visibility while helping shield the rider's eyes from wind, debris and weather.

Under UN Regulation No. 22, relevant visor requirements include optical and material performance.

Clear and tinted visors

Different visors transmit different amounts of visible light.

A heavily tinted visor can reduce glare in bright sunshine but can also restrict visibility in low light.

Some visors or accessories carry markings indicating that they are not suitable for use at night or in poor visibility.

Check the relevant approval and usage restrictions.

For Irish riders, changing daylight and weather conditions make this especially important.

A visor suitable for a bright summer afternoon may be unsuitable for a dark commute in November.

Are aftermarket visors safe?

Not every aftermarket visor is necessarily approved or suitable for every helmet.

Use an appropriately approved visor that is compatible with the exact helmet model.

Do not assume that a visor fits correctly or meets the relevant requirements just because it can physically be attached.

Also check that replacement visor mechanisms, seals and other components are approved or permitted by the manufacturer.

What about Pinlock and anti-fog inserts?

Anti-fog inserts can improve visibility by helping reduce condensation.

However, compatibility varies.

Some helmets include an insert, others provide a compatible visor, and some use alternative systems.

Use the correct insert for the specified visor and follow the manufacturer's fitting instructions.

12. How to check a motorcycle helmet before buying

Safety approval is essential, but it should be part of a broader buying check.

Check the helmet is genuine

Buy from a reputable retailer and be cautious of unusually cheap helmets from unfamiliar sellers.

Counterfeit helmets and misleading approval markings can undermine your ability to establish whether the equipment has been legitimately approved.

Check the actual approval

Look for the appropriate ECE approval information and confirm that it relates to the particular model.

Do not rely solely on a generic product listing or a brand's overall reputation.

Check the intended configuration

For modular helmets, determine whether the helmet is approved for riding with its chin bar raised or only with it closed.

Check the fit

Measure your head, consult the manufacturer's size chart and confirm that the helmet fits securely.

A safety label is not a substitute for correct sizing.

For detailed fitting instructions, read our Motorcycle Helmet Size Guide.

Check the accessories

If the helmet includes a visor, sun visor, communication provision or other accessories, check the manufacturer's instructions and any applicable restrictions.

Check independent ratings

Where SHARP has tested the exact model, its results may help you compare suitable helmets.

For modular designs, consider the separate latch score as well.

Check the helmet's condition

A new helmet should arrive without signs of damage, compromised fastening mechanisms or other defects.

If something appears wrong, do not use it until the issue has been resolved.

13. Why correct fit still matters more than chasing a rating

Helmet certification and independent testing are useful tools for making an informed choice.

But they cannot account for whether a particular helmet fits your head.

A poorly fitting helmet may move out of position, create uncomfortable pressure or fail to remain properly located during an accident.

The Irish Road Safety Authority emphasises that motorcycle helmets should fit snugly, be correctly fastened and remain in good condition.

SHARP also places considerable importance on proper fit when advising riders.

The best purchasing approach is therefore to consider safety in stages:

First: Choose a helmet with the appropriate approval.

Second: Make sure the helmet fits your head securely and comfortably.

Third: Consider independent assessments, where available.

Fourth: Compare visibility, weight, ventilation, weather protection and other features that matter to your riding.

This is more useful than choosing a helmet entirely on the basis of its price, construction material or star rating.

Frequently asked questions

What does ECE 22.06 mean on a motorcycle helmet?

ECE 22.06 identifies approval under the 06 series of amendments to UN Regulation No. 22. The standard includes requirements for helmet impact protection, retention, vision and relevant components, including additional testing for oblique impacts and rotational acceleration.

Is ECE 22.06 better than ECE 22.05?

ECE 22.06 uses more extensive and updated testing requirements than ECE 22.05. It is the newer approval standard and a sensible starting point when buying a new road helmet.

Is ECE 22.05 illegal in Ireland?

The transition between approval standards should not be confused with an automatic ban on every older helmet already in use. The applicable position depends on the relevant legal and market provisions. Riders should check current Irish requirements rather than assuming an older approval is automatically invalid.

How can I tell if a motorcycle helmet is ECE 22.06 approved?

Check the manufacturer's documentation and the helmet's approval marking. The relevant ECE type-approval number begins with 06 for the 06 series. A capital E inside a circle identifies the approving authority.

What does the E-number on a helmet mean?

The number alongside the circled E identifies the country whose authority granted the approval. It is not a rating of the helmet's quality or safety.

What does P/J mean on a modular motorcycle helmet?

P/J indicates approval for both protective chin-bar and open-face configurations. Always check the manufacturer's instructions before riding with the chin bar raised.

What does a five-star SHARP rating mean?

It means the helmet achieved SHARP's highest overall rating under the programme's independent impact assessment. It does not guarantee protection from every injury or establish that the helmet will fit every rider.

What does a 100% SHARP latch score mean?

For a modular helmet, it means the chin bar remained fully locked during all 30 relevant linear impact tests conducted by SHARP. It is a laboratory result, not a guarantee of performance in every accident.

Can an ECE 22.06 helmet have a low SHARP rating?

Yes. Meeting an approval standard and achieving a particular independent test rating are different things. SHARP can identify differences between helmets that meet the applicable approval requirements.

Is DOT approval enough for a helmet in Ireland?

Do not assume so. DOT is a United States standard operating under a different regulatory framework. Check that a helmet intended for Irish road use meets the applicable Irish requirements.

Are expensive motorcycle helmets safer?

Not necessarily. Price alone does not establish protective performance. Approval, fit and available independent test information provide a better basis for comparing helmets.

Do I need a new helmet because ECE 22.06 exists?

Not solely because a newer standard exists. If you already own a helmet, consider its approval, condition, age, usage history and the manufacturer's replacement guidance. Replace a helmet that may have suffered a damaging impact.

Choosing a safer motorcycle helmet at Franklin Motors

Understanding helmet safety standards helps you look beyond advertising claims and make a more informed decision.

For a new motorcycle helmet, start by checking the appropriate approval, making sure the helmet fits correctly and considering independent test information where available.

Think about the conditions you normally ride in, particularly visibility, weather protection and comfort on longer journeys.

At Franklin Motors, you can explore a range of motorcycle helmets designed for different riding styles, including full-face, modular, adventure, open-face and off-road designs.

Browse all motorcycle helmets

For more advice, read our Motorcycle Helmet Buying Guide or Motorcycle Helmet Size Guide.

Need help choosing? Contact Franklin Motors on 01 538 5005 for advice on the helmet types and models available in our range.