Spain strengthens mandatory motorcycle equipment to combat rising death toll

All motorcyclists may soon be required to wear a full-face helmet and gloves every time they ride.

Helmet laws in the United States are on the lenient side, especially when compared to those in neighboring Europe. In fact, as of 2024, U.S. helmet laws still do not cover all states, with some states only requiring young riders to wear helmets, and some states, most notably Illinois. The states of Iowa and New Hampshire have no motorcycle helmet laws at all.

However, if you look at Europe, particularly Spain, it appears that governments are tightening regulations not just for helmets, but for gear in general. Spain’s Ministry of the Interior (MIR), the government department responsible for security, has released statistics showing a significant jump in motorcycle-related deaths in 2023. Unfortunately, a total of 286 people lost their lives in motorcycle-related accidents along Spain’s national highways. . Of the 286 incidents, eight involved riders not wearing helmets.

Therefore, the Spanish government is currently advocating the mandatory use of full-face or modular helmets to improve rider safety. This means that the use of open-face helmets such as three-quarter helmets and jet helmets has expired in Spain. Additionally, it has been reported that the use of motorcycle-approved gloves will be made compulsory in Spain. However, it is worth noting that as of this writing, there is no specific timeline for the implementation of the new obligations.

Apart from enforcing regulations requiring riders to wear full-face helmets and gloves, the Spanish government has also introduced mandatory motorcycle training for B-license holders with three or more years of driving experience who want to ride a motorcycle. I’m planning to. Engines below 125cc. By the way, in Spain, a B license is a regular car driver’s license, and if you have more than 3 years of driving experience, you can drive a small displacement motorcycle or moped (125cc or less) without applying for a regular motorcycle license (A1, A2). can drive. , and A).

Of course, the Spanish government is also considering a broader strategy to tackle the issue of motorcycle safety by reviewing existing road rules and making changes that place greater emphasis on the safety of vulnerable road users. Do you think Spain’s proposal to require the wearing of full-face helmets and gloves is a good measure or overly restrictive?

read more