Tasmania’s world-class mountain bike trails and quiet country roads attract tourists from across the country but the state government’s failure to enact new national helmet standards means tourists will need to check their helmets before jumping on a bike.
If you’ve had your helmet for a while you won’t be affected, but if you have recently bought a helmet you’ll need to check whether it is recognised under Tasmanian law.
The Australian Government introduced a new safety standard for helmets in March 2024 that included the European Standard for bike helmets and three US standards, as well as the previous Australian and New Zealand Standard.
This means bike helmet suppliers no longer have to pay multiple times to get their helmets tested against various standards, which will hopefully reduce prices and increase choice for consumers.
Separate to the new safety standard, state and territory laws govern which helmets can be legally used on public land.
Since the new standard was introduced last year every state and territory has changed its laws except for Tasmania, which still only allows helmets that meet the Australian and New Zealand Standard. Most state and territory bike stores are now stocking helmets that meet the new safety standard.
The Tasmanian Minister for Transport has approved the amendment to the Road Rules so all the helmets will be legal, but it still needs to go through a few hoops before it becomes law, this will hopefully be by early to mid December.
Our concern is that insurers may not cover people involved in legal action if they are not wearing an approved helmet under Tasmanian law. Technically, the police could also fine you.
So, if you’re heading to Tassie this year, enjoy yourself, but until mid December make sure your helmet is approved to the Australian and New Zealand Standard.
More information about the new helmet standard can be found at https://www.productsafety.gov.au/business/search-mandatory-standards/bicycle-helmets-mandatory-standard
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