Helmet Exemptions: FORWARNING

[Abaddon]

I would 100% not allow a medical inconvinence stop me from riding...

[Choona]

Sorry for going of a slight tangent here... but are there any sort of exemption given to wearing non AS 1698 helmets? I found that I need an XXXXL (4XL) and had a nightmare trying source an approved helmet. I've been looking at the Vega Altura helmet, since they go up to 5XL, but they have only got US DOT approval and the ECE approval. I'm not looking at getting an exemption for not wearing a helmet, but rather an exemption to wear one without that little sticker at the back of the helmet...

[Desmo]

Just buy it and use it, I don't think I've ever heard of anyone being pinged for wearing a US helmet.

[filbert]

ECE approval opens another possibility, there are clauses in the standards since it became AS/NZS that any helmet legal for sale in new zealand is also legal here and i'm led to believe new zealand accept ECE without any other certifications, you may be in luck finding a legal loophole but will still have to defend it on the roadside if pulled over.

Got me thinking now might have to practice my Google fu and see if i can find something for you to get some specialised legal advice on, if i've remembered the articles i read correctly it could all come together more easily

[Choona]

Thanks filbert!

I know I'm sounding rather fussy Desmo... but I'm hunting for the gear so I can go get my R-E license... and a big concern is when the tester puts the bluetooth set on the helmet for the test and noticed that it's not an approved helmet etc... not a good start if I get a fail straight away due to something like that...

[smoothpierre]

Bluetooth headset???

[Choona]

Yeah... I was told that when you go for your test, the examiner will attach a bluetooth unit so he can communicate with you these days.

[haelsk]

Sorry for going of a slight tangent here... but are there any sort of exemption given to wearing non AS 1698 helmets? I found that I need an XXXXL (4XL) and had a nightmare trying source an approved helmet. I've been looking at the Vega Altura helmet, since they go up to 5XL, but they have only got US DOT approval and the ECE approval. I'm not looking at getting an exemption for not wearing a helmet, but rather an exemption to wear one without that little sticker at the back of the helmet...

Mate i thought this was me too. Try the Shoei XR-1100 in XXXL. (that's what I got and it's quite comfy)
WA department of transport were most unhelpful, they offered me a refund for my L's and application instead of helping suggest a lid.

[Choona]

I'm planning to call WA licensing centre and find out what's the go on Monday...

I've tried a Shoei XXXL... I'm pretty certain it was the XR-1100... and it's still too small for me... part of the problem is that my head isn't the typical oval shape... being wider at the sides and a bit flat at the back...

I think I'll ask them what can be done... whether I can get some kind of exemption even, not for riding without a helmet, but riding with a non-approved helmet. I think if they start on the track that since no approved helmet fits me, that I'm not allowed to ride, I think I might argue the point that I have the same rights as all Australians to ride a motorcycle, and that they put the law in place, surely they would have some allowance for people who don't fit in the 'average' pigeon hole...

[Captain Starfish]

Haha yeah, good luck with that. Do let us know how you get on.

[Choona]

I know... it's a long shot... but there's not much option without doing anything dodgey...

[Chuck Steak]

If it was on religeous grounds I would be covered also for it is not right that a man should pray with his head covered ( insert chapter and verse, it is in there somewhere)
So I do not have to be a sikh.

Why don't you say you're a pastafarian - like that bloke in Austria that won the legal right to waer a pasta strainer on his head for his licence photograph

[Choona]

LOL tempting...

I got myself a helmet from the states anyways, and been using it recently... after all the piss farting around with the Department of Transport, they finally added notes to my license that there are no helmets in Australia that would fit at all, and that I am to wear a 'custom' helmet, and that apparently if I get pulled over by the police, they will be able to see the notes in their system. Ended up buying a 5XL Vega Altura helmet...

[Elrico]

Why don't you say you're a pastafarian - like that bloke in Austria that won the legal right to waer a pasta strainer on his head for his licence photograph

wtf hahaha! It'd be a sight to see an examiner testing a bloke dressed in 'L''s fluro with a pasta strainer on his head.

"Well done mate, ebrakes were aldente."

[stevo 1963]

Theres only 2 kinds of riders...
Those that have had an accident
Those that are going to have 1.
Being aware and riding carefull counts for much but you cant be looking everywhere at once.
And there is always bike failure....tyre blowout !!!
That cig that hits you in the eye..or bird that hits you in the face.
You just cant say its not going to happen...but they take the risk
Its the family and friends that may have to live with there choices

I guess even with a helmet we take a risk...they just take more