When buying a helmet you see \"ECE 22.06\" on the label, but what does it mean, and is your old 22.05 helmet now unsafe? ECE 22 is the motorcycle helmet type-approval regulation prepared under the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE); 22.06 is its most recent version. It is accepted in many countries around the world as well as Europe, and the great majority of quality helmets sold in Turkey carry this label. In this guide we explain what 22.06 changed, how to read the label and how it differs from other certifications. You can also look at the helmet selection guide for helmet type, size and budget.
\n\nThe 22.06 version was adopted in 2020 and replaced 22.05. The transition was gradual: first 22.06 approvals began to be granted, then new approvals for 22.05 ended, and in Europe the production and sale of 22.05-approved helmets was ended in the 2023–2024 period. Using a 22.05 helmet you already own is not prohibited, though; existing helmets can be used until the end of their life.
\nIn Turkey wearing a helmet is compulsory for the rider and passenger, and the 2026 fine for riding without a helmet is 2,500 ₺ for a first offence. However, a requirement that the helmet carry a particular ECE version is not in practice checked in traffic, and we could not confirm a regulation making 22.06 mandatory. This does not mean an uncertified helmet is adequate. The current rules are on the rules page.
\n\nUnder 22.05 the helmet went through impact testing at a few fixed points and at a single speed. Manufacturers could also reinforce the helmet at exactly those points. Under 22.06 the number of test points rose markedly, and the points can be chosen by the laboratory carrying out the test. The impact speeds were also varied: low speed (about 6 m/s), standard speed (7.5 m/s) and high speed (about 8.2 m/s). In this way how the helmet behaves both in light falls and in hard impacts is measured.
\nIn real crashes the helmet rarely hits the ground squarely; usually, with an angled impact, the head rotates rapidly. This rotational movement plays an important part in brain injuries. 22.06 measures how much the helmet reduces this rotational force with an angled impact test on an oblique surface. There was no such measurement in 22.05.
\nA new test was added for the impact resistance of the visor: a small steel ball is fired at the visor at high speed and it is checked that the visor does not break or shatter. For sun visors and dark visors, the light transmission rules were also clarified; dark visors not suitable for night use are marked accordingly.
\nWith 22.06, accessories that the helmet manufacturer designs or approves specifically for the helmet (for example integrated intercom mounts) began to be assessed together with the helmet. If you will fit an intercom to your helmet later, it makes sense to choose the model the manufacturer lists as compatible and its mounting method. For choosing an intercom see the intercom guide.
\nModular helmets can be tested in both the closed and open positions and marked separately. The tests for the strength of the chin strap and fastening systems were also tightened.
\n\nAn ECE-approved helmet has a label sewn onto the chin strap or the inner lining. On this label:
\nCheap helmets with no label, or with a stick-on label made to look like \"DOT\", may not have been tested. Decorative helmets and bicycle helmets are not suitable for a motorcycle.
\n\n| Certification | Where is it valid? | Note |
|---|---|---|
| ECE 22.06 | Europe and many countries | Type approval; found on most quality helmets sold in Turkey |
| DOT (FMVSS 218) | USA | Based on the manufacturer's declaration, a different test method from ECE |
| Snell | Voluntary, of US origin | Known for high-energy impact tests |
| FIM (FRHPhe) | International racing | Compulsory in races, extra assurance for the road |
| SHARP | United Kingdom | Not compulsory, an independent programme that rates helmets on sale from 1 to 5 stars |
A helmet can carry more than one certification. For road use, ECE 22.06 is the basic reference; if there is a SHARP rating, it gives extra information when choosing between two helmets.
\n\nFor price ranges you can look at the full-face helmet, modular helmet, open-face (jet) helmet and adventure helmet pages.
\n\nNo. Even the best certified helmet shifts at the moment of impact and loses its protection if it does not fit your head properly. After checking the certification, you must choose the size and shape correctly; we explained this in the helmet size measurement guide. Fasten the chin strap on every ride; an unfastened helmet can come off the head in a crash.
\n\nWhen examining a helmet in a shop or online, you can do the certification check in a few steps. First look for the ECE 22.06 wording on the product page or the box. When you pick up the helmet, find the sewn label on the chin strap and confirm that the approval number begins with 06. On modular helmets, look at the P/J mark; if it says only J, the helmet is not considered protective even with the chin bar closed. On helmets sold with a dark visor, check for markings stating that the visor is suitable for daytime use; riding at night with a dark visor seriously reduces vision.
\nThere is no direct relationship between price and certification: the difference between economy and high-end helmets that passed the same 22.06 test mostly comes from weight, ventilation, sound insulation, shell material and comfort details. If your budget is limited, a certified mid-range helmet in the right size that fits your head is always a better choice than an uncertified helmet that looks expensive.
\n\nECE 22.06 improved significantly on 22.05 by adding impact tests at more points and different speeds, rotational force measurement and a visor test. If you are buying a new helmet, look for an approval number beginning with 06 on the label, but base your decision not only on the label but also on the right size and fit.
\n\nNo. The new sale of 22.05 helmets has ended in Europe, but using a helmet you already own is not prohibited. If it has taken no impact and has not aged, you can carry on using it.
\nIf the approval number under the E mark on the label on the chin strap or inner lining begins with 06, the helmet is 22.06 approved.
\nP means a helmet with chin protection, J a helmet without chin protection. P/J shows that a flip-up helmet is approved in both the closed and open positions.
\nSince the helmet requirement does not specify the helmet type or certification, it can be used. However, DOT is a different test system; for a helmet tested to the European standard, look for the ECE 22.06 label.
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