Helmets and other protective equipment

Helmets and other protective equipment is one of the topics in the Safety block of the Spanish DGT theory. Elements and behaviours that protect life: seat belt, helmet, restraint systems and pedestrian behaviour. Understanding this section well helps you answer the theory-exam questions on this topic with confidence.

In simple terms, this point of the DGT theory establishes that drivers and passengers of motorcycles or motorcycles with sidecars, three-wheeled vehicles and quadricycles, mopeds and special "quad"-type vehicles must use the following protective equipment: a) Protective helmets approved in accordance with UNECE Regulation R22, properly fastened, when travelling on all types of roads. b)…

Seat belt, helmet and restraint systems come with exceptions: learn both the general duty and the cases where it does not apply.

📜 Reference legal text — Article 118 (1)

Drivers and passengers of motorcycles or motorcycles with sidecars, three-wheeled vehicles and quadricycles, mopeds and special "quad"-type vehicles must use the following protective equipment:

a) Protective helmets approved in accordance with UNECE Regulation R22, properly fastened, when travelling on all types of roads.

b) Protective gloves when travelling on interurban roads. The Minister of the Interior may, by order, establish the technical specifications that such protective gloves must meet.

c) Closed footwear covering the whole foot, when travelling on all types of roads.

When the vehicles mentioned in the previous paragraph have self-protection structures and are fitted with seat belts, and this is stated on the corresponding technical inspection card or on the moped characteristics certificate, their drivers and passengers shall be exempt from using the protective helmet, protective gloves and closed footwear, but shall be obliged to use the aforementioned seat belt when travelling on all types of roads.

🔗 Read the official text on the BOE (Spanish General Traffic Regulations)

❓ Frequently asked questions

What is helmets and other protective equipment?
Helmets and other protective equipment is a DGT theory topic within the «Safety» block, governed by Artículo 118 (1) of the Spanish General Traffic Regulations. Above you will find a simple explanation and the reference legal text.
Does this topic appear in the DGT theory exam?
Yes. Every section of the General Traffic Regulations can appear in the theory exam. To practise with real questions, go to the TraficoTest platform.
Where is it regulated (Article 118 (1))?
This content comes from Article 118 (1) of the Spanish traffic regulations. You can read the official text on the BOE.

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