Helmet Safety Standards Explained
Harris Race Radios TeamHelmet eligibility is set by the specific standard and label on the helmet, its condition, the driver's category and the current event regulations. This NZ and AU guide explains what common FIA and Snell labels mean. It does not replace MotorSport NZ Schedule A, Motorsport Australia regulations or karting rules.
FIA Motorsport Helmet Standards
Find the homologation label on your helmet and check the full standard number and any validity provisions against your category.
- FIA 8859-2015 and 8859-2024: motorsport helmet homologations used in many car-racing categories; check current category rules and FHR requirements.
- FIA 8860-2010 and 8860-2018: advanced helmet homologations; particular professional categories may specify which version is required.
- FIA 8860-2018 ABP: advanced ballistic protection around the visor opening for categories that require it.
- FIA 8864-2018: a standard for compatible in-ear communications, not a helmet-shell homologation. Check the relevant event's communications rules.
FIA safety-equipment homologation information
Karting Helmet Standards
Junior and senior karting requirements differ. FIA CMR/CMS and Snell CMR are intended for younger drivers where allowed; FIA karting, Snell K and some other helmet standards may apply to particular senior categories. The label alone is not a blanket pass for every class or age group. Check KartSport NZ helmet rules or Karting Australia technical regulations.
Snell SA Standards
Snell SA2025 is the current Snell motorsport helmet standard. SA2020 and earlier labels may have different eligibility depending on current national and event rules. SA2025 is acceptable in NZ and AU where the category and event rules permit it; check the current MotorSport NZ and Motorsport Australia schedules rather than assuming every standard is valid for every discipline. Snell standards.
Motorcycle Road Standards: DOT and ECE
DOT FMVSS 218 and ECE 22.05/22.06 are motorcycle road helmet standards, not substitutes for FIA or Snell SA car-racing homologation. Motorcycle, off-road and karting categories can have separate requirements. Do not assume that a road-legal helmet qualifies for car racing, or that no event in any discipline accepts it: check the exact rule set.
MotorSport NZ and Motorsport Australia
MotorSport NZ helmet eligibility depends on current Schedule A and the particular competition category. Motorsport Australia publishes its own regulations and category requirements. Standards, validity and permitted helmet types can differ by discipline and change over time; verify the actual label, fit, condition and any required FHR posts before the event. MotorSport NZ helmet information | Motorsport Australia regulations.
Find Your Helmet Label
Look inside the helmet for the manufacturer's homologation label and compare the complete standard number with the current governing regulations. 
Contact the organiser or governing body when eligibility is uncertain; no store staff qualification substitutes for event approval.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which helmet standard do I need for MotorSport NZ circuit racing?
Check the current Schedule A and the rules of your specific class or event, then compare them with the exact helmet label. FIA and Snell SA standards have category-specific eligibility.
Which standard do I need for Motorsport Australia events?
Check the latest Motorsport Australia regulations for your discipline and class. Do not assume a helmet accepted in one series is automatically accepted in another.
Can I use a motorcycle helmet for car racing?
A DOT or ECE road label alone does not establish eligibility for car racing. Check the car category's required homologation; other disciplines have separate rules.
What do junior kart drivers need in NZ?
Check the current KartSport NZ technical regulations for the driver's age group and class. Youth helmet standards can differ from senior requirements.
How do I check whether my helmet is still eligible?
Read the full homologation label, inspect condition and fit, then compare against the current rules and any standard validity provisions for your event.
Why Harris Race Radios?
We carry a broad motorsport helmet range to help match the helmet to the driver, racing discipline and communications setup. Rex Harris is a qualified Radio Telecommunications Engineer and Approved Radio Certifier, RSM ARC127 and ARE127; that role relates to radios, not helmet approval. Aaron Harris is an active racing driver, race engineer and MotorSport NZ Licence Examiner. His role is for licences, not examination or certification of helmets, racewear, FHR or HANS devices. We can discuss product specifications and help you find the applicable rules, but final equipment acceptance rests with the governing body or event.
Contact Aaron: +64 27 449 9654 or aaron@harriscomms.co.nz. Contact us online.