Motorsport Helmet Standards Explained — MSNZ & Motorsport Australia Guide NZ & AU

Motorsport Helmet Standards Explained — MSNZ & Motorsport Australia Guide

Choosing the right helmet standard for your event is a compliance requirement, not just a preference. This guide explains the helmet standards currently approved by Motorsport New Zealand (MSNZ) and Motorsport Australia, so you can buy with confidence.

Written by Aaron Harris — MSNZ Licence Examiner for helmets, racewear, FHR, and HANS devices. Always verify current requirements with MSNZ or Motorsport Australia before purchasing, as regulations are updated periodically.

The Helmet Standard Hierarchy

Motorsport helmet standards sit in a clear hierarchy from highest to lowest protection level:

Standard Level Typical Use
FIA 8860-2018 ABP Highest Open-wheel international FIA competition (F1, F2, F3)
FIA 8860-2018 Very high International FIA closed-cockpit competition (WRC, WEC, GT)
FIA 8860-2024 Very high Current highest FIA standard for general international competition
SA2025 High Current latest Snell standard — NZ & AU club through to championship
FIA 8859-2015 High NZ & AU club through to championship
SA2020 High NZ & AU club through to championship (valid until 31 Dec 2026 per MSNZ)
SA2015, SA2010, SA2005 Accepted NZ & AU (valid until 31 Dec 2026 per MSNZ)
SFI 31.1A / 31.2A Accepted NZ & AU club through to championship
CMR/CMS, M, K series ClubSport only Karting and ClubSport events only

SA2025 — The Current Latest Snell Standard

SA2025 is the current latest Snell motorsport helmet standard and is accepted for competition in New Zealand and Australia. It offers improved impact protection over SA2020, including higher energy absorption requirements, improved rotational force management, and more rigorous visor penetration testing.

Note: The MSNZ Schedule A document (last published August 2025) has not yet been formally updated to list SA2025 by name — this is a documentation lag, not a prohibition. SA2025 is accepted in practice. Contact Aaron Harris or MSNZ directly if you require written confirmation for a specific event.

For any new helmet purchase, SA2025 is the recommended standard.

FIA Standards — The Full Hierarchy

Standard Events Accepted FHR Posts
FIA 8860-2018 ABP Open-wheel international FIA competition ✅ Factory-fitted
FIA 8860-2018 All events up to International (closed-cockpit FIA) ✅ Factory-fitted
FIA 8860-2024 All events up to International ✅ Factory-fitted
FIA 8860-2010 Up to Championship and some International ✅ Factory-fitted
FIA 8860-2004 Up to Championship and some International ✅ Factory-fitted
FIA 8859-2015 Up to Championship and some International ✅ Factory-fitted
FIA 8859-2010 Up to Championship and some International ✅ Factory-fitted

Snell Standards — Current Acceptance

Standard Events Accepted FHR Compatible Notes
SA2025 NZ & AU — club through to championship ✅ Current latest standard — recommended
SA2020 Up to Championship and some International ✅ Valid until 31 Dec 2026 (MSNZ)
SA2015 Up to Championship and some International ✅ Valid until 31 Dec 2026 (MSNZ)
SA2010 Up to Championship and some International ✅ Valid until 31 Dec 2026 (MSNZ)
SAH2010 Up to Championship and some International ✅ Factory-fitted —
SA2005 Up to Championship and some International ✅ Valid until 31 Dec 2026 (MSNZ)

Karting & ClubSport Standards

Standard Events Accepted FHR Compatible
CMR/CMS 2007 (Youth) All ClubSport events ❌
M 2020, M 2015, M 2010, M 2005 All ClubSport ❌
K 2015, K 2010, K 2005 All ClubSport ❌
SFI 31.1A, 31.2A, 31.1/2005 Up to Championship and some International ✅
SFI 41.1/2005, 41.1A, 41.2A All ClubSport ❌

Important: Karting standards (CMR/CMS, M, K series) are not interchangeable with SA-rated motorsport helmets. A karting helmet cannot be used for circuit racing, rally, or other SA-rated events, and vice versa.

MSNZ Helmet Recommendations

  • Helmets should be replaced at least every 7 years
  • Helmets when not in use should be kept in helmet bags
  • In the case of a severe impact, the helmet should be destroyed
  • Foam neck braces may be used for driver comfort, providing they are made entirely of fire resistant material

FHR / HANS Requirements Under MSNZ

MSNZ mandates Frontal Head Restraints (FHR/HANS) across most categories. Key requirements (Schedule A, August 2025):

  • Race Championship, Accredited Series, National: Mandatory
  • Race Clubmans: Mandatory from 1 May 2023 (except cars without safety cages)
  • Rally Championship & National & Clubmans: Mandatory
  • ClubSport Rallysprint: Mandatory from January 2024
  • ClubSport Advanced: Recommended
  • ClubSport Basic: Recommended

See our HANS & FHR device range and Helmet & HANS bundle deals.

Helmets Available at Harris Race Radios

SA2025

SA2020 Clearance — Limited Stock

FIA 8859-2015

Important Disclaimer

Regulations change. Always verify current requirements with Motorsport New Zealand or Motorsport Australia before purchasing a helmet for competition use. Aaron Harris (MSNZ Licence Examiner) can also confirm current requirements for your specific licence category and event.

Expert Advice — Ask Aaron Harris

📞 +64 27 449 9654 | 📧 aaron@harriscomms.co.nz

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