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

Motorsport Helmet Standards Explained — MotorSport NZ & Motorsport Australia

Choosing a motorsport helmet means checking both its accepted standard and whether the physical helmet, its configuration and condition meet the rules for your discipline and class. Snell SA2025 is the current Snell motorsport helmet standard and is accepted by MotorSport NZ and Motorsport Australia. FIA, SFI and older Snell standards have their own requirements and expiry or age considerations.

Harris Race Radios™ combines racing, race-engineering and motorsport communications experience. Aaron Harris is a MotorSport NZ Licence Examiner for licences only, not a helmet certifier. Confirm the current category and event requirements with the organiser.

Understanding the Main Helmet Standards

Standard family Typical motorsport application What to check
FIA 8860-2018 ABP High-level international open-wheel competition Exact homologation, ABP requirement, FHR setup and event rules
FIA 8860-2018 / 8860-2024 High-level international motorsport Version, physical label and class requirements
FIA 8859-2015 / 8859-2024 Many rally and circuit classes Version, age and applicable category rules
Snell SA2025 Current Snell motorsport standard; accepted in NZ and AU Physical label, helmet condition, class and FHR requirements
Snell SA2020 and earlier SA labels Older motorsport helmets where still eligible Current standard and age limits for the event
SFI helmet standards Specified motorsport classes Exact SFI label and governing-body requirements
Karting CMR/CMS, M and K labels Specified karting and ClubSport categories Driver age, class and current karting technical rules

A standard is not a universal ranking of one helmet’s protection above another. Compare the exact homologation, shell, fit, configuration and use for your event.

SA2025 — The Current Snell Motorsport Standard

SA2025 is the latest/current Snell motorsport helmet standard and is accepted by MotorSport NZ and Motorsport Australia. The copy of MotorSport NZ Schedule A supplied to Harris Race Radios™, dated 18 August 2025, did not yet list SA2025 by name. That historical document’s omission does not mean the standard is unaccepted. Check the most current category rules and physical helmet label for your race, especially if your class has particular open-face, FHR or helmet-age requirements.

For a new Snell car-racing helmet purchase, compare SA2025 models with the driver’s fit, cockpit, radio/intercom and restraint requirements. Do not assume a label on a product listing substitutes for the label on the delivered helmet.

FIA Helmet Standards

Standard Typical use to compare Additional check
FIA 8860-2018 ABP International open-wheel applications requiring ABP Fitted FHR posts and exact ABP label
FIA 8860-2018 / FIA 8860-2024 High-level international competition Specific homologation and category rules
FIA 8859-2015 / FIA 8859-2024 Rally and circuit racing where listed Physical label, age, posts and discipline rules

Snell and Older Helmets

Standard Status to check Buyer advice
SA2025 Current Snell motorsport standard; accepted by MotorSport NZ and Motorsport Australia Confirm delivered helmet label, fit, condition and class rules
SA2020 Previous Snell standard Check current class and helmet-age limits before buying clearance stock
SA2015, SA2010 and earlier labels Age and event eligibility may differ Check the current schedule, condition and date of manufacture

Karting and ClubSport

Karting classes can require CMR/CMS, M, K or other category-specific helmet labels, particularly for junior competitors. Do not assume an SA-rated car-racing helmet is eligible for every karting age group, or that a karting-only label suits rally or circuit racing. Check KartSport NZ or Karting Australia rules and your event’s class before ordering.

Helmet Care and FHR/HANS

The MotorSport NZ material supplied to us recommends replacing helmets at least every seven years. Replace sooner after a severe impact or if the manufacturer or event rules require it. Store your helmet in a bag, avoid damage and inspect its liner, shell, visor and labels. Age alone does not establish eligibility: check condition and the current rules.

FHR/HANS requirements differ by discipline and class. Correct helmet anchors and manufacturer-approved posts, tethers, restraint, seat and harness geometry need to work together. See our HANS & FHR devices and helmet and restraint bundles.

SA2025 Helmets to Compare

For older models, compare the Roux R1-F SA2020 clearance helmet against your current class and age rules. Stock and variant availability should be confirmed before ordering.

Ask for Practical Helmet and Communications Advice

Aaron Harris is an active racing driver and race engineer and a MotorSport NZ Licence Examiner for licences only. He can advise on helmet models, fit, comms and which event rules to check, but does not certify helmets. Rex Harris is an official New Zealand RSM Approved Radio Certifier with AU ACMA radio-certifier experience; his radio qualifications do not certify safety equipment.

Call Aaron on +64 27 449 9654 or email aaron@harriscomms.co.nz. For further reading, see the NZ & AU helmet buyer's guide, Roux helmet range, XRON SA2025 guide, and FHR/HANS range. Always use the current rules for your particular class and event.