IS MY HELMET IN DATE?
When you watch motorsport as a spectator you see the speed, excitement and thrill of competition. When you take the plunge and start racing yourself these things are still true but you also learn that there is a lot of paperwork!
As well as the technical regulations for your car you also need to be up to date with the expiry dates for your race wear. It seems that these can cause confusion so we have decided to set the record straight with clear guidance. Below is the current list of expiry dates for helmets used in Motorsport UK events, info correct on 14/10/2024 and subject to change.
FIA standards 8860-2004 and 8858-2010 are expired and not accepted in UK racing and rallying. FIA standards 8860-2010 and 8859-2015 currently have no expiry date and are valid for the next five years, again information correct as of 14/10/2024.
FIA
FIA Standards are recognised throughout the UK and Europe Motorsport events and represent a higher level of safety standards than the SNELL homologation.
FIA 8860-2004 | Expiry 31/12/2020
FIA 8858-2010 | Expiry 31/12/2023
FIA 8860-2010 | Currently Valid (no expiry date set in next 5 years)
FIA 8859-2015 | Currently Valid (no expiry date set in next 5 years)
Currently the only Snell certification which is valid for UK racing and rallying is SA2020, this certifcation has no expiry date and has a minimum of 5 years remaining, again information correct as of 14/10/2024. The certifications SA2005, SA2010, SAH2010 and SA2015 are not valid for UK racing and rallying.
SNELL
SA2005 | Expiry 31/12/2018
SA2010 | Expiry 31/12/2023
SAH2010 | Expiry 31/12/2023
SA2015 | Expiry 31/12/2023
SA2020 | Currently Valid (no expiry date set in next 5 years)
CMR is a certification for helmets used for karting only. The current certification isCMR2016 and this is valid for UK karting. This is not used in UK adult circuit racing or rallying and CMR helmets should not be purchased for this use.
CMR
Snell CMR2016 | Currently Valid (no expiry date set in next 5 years)
CMR2016 is a standard dedicated solely to junior (under 16) kart racing. This standard focuses on specific factors such as weight to ensure minimal rotational mass in the event of an accident.
Snell CMR2016 is the latest homologation for junior helmets.
Weight – Permissible helmet weights depend on the smallest head circumference for which the helmet is intended and whether the helmet is configured to accept a face shield. Headgear shall be weighed in the most massive configuration possible with accompanying helmet paraphernalia.
We hope this clears up any confusion and wish you all much happy and safe racing!!