Ask NRMA: Is it illegal to attach a camera to a motorbike helmet? 

An NRMA Member asked us on Facebook if it was an offence to have a camera attached to your motorbike helmet while riding. 

Amongst other things, the answer to the question depends on how ‘approved motor bike helmet’ is defined in the legislation. 

NSW Road Rule 270(1)(a) is quite ambiguous when it comes to defining exactly what constitutes an ‘approved motor bike helmet’ under motor traffic law (see law below).

Part 270 of Road Rules 2014 covers wearing motorbike helmets

(1) The rider of a motor bike that is moving, or is stationary but not parked, must:

-(a) wear an approved motor bike helmet securely fitted and fastened on the rider’s head, and
-(b) not ride with a passenger unless the passenger complies with subrule (2).

As stated in the legislation, an approved motor bike helmet must comply with standard AS/NZS 1698. It has been argued by some that this standard relates to the initial manufacturing of the helmet and not attaching third party modifications, such as cameras, to the helmet.