Explanatory note

These Regulations amend the Motor Cycles (Protective Headgear) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 (S.R. 1999 No. 170) (“the 1999 Regulations”).

Regulation 2(2) substitutes paragraph (2) of regulation 1 of the 1999 Regulations and inserts definitions of “ECE Regulation 22”, “ECE Regulation 22.05” and “the UN ECE Agreement”.

Regulation 2(3) substitutes paragraph (1) of regulation 3 of the 1999 Regulations and adds, as a new prescribed type of recommended helmet, those helmets which conform with ECE Regulation 22.05 including the approval, marking and conformity of production requirements of that Regulation. Only these helmets and the other types of helmet prescribed by regulation 3 of the 1999 Regulations may be sold as affording protection from injury to motorcyclists.

These Regulations have been notified to the European Commission pursuant to Directive 98/34/EC of 22nd June 1998 laying down a procedure for the provision of information in the field of technical standards and regulations (O.J. 1998 No. L204, p. 37).

The Motor Cycles (Eye Protectors) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000 (S.R. 2000 No. 161) as amended by the Motor Cycles (Eye Protectors) (Amendment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2001 (S.R. 2001 No. 146) prescribe certain types of eye protectors as authorised for use by persons driving or riding on a motor bicycle.

The Value Added Tax (Protective Helmets) Order 2000 (S.I. 2000/1517) came into force on 30th June 2000. Its effect is to bring up to date and extend the present scope of VAT relief available on the supply of protective helmets for wear by a person driving or riding a motor bicycle.

Copies of the UN ECE Agreement, ECE Regulation 22 and its amendments including the 05 series of amendments and the Regulations referred to in these Regulations and this Explanatory Note can be obtained from The Stationery Office Bookshop, 16 Arthur Street, Belfast BT1 4GD.