NSW Helmet Exemptions for Sikh Followers Wearing Turbans

Road Rules Amendment (Helmets-Sikh Exemption) Bill 2024

Private Member's Bill

5 Jun 2024: MPs in the first house are debating whether this bill is a good idea in principle.

Legislative Council

Legislative Assembly

Assent

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Topics

bicycle helmets motorcycle helmets protective headgear religious freedom road safety Sikh religion

Introduced by: Cate Faehrmann MLC (GRN)

Links to official parliament websites

Official page: progress through parliament

Official page: bill text and explanatory notes

Effects of this bill

If this bill passes, it means that:

Sikh followers wearing turbans do not have to wear bicycle helmets.
Sikh followers wearing turbans do not have to wear motorbike helmets if they are at least 18 years old.
The motorbike helmet exemption does not apply to learner licence holders.
The motorbike helmet exemption does not apply to provisional P1 or P2 licence holders.

News articles and press releases

Road Rules Amendment (Helmets-Sikh Exemption) Bill 2024

Ms CATE FAEHRMANN — 2024-06-05

The bill seeks to amend three provisions of the Road Rules 2014. The amendments are simple. Part 1 seeks to amend rule 256 to provide for an exemption to the requirement for the rider of a bicycle to wear an approved bicycle helmet if they are a follower of the Sikh religion who is wearing a turban. Part 2 seeks to amend rule 262-9 to provide for an exemption to the requirement for a person riding an electric scooter to wear an approved bicycle helmet if they are a follower of the Sikh religion who is wearing a turban. Part 3 seeks to amend rule 270 to provide for an exemption to the requirement for a person riding a motorbike to wear an approved helmet if they are a follower of the Sikh religion who is wearing a turban, are 18 years of age or over and have their full rider licence.