When we talk about a motorcycle helmet, aesthetics matter. There's no denying that graphics catch the eye and that aerodynamic design counts… but what truly defines its protective properties on the road is the certification behind it. In Spain, riding with a helmet that lacks proper homologation not only exposes you to a heavy fine and the loss of licence points; the most serious issue is that it leaves you without the minimum protection guarantee required by current regulations. That's why at MT Helmets we insist so much on the essentials: a helmet should be comfortable, lightweight and good-looking, yes, but it must also meet the correct standard, with its label displayed transparently and its certification verifiable.
The world of safety certifications can often look like a confusing maze of acronyms for riders.
In this guide you'll see what ECE 22.05 and ECE 22.06 mean, what's going on with DOT, SNELL and JIS, how to check whether your helmet is homologated, and what particularities exist depending on the type of helmet (full-face, modular, open-face, etc.). And, of course, we'll show you how we approach this whole complex engineering process at MT Helmets: exhaustive design work developed entirely in Spain, manufacturing under our own strict laboratory quality controls, and a very clear goal that has guided us since our founding in 1968: to democratise safety. Because we firmly believe that maximum protection on two wheels should not be an unattainable luxury, but an accessible standard for every rider.
Before we get into the detail, Alberto Murcia, MT Helmets' engineering director, explains it in this video:
Why are safety certifications vital in a helmet?
A certification is the evidence that a helmet model has passed objective tests measuring its behaviour in an impact, its absorption capacity, the strength of the retention system and other critical safety aspects.
Put simply: the certification tells you the helmet meets a minimum level of protection required by law and common sense. And there's an important nuance here:
- Homologation (for example, ECE in Europe) usually involves tests with external approval and control of the model.
- Some certifications outside Europe may follow different approaches (and don't always equate to being able to ride legally here).
At MT Helmets we work with a very practical idea: safety has to be accessible. That's why much of our range is developed to meet the regulations in force in Europe (today, ECE 22.06) and, depending on the market, other international standards as well.
European regulations: ECE 22.05 vs. ECE 22.06
The ECE R22 regulation (UNECE) is the key reference for motorcycle helmets in Europe and in countries that adhere to it. Within that family, ECE 22.06 is the update that is progressively replacing ECE 22.05, raising the bar with more demanding tests adapted to current realities (accessories, new configurations, more varied impacts, etc.).
At MT Helmets we have spent years focusing our development on exceeding ECE 22.06, because it is the standard that defines the present and future of motorcycle helmets in Europe.
What tests must a helmet with ECE 22.06 certification pass?
Without going into unnecessary technicalities, the key difference is that 22.06 broadens and tightens the testing approach compared to 22.05: more impact points and conditions, more scenarios, and a more complete view of the whole (helmet + associated elements).
In practice, an ECE 22.06 helmet undergoes multiple impact tests at different speeds, surfaces and angles. In addition, aspects such as the following are evaluated:
- Visor: optical behaviour and resistance.
- Retention system (chin strap/buckle): so it doesn't fail when you need it most.
- Integrated components: for example, visor mechanisms or sun visors, common in many modern helmets.
That's why we place so much emphasis on 22.06, as it is a real step up in demands. And that demand fits our philosophy: making advanced protection accessible.
Is it still legal to use a helmet with 22.05 homologation?
Yes: in Spain you can keep using a helmet with an ECE 22.05 label if it is in good condition. What has been increasingly restricted is the manufacturing and placing on the market of new units under 22.05, while the standard in force for new helmets now points to 22.06.
In plain terms: if your 22.05 helmet isn't worn out through use, knocks or deterioration, it doesn't become illegal overnight. But if you're going to buy a new helmet, the logical choice is ECE 22.06.
International certifications: DOT, SNELL and JIS
When you look at helmets outside Europe, other acronyms appear: DOT, SNELL, JIS… and this is where many people get confused. Not all standards serve the same purpose, nor do they have the same legal standing.
At MT Helmets we sell in many markets, so we work with several systems. For example, there are models that combine homologations, such as some modulars with ECE 22.06 and DOT, and even P/J homologation.
DOT homologation: the standard in the United States
DOT stands for “Department of Transportation” and usually refers to the FMVSS 218 standard, required to sell helmets in the U.S. in many scenarios. It is a legal standard there, but watch out for the European nuance: DOT on its own does not equate to ECE.
In practical terms: DOT tells you that helmet meets the minimum framework required in the U.S., but in Spain what matters for riding is that the helmet has homologation recognised in the European environment (ECE R22: 22.05 or 22.06).
SNELL certification: why is it the favourite in competition?
SNELL is a private (voluntary) certification developed by a non-profit foundation. Its approach has historically been highly valued in competition environments, especially in motorsport, and for years it was a reference in many tests and internal regulations, although it is now increasingly falling out of use.
But it's important to understand the current context: in motorcycle competition, there are now other specific frameworks (for example, FIM in certain championships), and SNELL is neither mandatory for riding nor the European legal standard. It can be a good sign of demanding standards at some events, but it does not replace the homologation you need to ride on the road in Spain.
JIS standard: the demands of the Japanese market
JIS is the Japanese standard. Like many national regulations, it responds to its market, its requirements and its control system. It's not unusual for it to share concepts with other standards (impacts, retention, etc.), but legally it is not interpreted the same way as an ECE in Europe.
If you live in Spain and ride here, the key criterion remains: homologation valid in Europe (ECE). If you travel or buy abroad, it's worth checking the label carefully to avoid confusion.
How do I know if my helmet is homologated?
You don't need to be an engineer here. There's a quick and reliable method: find the interior label and check which standard appears.
In Europe, you'll usually find a label referring to ECE R22 (for example, 22.05 or 22.06), normally accompanied by codes and the country of approval (the famous “E” inside a circle). In many cases you can check this in seconds by lifting the lining or looking at the strap area.
Where to find the certification label on an MT Helmet?
At MT Helmets, the homologation label is usually inside the helmet, in typical areas such as the internal padding or near the retention system/strap. In addition, our manuals remind you that homologation may depend on the country where the helmet is sold, precisely because MT Helmets operates in multiple markets.
Homologation by helmet type: J, P and P/J
This point is especially important if you wear a modular or flip-up helmet with a movable chin bar.
- P: helmet with a protective chin bar (“protective” chin configuration).
- J: jet-type (open-face) helmet, without a protective chin bar.
- P/J: modular helmet homologated to be used legally in both configurations: closed as P and open as J.
Why does it matter? Because a modular shouldn't be assumed valid as a jet just because you can lift the chin bar. The homologation has to cover it. At MT Helmets, for example, there are modular models with P/J homologation in addition to ECE 22.06 (and in some cases DOT), designed for realistic and legal use depending on the configuration.
On the road, the detail is critical: a flip-up helmet is not automatically an open-face helmet homologated in “J” mode unless its certification indicates so.
Homologating vs. certifying: what nobody tells you
In everyday language everything gets mixed up: “certificate”, “certification”, “homologation”… and they don't always mean the same thing.
- Homologation (in the European sense): means meeting a legal standard to ride in a specific region. In Spain, that's usually ECE R22 (22.05 or 22.06). It's what keeps you from being fined and, above all, what ensures you a legal minimum of safety.
- Certification: can be a voluntary standard, or a compliance scheme that does not necessarily equate to legal permission to ride here (e.g. SNELL may be valued in competition, but does not replace ECE in Europe).
The important thing for a rider in Spain is to separate two questions:
- Is this helmet legal to ride here? (ECE homologation)
- Beyond being legal, what level of rigour and safety approach does the brand have? (design, materials, controls, competition experience, etc.)
That's where MT Helmets wants to position itself clearly: we don't just comply with regulations; we work to make advanced safety accessible, with development in Spain and real experience in demanding environments, including competition.
Frequently asked questions about motorcycle helmet certifications
Can I use a DOT-certified helmet in Spain or Europe?
If the helmet only has DOT, it does not meet the European legal requirement by default. In Spain, the standard normally checked is ECE (22.05 or 22.06). DOT can coexist on the same helmet (there are helmets with dual homologation), but DOT on its own does not replace ECE.
Do helmet safety certifications expire?
Homologation as such does not expire by a date on a label as if it were a roadworthiness test. What expires is the helmet through real use: materials that age, linings that lose their fit, EPS that can degrade, and above all knocks or falls.
In our user manuals we insist on two basic ideas: after an impact you must replace the helmet (even if the damage isn't visible) and it's advisable not to keep using it indefinitely over time.
What happens if my helmet doesn't have a visible homologation label?
If you can't locate the label or it's illegible, you're left without the quick way to check homologation. In practical terms, that can cause you problems at a police check, and in safety terms it's a bad sign because you can't verify the real standard.
In those cases, the sensible thing is not to assume it's valid just because it looks that way. A recognised-brand helmet bought through a reliable channel should let you clearly identify its standard.
Does a more expensive helmet have better certifications?
Not necessarily. The price can vary due to materials, finishes, visors, linings, ventilation, accessories or the type of helmet (full-face, modular, open-face, etc.). But the legal certification can be the same.
What matters is that the helmet has the appropriate homologation (in Spain, ECE 22.06 is ideal when buying new) and that the whole is well designed: fit, fastening, stability, vision and chin/chin-bar behaviour on flip-ups, among other points.
At MT Helmets we work precisely on that equation: complying with regulations and offering a high level of safety with competitive value for money.
Is the homologation still valid if I paint or customise my helmet?
Modifying a helmet can compromise its structure and its impact absorption capacity. We explicitly recommend not painting it or applying stickers, precisely to avoid damaging the materials or weakening the whole.
Beyond the legal side, think about the essentials: if you alter the shell or certain components, you can reduce the protection the helmet was designed and tested for. If you want customisation, it's better to opt for original graphics or compatible accessories provided by the brand.
