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Helmets are vital for your safety when racing, and knowing the different helmet standards is crucial when selecting or upgrading your gear.
In this article, we explore FIA and Snell helmet standards in detail, covering their specifications, applications, and expiration dates. This will equip you with the knowledge needed to ensure your head is well-protected during races.
The FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) and the Snell Memorial Foundation are the leading organizations setting helmet safety standards. Their rigorous testing processes ensure helmets provide adequate protection in accidents.
Evolution of FIA Helmet Homologation Standards
In its early years, the FIA relied on established helmet standards from around the world, with British Standards being particularly popular. However, British Standards are now obsolete in motorsport. Snell standards have remained relevant, with updates every five years, but the FIA is increasingly developing its own rigorous safety standards. These standards are the only ones recognized in Europe for racing and rallying, though some are also applicable in karting.
The FIA began with the FIA 8860-2004 standard, introduced alongside Snell’s SA2005. In 2010, they launched the FIA 8858-2010, their minimum standard, and the upgraded FIA 8860-2010, which featured improvements like stronger shell areas for HANS post mounting and an integrated alloy fixation point.
Recently, the FIA introduced the FIA 8859-2015 as the new minimum standard in Europe, and the FIA 8860-2018 as the international standard. Additionally, the FIA 8860-2018 ABP standard was established, offering advanced ballistic protection for full-face helmets used in F1 and other open-top racing cars, eliminating the need for a Zylon strip.
Meeting these standards is challenging. Helmet manufacturers must submit every size variant to specific test houses to pass the stringent requirements, particularly for larger sizes. The rigorous testing ensures these are the only standards recognized in Europe and internationally, exceeding the safety requirements of Snell tests.
Helmets certified under the latest FIA standards feature a holographic sticker on the FIA homologation label, usually located behind the inner lining. This tamper-proof sticker is crucial; if damaged or removed, the helmet will not be eligible for use in sanctioned events.
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How do you check your helmet's standard?
As of October 2023, here’s how to check your helmet’s standard: Look inside the helmet around the crown lining, where the approval sticker is usually located. Some helmets meet both FIA and Snell standards, with the FIA standard being more authoritative in international and national motorsport.
FIA Standards
The FIA 8859-2015 standard is widely used in motorsports requiring HANS/FHR devices and has no expiration date. This is known as the ‘Premium Helmet’ approval.
For higher protection levels, the FIA 8860-2018 and 8860-2018ABP (Advanced Ballistic Protection) standards are the most stringent, offering superior impact energy absorption and resistance to penetration. These are mandatory in Formula 1, F2, F3, and Formula E due to the open cockpit nature of these competitions. While not required for WRC and WEC, the 8860-2018 standard must be used. Note that the 8860-2010 standard, expiring at the end of 2028, is not valid for certain disciplines.Â
Current Helmet Standards and Validity
Below is a summary of current helmet standards and their validity in international motorsport:
| Standard | Validity | FHR Compatible | Non-FHR Compatible |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIA 8860-2018 | No Expiry | Yes | Yes |
| FIA 8860-2018 ABP | No Expiry | Yes | Yes |
| FIA 8860-2010 | Not Valid After 31.12.2028 | Yes | Yes |
| FIA 8860-2010 & Snell SA2010 | Not Valid After 31.12.2028 | Yes | Yes |
| FIA 8859-2015 | No Expiry | Yes | Yes |
| Snell SA2020 & FIA 8859-2015 | No Expiry | Yes | Yes |
| Snell SA2015 & FIA 8859-2015 | No Expiry | Yes | Yes |
| Snell SA2010 & FIA 8858-2002 | Not Valid After 31.12.2023 | Yes | Yes |
| Snell SA2010 & FIA 8858-2010 | Not Valid After 31.12.2023 | Yes | Yes |
| Snell SAH2010 & FIA 8858-2010 | Not Valid After 31.12.2023 | Yes | Yes |
| Snell SA2010 | Not Valid After 31.12.2023 | No | Yes |
| Snell SAH 2010 | Not Valid After 31.12.2023 | No | Yes |
| Snell SA2015 | Not Valid After 31.12.2023 | No | Yes |
| FIA 8860-2004 | Not Valid After 31.12.2020 | Yes | Yes |
Helmets with Snell SA2005 standards or older are now obsolete for international and national motorsport. Similarly, SFI and British standards have expired and are no longer acceptable for competition.
Karting Homologation
n European karting competitions, Snell karting homologations are recognized and essential. These standards, issued by the Snell Memorial Foundation, include Snell CMR2016, Snell K2015, and the more recent Snell K2020. These homologations are exclusive to karting helmets and are not permitted in other motorsport or rally series.
Snell CMR2016
The CMR2016 standard is designed specifically for junior kart racers under 16 years of age. It focuses on minimizing rotational mass in accidents by setting weight limits for helmets: a maximum of 1250 grams for size 54/55 and 1300 grams for size 57/59. An important requirement for CMR2016 homologation is that any attached items (e.g., rear spoilers) over 7mm must be easily attachable. As with all helmets, the homologation labels must be clear and intact. Snell CMR2016 is the current standard for junior karting helmets.
Snell K2020
The K2020 standard is the latest for adult karting helmets, modeled after the Snell SA standard but tailored for karting. Unlike in racing and rallying, karting helmets do not require HANS posts or fireproof linings. The visual aperture of a K2020 helmet can be smaller than those homologated to SA standards, though manufacturers are unlikely to alter the shell design due to development costs. The Snell K2015 was the first adult karting standard, now replaced by K2020.
Full-face helmets homologated to FIA 8859-2015, FIA 8860-2010, FIA 8860-2018, and the ABP model are also eligible for use in karting events.
The Snell K2015 was the initial standard for adult karting helmets, now superseded by the K2020 standard.
For karting, the following standards are also applicable, provided they have not expired:
| Standard | Validity |
|---|---|
| Snell-FIA CMR2016 | No Expiry |
| Snell-FIA K2015 | No Expiry |
| Snell K2020 | No Expiry |
| Snell-FIA CMS2016 | No Expiry |
| Snell-FIA CMR2007 | No Expiry |
| Snell-K2010 | Not Valid After 31.12.2023 |
Need help choosing your Helmet?
Navigating the various regulations and standards for helmets can be confusing. Start by identifying the type of events you will be participating in, as this will help narrow down your options. Then, consult with your event organizer to understand the specific helmet standards required, as they can vary. Generally, a helmet meeting the FIA 8859-2015 standard will be sufficient for most national motorsport events. However, for FIA-sanctioned series at the highest levels of motorsport, the more stringent FIA 8860 standard may be required.
Check out our Helmet Buying Guide for more details
Our Helmet Exchange Program
Here at GPR you can buy with confidence: not sure if you are purchasing the correct size of helmet? GPR will collect, exchange and redeliver your helmet for free, on all homologated Race, Rally & Kart helmets. From any UK mainland address.
Our website offers detailed size guides based on Brands that will provide you with all the details you need to measure and identify your correct helmet size.
Want to try before you buy?
Visit the GPR showroom at Silverstone – The Home of British Motorsport to take advantage of our professional fitting advise – our showroom is open Monday to Sunday during the racing season, for detailed opening hours please see our website.
Check out our full range of helmets here at GPR
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