Motorcycle equipmentAustria

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Austria. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


86. Motorcycle equipment

Motorcycle equipment includes the protective equipment used by the rider and passenger and the safety equipment fitted to the motorcycle. Rider equipment commonly includes a helmet, protective clothing, gloves, boots and eye protection, while the motorcycle itself requires equipment such as lights, brakes, mirrors, tyres and signalling devices according to local law.

The equipment that is legally required varies between countries and motorcycle categories. Riders should ensure that both their protective equipment and motorcycle are suitable, correctly used and in safe condition before travelling.

Motorcycle equipment
Barry Sheene's racing helmet, leathers and Suzuki motorcycle on display at the Silverstone Experience Centre. (United Kingdom)
Wikimedia.org • 35mmMan • CC BY
What equipment should a motorcyclist use?

Motorcyclists should use appropriate protective equipment, commonly including a helmet, gloves, protective jacket and trousers, and footwear that protects the feet and ankles.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 83–88, helmets and protective clothing; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 59, cycle equipment; national guidance example

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Articles 2 and 36, moped/speed-pedelec helmets; Belgian example

🔗 chp.ca.gov • California Highway Patrol, motorcycle safety and helmets; California example

Is a motorcycle helmet compulsory?

Helmet requirements depend on local law, although approved motorcycle helmets are compulsory in many countries. The helmet should fit correctly and be used in a way that preserves its protective function.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 83–88, helmets and protective clothing; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 59, cycle equipment; national guidance example

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Articles 2 and 36, moped/speed-pedelec helmets; Belgian example

🔗 chp.ca.gov • California Highway Patrol, motorcycle safety and helmets; California example

Why should motorcyclists wear gloves?

Use suitable motorcycle gloves as part of your protective equipment. They can help protect the hands while allowing a secure grip and operation of the controls. Protection depends on the glove’s design, condition and fit; ordinary gloves are not automatically equivalent to protective riding gloves.

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rules 83–88, helmets and protective clothing; national guidance example

🔗 gov.uk • Great Britain Highway Code, Rule 59, cycle equipment; national guidance example

🔗 wegcode.be • Belgium, Royal Decree of 1 December 1975, Articles 2 and 36, moped/speed-pedelec helmets; Belgian example

🔗 chp.ca.gov • California Highway Patrol, motorcycle safety and helmets; California example

1 Austria 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Tunnel 11 Cycling street 12 Pedestrian zone 13 One-way traffic 14 Quay 15 Slope 16 Bus lane 17 Bus stop 18 Dead end 19 Stop sign 20 Give way 21 Roundabout 22 Priority road 23 Give way to oncoming traffic 24 Railway crossing 25 Mandatory direction 26 Turn prohibition 27 School area 28 Overtaking 29 Crossing animals 30 Wrong-way driving 31 Roadworks 32 Height limit 33 Width limit 34 Weight limit 35 Priority at the next junction 36 Traffic lights 37 Pedestrian lights 38 Speed feedback 39 Driving licence 40 Location marker 41 Traffic mirror 42 Emergency telephone 43 International border 44 Cycling route 45 Parking 46 No parking 47 No stopping 48 Disabled parking 49 Reversing 50 Uncontrolled crossroad 51 Road surface 52 Provisional licence 53 Runaway truck ramp 54 City limit 55 Cyclist crossing 56 Horn 57 Licence plate 58 Charging station 59 Dangers 60 Cyclist 61 Bus 62 Police 63 Ambulance 64 Police signals 65 European emission standard 66 Pothole 67 Private property 68 Path 69 Particulates 70 Air pollution 71 Rush hour 72 Road code 73 Street gutter 74 Cargo bike 75 Forestry vehicle 76 Construction vehicle 77 Semi-trailer truck 78 Trolleybus 79 Speed pedelec 80 Delivery vehicle 81 Idling 82 Tow truck 83 Four-wheel drive 84 No vehicles 85 Bicycle 86 Motorcycle equipment 87 Tram 88 Rail track 89 Caravan 90 Trailer 91 Tow hitch 92 Fire truck 93 Siren 94 Convoy 95 Emergency vehicle lighting 96 Agricultural machinery 97 Electric bicycle 98 Electric vehicle 99 Pedelec 100 Quadricycle ...