What is the 5 Year Rule And When Should Your Replace Your Lid?

Motorbike Helmet Safety

Whether you ride a 125 or a litre bike, your motorbike helmet is your most important piece of gear. It’s not just a legal requirement in the UK, it’s your first and last line of defence.

But one question many UK bikers ask is:
“How long does a motorbike helmet last?”
Let’s break down the 5-year rule, why it exists, and how to know when it’s time to replace your lid.

caberg avalon x track blue red and yellow full face motorbike helmet sitting on a bike with a spotlight

What Is the 5-Year Rule for Motorbike Helmets?

The 5-year rule is a widely accepted guideline in the motorcycle world, even among top manufacturers. It states that you should replace your motorbike helmet every five years, regardless of whether it’s been in a crash or not.

Why Five Years?

Over time, the materials inside your helmet, especially the EPS foam liner and interior padding, degrade due to:

  • UV exposure
  • Sweat and oils from your skin
  • Heat and humidity
  • General wear and tear
  • Environmental factors like fuel fumes and dust

Even if your full face helmet, flip-up, or open face motorbike helmet still looks pristine, its ability to protect you may be compromised.

Do I Have to Replace My Helmet After 5 Years?

There’s no UK law that says you must replace your helmet every five years. But the British Safety Institute (BSI), SHARP safety rating programme, and most major helmet brands (like Caberg) all support the rule.

Helmets are safety equipment, not a fashion statement. When in doubt, replace your motorbike helmet.

Is a 10-Year-Old Motorbike Helmet Still Safe?

Short answer: No.
If your helmet is a decade old, even if it’s never been dropped, its protective materials are well past their prime. You’re risking serious injury in the event of a crash.

back of biker wearing matt military green open face motorbike helmet

How Do I Know If I Need to Replace My Lid?

Here are 7 clear signs it’s time to replace your motorbike helmet:

  • It’s over 5 years old (check the date of manufacture inside the helmet)
  • It’s been involved in a crash, even a minor one
  • The chin strap is frayed or loose
  • The inner foam liner feels compressed or worn
  • The visor mechanism no longer works properly
  • You notice any cracks, dents, or loose parts
  • It no longer fits snugly
biker wearing flip up motorbike helmet in stone grey by caberg with clear visor and integrated sun visor

UK Helmet Law: What’s Required?

In the UK, it's illegal to ride a motorcycle without wearing a helmet that meets British safety standards.

Legal Helmet Standards in the UK:

  • BS 6658:1985 with BSI Kitemark
  • UNECE Regulation 22.05 or 22.06 (European standard, fully legal in UK)
  • SHARP-rated helmets (recommended for extra safety insight)

That means no novelty lids, no fake DOT-only imports, and no excuses when it comes to your motorbike helmet.

Don’t Gamble with Your Lid

As UK bikers, we all love a good ride, twisties in Wales, the Lake District loops, or city commutes. But no road trip is worth your life.

If your motorbike helmet is pushing five years or showing any signs of damage, it’s time to upgrade your lid.

At Caberg Helmets UK, we stock a full range of ECE-approved, 22.06 Regulated, and road-ready motorbike helmets, from flip-up to full face and open face helmets for every kind of biker.