Mandatory Motorcycle Gear in France: The 2026 List

Motorcycle gear regulations evolve regularly. In 2026, here's what's mandatory in France, what's strongly recommended, and the fines involved. A clear summary so you don't forget anything.

Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Mandatory Gear

1. Approved Helmet — MANDATORY

The helmet must carry ECE approval (green label inside). Since 2024, the current standard is ECE 22.06 (replaces 22.05).

Fine: 135 EUR (3rd class) + vehicle immobilization + 3 points

Tip: invest at least 200-300 EUR in a helmet. A Shoei, Arai, AGV or HJC in this range offers incomparable protection and comfort compared to a 50 EUR helmet.

2. CE-Certified Gloves — MANDATORY

Since January 2016, wearing CE-certified gloves is mandatory for both rider and passenger.

Fine: 68 EUR (4th class) + 1 point

Tip: quality CE-certified gloves cost between 40 and 100 EUR. Make sure they have knuckle and palm reinforcements.

3. High-Visibility Vest — MANDATORY (carried)

A yellow or orange vest (EN 20471 or EN 1150) must be carried (not worn) and accessible for emergency stops.

Fine: 11 EUR (1st class) — rarely enforced but better to have it.

4. Reflective Stickers — MANDATORY (helmet)

The helmet must have 4 reflective stickers (supplied with approved helmets) on the sides, front and back.

Fine: 68 EUR (4th class)

Recommended Gear (not mandatory)

5. CE-Rated Jacket Not legally required but vital. A jacket with CE protectors at elbows, shoulders and back protects in a 50 km/h fall.

6. Motorcycle Boots Protects ankles, shins and feet. CE-certified motorcycle boots cost 80-250 EUR.

7. Back Protector The back protector built into jackets is often thin and insufficient. A separate CE level 2 back protector (30-80 EUR) drastically improves dorsal protection.

8. Reinforced Pants Aramid-reinforced jeans (Kevlar) with CE knee/hip protectors: 100-250 EUR. Regular jeans disintegrate in 0.5 seconds of sliding on tarmac.

Full Gear Budget

My golden rule: gear is your physical insurance. Put at least 30% of the bike budget into gear. On a 5,000 EUR bike, that's 1,500 EUR of gear — enough to be well protected.

On L'Atelier, we help with the mechanical side of your bike. For gear, visit a specialist and try everything on in store — the best helmet in the world is useless if it doesn't fit your head.