Motorcycle Visors?

Question

Can anybody tell me what the law is on motorcycle visors ?
I want to replace my clear visor with a black or darker one, but am unsure if this breaks the law ?
Thanks People.

Answer 1

As another biker, this is an area of motoring law that makes me grind my teeth.

Visor Law for motorcyclists in the UK -- quoted from the RMI Motorcycle Rider Training Association (for link, see below).

A visor (or goggles) aren't a legal requirement but if you do have them, then the law applies. Legally:

1) It must be an approved visor / goggle It'll either have a BS4110 mark or the new EC Regulation 22 type 05 mark.

2) A 50% tint is the darkest you're allowed by law and even then it will be marked "for daylight use only". Dark, mirrored etc. visors are illegal, wear sunglasses instead.

Here's a really good article (in the Telegraph, of all places), by biker Frank Melling from January that takes apart the legal argument against dark visors:
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/motoring/main.jhtml?view=DETAILS&grid=A1YourView&xml=/motoring/2007/01/06/mftint06.xml

Answer 2

If you look at motorcycle helmets for sale in your area, you'll get a better idea. I've seen mirrored visors, dark visors, slightly tinted visors, etc. In the states, as long as it's DOT approved, it's legal. Before you buy it though, make sure that you have the chance to test it out at night...or take it in the bathroom of the place your purchasing it, and turn off the lights. It helps with the sun during the day, but a dark visor will seriously limit your vision at night. I'd say be safe, keep the clear visor and get sunglasses to wear under it. I do.

Answer 3

It's going to vary state by state but I dont think it's illegal to have a tinted visor. Tinted glass on cars is illegal because police cant see what your doing inside and it hinders night vision.
It's not illegal to wear sun glasses when you drive, so why should it be illegal for you to wear a tinted visor. It's actually much safer on those really bright days where it's hard to see. I wouldnt wear it at night though. I've been riding for a while and I've never heard of anyone getting pulled over for a tinted or mirrored visor. I wear a tinted visor all the time (except at night)

Answer 4

Depends on you local laws. Here in Virginia, you could paint your visor black and no one would care. (be hard to see though) Check your state's DMV website, and you'll be able to find it. I'm pretty sure it won't matter, because nationally, the only standing regulations with regard to helmets and visors is that they be DOT approved.

Regardless of law, be sure not to go too dark. I've been caught out after sundown with a dark visor on some of my favorite twisty backroads (no street lights) and ended up riding with it up just to be able to see.

Hope this helps. Ride hard, ride smart.

Answer 5

daylight use only buy a caberg they have an internal dark visor also doing other colours now including iridium,

ps the dark visor laws also include your pillion, the law is an ***, at times

Answer 6

In the UK it is illegal to have a dark visor at night. During the day it's fine...

Answer 7

wear a pair of shades underneath the visor. thats what i do. no on the spot fines from cops.

Answer 8

Who cares get a fast enough bike and it wont matter...just kidding.

The law around here is no dark shields at night.

I run a dark shield all the time and have never had a problem.
results may very depending on where you are.

Answer 9

you can swap it with a gradent tint but no more than 30% & its a on the spot fine if u go more i no trust me cuz its my job

Answer 10

If it says "Daylight use only", you're not supposed to wear it at night. Otherwise it's OK.