Is Wearing a GoPro on Your Helmet Legally Permitted- A Comprehensive Guide
Is having a GoPro on your helmet illegal? This question has been on the minds of many motorcycle enthusiasts, cyclists, and other sports enthusiasts who use helmets. With the increasing popularity of action sports and the desire to capture every moment, the use of GoPros has become widespread. However, the legality of attaching a GoPro to a helmet varies by country and sometimes even by region. In this article, we will explore the legality of having a GoPro on your helmet and provide some insights into the rules and regulations that govern this practice.
The legality of having a GoPro on your helmet primarily depends on the specific laws and regulations of the country or region in which you are operating. In some places, there are no specific laws regarding the use of GoPros on helmets, while in others, there may be restrictions or outright bans.
In the United States, for example, there are no federal laws that prohibit the use of GoPros on helmets. However, some states have their own regulations that may restrict the use of cameras on helmets. For instance, in New York, it is illegal to use a camera on a helmet if it is being used for the purpose of recording evidence for use in a criminal proceeding. This means that while you can use a GoPro on your helmet in New York, you cannot use it to record footage that could be used as evidence in a legal case.
In the United Kingdom, the law is a bit more straightforward. The Highway Code states that “You must not use a camera, video display unit or similar device while riding a motorcycle or bicycle unless it is securely mounted and does not affect your control of the vehicle.” This means that while you can use a GoPro on your helmet in the UK, it must be securely mounted and not interfere with your ability to control your vehicle.
In Australia, the rules are similar to those in the UK. The Road Safety Act 1986 states that “A person must not use a camera, video display unit or similar device while riding a bicycle or motorcycle unless it is securely mounted and does not affect the person’s control of the bicycle or motorcycle.” Again, this means that you can use a GoPro on your helmet in Australia, as long as it is securely mounted and does not distract you from driving safely.
In many other countries, such as Canada, Germany, and France, there are no specific laws regarding the use of GoPros on helmets. This means that as long as you are not using the camera for illegal purposes, you should be able to use a GoPro on your helmet without any legal issues.
It is important to note that while the use of GoPros on helmets may be legal in many places, there are still some concerns that arise from their use. For instance, some argue that having a camera on your helmet can be distracting and may lead to accidents. Additionally, there are concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse of the footage captured by these devices.
In conclusion, the legality of having a GoPro on your helmet varies by country and sometimes even by region. While there are no federal laws in the United States that prohibit the use of GoPros on helmets, some states have their own regulations. In the UK, Australia, and other countries, the rules are similar, with the requirement that the camera be securely mounted and not interfere with your ability to control your vehicle. It is important to be aware of the specific laws and regulations in your area before using a GoPro on your helmet.
