Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Three Wheeler & Super 3 Helmets - the legal position

I have to say, I'm not at all sure the article in the November issue of Miscellany about 3 Wheel Drive is correct, even allowing for the fact that they are a commercial operation whose driving instructors include police instructors.

The bit that caught my interest was the statement, that "the wearing of a helmet removes the need to wear a seat belt, lack of a helmet requires a seat belt".

I know legally officialdom does not seem to know its bottom from its elbow, but this surprises me. I'd not rely on it unless very thoroughly checked out and would point out, some of the helmets in the earlier thread do not meet the standards for motorcycle use - which presumably, if this is correct, would need to be met.

Even if this is correct in the UK, even elsewhere in Europe could well be a different situation.

It's an interesting article in other ways too, the fact a lot of new drivers adopt the wrong road position with the drivers side front wheel too far over to the other side of the road due to the width. I've never felt the urge to mis-position the vintage one, which is of course, narrower. One does wonder though if that means a driver of a wrong hand drive car is prone to the same error. Eek!

Eye protection is a requirement also. I am not entirely convinced that those little aero screens can be classed as eye protection.

Just thought I'd mention it....I haven't been following any earlier discussions.

Helmets aren't a legal necessity in an M3W in the UK. Helmet law simply refers to "Motor bicycles" only, and despite differing UK departments being unsure as to exactly WHAT the beast is, it sure as eggs is eggs isn't a two wheeler!!

If there's no legal requirement for helmets, you can wear whatever you wish however you wish, providing it satisfies the fashion police..

I thought eye protection was advised, not compulsory, even on a motorbike.

Again the Northern Ireland official government web site below is rather better than the UK one. Helmets are a must and a visor or goggles are a should.

Helmets and protective clothing for motorcyclists

I think that when inside a M3W a helmet isn't essential and on normal roads I'd just wear goggles, but on A roads and motorway speed roads I'd wear a helmet with full face visor and probably a bike jacket with good arm protection. The right arm/shoulder is somewhat exposed!

My concern would be the stuff that gets thrown up by passing trucks and vans, more than anything. A wheelnut or stone at 80 mph is a lethal object.

I think eye protection should be worn, I've wiped alot of dead flies etc. off of my goggles and now we have the delight of Autumn leaves hitting the face

When I did the 3W course I was told about the helmet versus seatbelt, although you have to wear both on the course for insurance and the helmets are required for clear voice instruction, rather than shouting loudly over the exhaust noise.

I'd like to think that as they are ex-police officers / instructors and that they are running a commercial venture that they'd know the correct legal point on the helmet or seatbelt subject

I may be wrong, but I think helmet (without Hans device) AND seatbelt are a lethal combination. I remember reading about it regarding that motorcycle by BMW that came with roof and seatbelt, and in some countries that meant a legal problem because BMW didn't want people getting killed with their necks broken by the weight of the helmet.

I'm talking about this BMW motorcycle:




EDIT - I just checked wikipedia and it says the UK authorities refused to allow the use of this vehicle without helmet so I guess things are a bit different in the UK. Still ... one more question to ask to the portuguese dealer if/when I make up my mind about ordering a M3W.

If you have a big enough accident what you really need is a hyperspace button on the dashboard.

I've had one fitted so my wife thinks it's safe to take my son out in the car. The hyperspace button is very effective and I have now visited lots of pubs throughout the galaxy thanks to its unpredictable navigation.

Yes I would too, but the sad fact is, the police do get it wrong. I was cited for a construction and use offence in the 4/4, but another and wiser policeman told his colleague to forget it as no offence was being committed. He'd have looked an idiot in court (doubt the CPS would follow through anyway nowadays).

Three wheeler law is complicated, poorly laid out, and recent meddling by the EC have made matters worse.

Have a quick check on the cover of a British passport. It clearly says United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. That makes NornIron very much part of UK.