Sikh helmet exemption

Overview

Sikhs who wear turbans are exempt from:

• the Vehicle Equipment Regulation helmet requirement in the Traffic Safety Act
• the Off-highway Vehicle Regulation helmet requirement in the Traffic Safety Act

This means:

• drivers and passengers who are over 18 and are bona fide members of the Sikh religion who wear a turban can ride a motorcycle without using a helmet
• drivers and passengers who are bona fide members of the Sikh religion who wear a turban can ride an off-highway vehicle without using a helmet

Turbans are an integral part of the Sikh identity. This decision allows them to ride without having to remove their turban.

Alberta is the third jurisdiction in Canada to allow this exemption, alongside British Columbia and Manitoba.

Alberta has the third-highest Sikh population in Canada – 52,335 people, according to the 2011 census.

Resources:

• Traffic Safety Act
• Off-highway vehicle helmet law

News

• Sikhs to be granted helmet exemption (March 29, 2018)