If you’re a motorsport competitor, keeping up-to-date with the latest homologation and safety requirements is critical for your protection and for ensuring you remain eligible for sanctioned events. The FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) and Motorsport UK are the primary governing bodies that set these standards for a wide range of motorsports disciplines. Let’s break down the key things you need to know:
What is Homologation?
Homologation is the process of meticulously testing and certifying that safety equipment – including race suits, helmets, seats, harnesses, and more – meets the stringent standards set by the FIA or Motorsport UK. Homologated equipment carries a special label signifying it’s suitable for use in sanctioned competitions.
Why Do Standards and Validity Periods Change?
Motorsport safety is continually evolving. Research and development lead to improvements in materials, designs, and manufacturing processes for safety gear. To ensure drivers benefit from the latest safety advancements, governing bodies introduce new standards and place expiry dates on older homologations.
Key Standards You Need To Know
- Race Suits, Gloves & Boots: The current standard for most FIA events is FIA 8856-2018. This standard offers improved fire resistance and heat transmission protection compared to the older FIA 8856-2000.
- Helmets: Several standards are currently accepted by the FIA, including:
- FIA 8859-2015 (minimum standard)
- FIA 8860-2018 or FIA 8860-2010
- Snell SA2020, Snell SA2015
- Seats: FIA 8855-1999 and FIA 8862-2009 are widely accepted, although some disciplines might have specific requirements.
- Harnesses: FIA 8853-2016 is the most up-to-date standard
- HANS Device: If the HANS device comes with a SFI certification sticker, there is no expiry date.
Expiry Dates: When Do I Need to Upgrade?
- FIA Events: FIA homologated equipment has a 10-year lifespan from the date of manufacture. You can find the expiry year on the FIA label.
- Motorsport UK Events: Motorsport UK has slightly greater leniency, sometimes permitting the continued use of equipment even after its FIA homologation expires. Be sure to check the specific regulations for your discipline on the Motorsport UK website (https://www.motorsportuk.org/).
Race and Rally Helmets Expiration Dates
| Homologation (s) | FIA Sanctioned Events | Motorsport UK Sanctioned Events |
| 8860-2018 | 8860-2018-ABP | ✅ No expiry date | ✅ No expiry date |
| 8860-2010 | ✅ Not valid after 2028 | ✅ Not valid after 2028 |
| 8859-2015 | ✅ No expiry date | ✅ No expiry date |
| 8859-2015 + SA2015 | ✅ No expiry date | ✅ No expiry date |
| 8859-2015 + SA2020 | ✅ No expiry date | ✅ No expiry date |
| 8860-2010 + SA2010 | ✅ Not valid after 2028 | ✅ Not valid after 2028 |
| 8858-2010 + SA2010 | ❌ Not valid after 2023 | ❌ Not valid after 2023 |
| SAH2010 | ❌ Not valid after 2023 | ❌ Not valid after 2023 |
| SA2015 | ❌ Not valid after 2023 | ✅ Not valid after 2026 |
Some helmets contain either a FIA or Snell sticker, or in some cases, they will contain both. The Snell sticker is orange and the FIA sticker is white. The stickers can usually be located inside the helmet underneath the padding.
Race Suit, Gloves & Boots Expiration Dates
| Homologation | Expiry Date |
| FIA 8856-2018 | ✅ 10 years from date of manufacture (expiry date can be found on stamp) |
| FIA 8856-2000 | ✅ 10 years from date of manufacture to a maximum of 1st January, 2029 (after this date, this homologation will not be valid) |
| No FIA hologram | ❌ Not valid after 2023 |
The introduction of the FIA 8856-2018 homologation marked a significant shift in race wear standards. One notable addition is the inclusion of an expiry date on the FIA label. This means that for the first time, race suits have a designated lifespan for optimal fire resistance and heat protection.
Does this apply to me?
- FIA Events: If you participate in FIA-sanctioned competitions, your race suit must be within the 10-year validity period from the date of manufacture.
- Motorsport UK Events: While not yet mandatory, Motorsport UK might eventually follow suit. It’s recommended to check their specific regulations for your discipline.
What about older homologation standards?
FIA 8856-2000: For UK-based competitors, race wear with the older FIA 8856-2000 standard remains valid for use in Motorsport UK events until January 1st, 2029. However, it’s important to remember that these suits may not offer the same level of protection as the newer standard.
Planning for the future:
- New race wear: As of January 1st, 2022, all new race wear must be manufactured to the FIA 8856-2018 standard, which inherently comes with a 10-year expiry date.
- Checking the label: Look for the “not valid after” date on the FIA label of your race suit. This will help you plan for an upgrade well before it becomes non-compliant.
What if my race wear doesn’t have an FIA hologram?
The FIA hologram was introduced in 2013 as a proof of compliance with current homologation standards. If your race wear predates 2013 and lacks an FIA hologram, it likely falls under the older FIA 8856-2000 standard. Here’s what you need to know:
Validity for FIA Events:
- Overalls: These can no longer be used in FIA events after December 31st, 2022.
- Undergarments, Gloves, Balaclavas, and Shoes: These had a slightly longer grace period, remaining valid for FIA events until December 31st, 2023.
- Socks: These are exempt as their labelling hasn’t changed.
For continued participation in FIA events after the aforementioned deadlines, it’s imperative to upgrade to race wear featuring the current FIA homologation and hologram.
Motorsport UK Events:
While the above applies to FIA events, Motorsport UK regulations might differ. It’s crucial to consult their guidance for your specific discipline to confirm the validity of your non-hologram equipment in UK national events.
Staying Ahead of the Curve
While it might feel like an added expense to stay on top of the latest safety developments, it’s an absolute investment in your well-being. Don’t wait until the last minute to upgrade your equipment. Stay informed, plan ahead, and always prioritise safety on the track.
Whether you’re looking to comply with the latest safety standards or simply feel the need for a fresh set of gear, Tegiwa.com has you covered. We offer a massive range of top-quality race wear from leading brands like Arai, Bell, Stilo, OMP, and RRS. Upgrade your safety setup with our selection of helmets, race suits, gloves, balaclavas, and much more.
