Airbag systems to become compulsory in MXGP from 2028

The FIM has announced a significant change to rider safety regulations, with airbag systems set to become compulsory in the MXGP, MX2 and Women’s Motocross World Championships, as well as the Motocross of Nations, from 2028.

Following a decision by the Motocross Permanent Bureau, comprising FIM President Jorge Viegas and Infront Moto Racing President and CEO David Luongo, the use of a functional airbag system will first become highly recommended from 2027, before becoming mandatory from 2028.

The new regulation will apply during all on-track activity, with riders required to wear an approved system that is correctly fastened and operational.

The official announcement from the Motocross Permanent Bureau reads:

Official Announcement

The Motocross Permanent Bureau composed of Messrs. Jorge Viegas (FIM President) and David Luongo (Infront Moto Racing President and CEO) made the following decision:

01.65 EQUIPMENT AND PROTECTIVE CLOTHING DURING PRACTICE AND RACE

65.01 Clothing and protectors

For FIM MXGP/MX2/Women’s World Championships and FIM Motocross of Nations:

from 2027: the use of a functional/operational airbag system is highly recommended
from 2028: the use of a functional/operational airbag system is compulsory

The airbag system must be either:

a FIM Homologated Airbag Off-road (FRHPab-01)*; or
one of the Airbag systems declared compliant with FIM Category 3 (Motocross).

The equipment must be worn, correctly fastened, at all times during on-track activity (the airbag must be functional/operational at least at the start of each track session).

The decision of the FIM Technical Director is final in matters of rider equipment.

The move represents a major change to protective equipment requirements at the highest level of motocross, giving riders and teams the 2027 season to adapt before airbags become compulsory the following year.

With the regulation covering MXGP, MX2, the Women’s World Championship and the Motocross of Nations, airbag technology is set to become a standard part of a Grand Prix rider’s race equipment from the beginning of the 2028 season.

Feature Image courtesy of Yamaha MXGP