VietNamNet Bridge – Helmets without any quality endorsement will not be allowed in traffic, as of November 15, said the Vietnam Ministry of Science and Technology.

A helmet shop in Ho Chi Minh City. (File Photo)

The new standard, which has a new CR symbol stamp, will be applied to traffic rules as of November 15. However, helmets with an old stamp of CS are still allowed to be used, said officials from the agency.

Director of Quality and Measure Center No.3, Tran Van Dung, said that helmets produced after 15 November will be registered by the new stamp.

Many helmets available on the market are reported to not be qualified for motorists. A test by Vietnam Standard and Consumer Association last April found that over 76 percent of helmets sold in Ho Chi Minh City did not meet safety standards. The new standard might be one effort to bring the helmet business in the country under control.

Vietnam required motorists to wear helmets in traffic as of December of last year.

Mai Loan