The FIM and Infront Moto Racing, the sanctioning body and organizer of the FIM Motocross World Championship, released a new safety rule at a press meeting held ahead of the MXGP of Türkiye. They announced that airbag systems integrated into chest and back protection will be “highly recommended” for the 2027 season and mandatory for 2028.
The new rule states that 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 an FIM Homologated Airbag Off-road (FRHPab-01) or an airbag system declared compliant with FIM Category 3 (Motocross).
The rule goes on to state that “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.”
One of the more famous instances of a motocross racer wearing and apparently benefiting from an airbag, in this case the Alpinestars Tech-Air MX System, was Justin Barcia’s severe get-off at the Anaheim I Supercross in January. Although Barcia was injured in the crash that recorded a peak force of 27.6 Gs, he said it could’ve been much worse if he hadn’t been wearing it. “Yes, it absolutely did its job,” he said.
