Helmet removal in shops and the law?

EVH said:
Question: do people with flip-up face helmets get away with just opening the face in shops? Always wondered if they’re more convenient than full face helmets.
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Depends on the shop. I think more flip-fronts 'get away' with it, although I still always remove mine.
I do find them more convenient to begin with, especially faffing with glasses. You do need to find one that fits well, though.
 
I have always taken mine off - in the summer, or winter, as it's quite nice to have a break from it - I also think that leaving on a full face helmet; when paying in shop, is pretty rude. In over 10 years of riding, it's never been an issue for me personally - other than impatient car drivers who beep and creep as you're putting your kit back on (I wear glasses too).

The whole argument about "why should I take this off, when such and such is covering their face with a veil etc" is an interesting one - on face value, you would think that it should be the same rule for both; but that's not the case, as one is worn for personal safety, and the other is a religious garment (to a degree).
 
For me filling up is always an opportunity to chill out for a minute or so, let my face get a bit of fresh air and relax, then carry on. Only when I delivered pizzas as a teenager did I keep it on during petrol stops.
 
I leave mine on in petrol stations - haven't been asked to take it off for years. I've also been on a good run at the Channel border control who haven't asked me to take it off for the last few trips.
 
Depends on the pumps, most of the time I do pay at pumps so leave all my gear on, just remove a glove to get debit card out. If I go into the shop I always remove my lid.

@The_Abyss - I've always been asked to remove my lid at the Channel border control, usually when returning from a trip, going out they don't bother.
 
The_Abyss said:
I leave mine on in petrol stations - haven't been asked to take it off for years. I've also been on a good run at the Channel border control who haven't asked me to take it off for the last few trips.
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But you've one of those flip up helmets, don't you? No wonder why they didn't ask you to take it off :p
 
When I worked in a filling station years ago, most people would automatically remove their helmets.

For me as a cashier, if it was someone I didn't recognise I'd motion them to remove it before filling. If it was someone I knew (and in a filling station in a small village, this is the vast majority of customers) then I would not.

Plus you get a feel for things.
Scruffy looking oik on a knackered scooter with L Plates? Lid off mate.
Group of riders on classic Nortons and BSAs? Carry on as you are.

I wouldn't ever be surprised if someone to take my helmet off and I'm not convinced it's something that needs to be entrenched in law. Why bring religion into it?
 
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