The Government of Saskatchewan announced Friday that Vehicle Equipment Regulations have been amended to give the Minister Responsible for SGI the authority to grant a temporary exemption for members of the Sikh religion which would mean they don’t have to wear a motorcycle helmet.

The temporary exemption means it is only applicable to those who are participating in special events like charity rides.

All exemptions would have to be approved by the Minister Responsible for SGI and would be limited to members of the Sikh religion.

Saskatchewan law requires all motorcyclists to wear helmets when operating a motorcycle on public roads however Sikhs wear a turban as an expression of their faith and are unable to wear helmets.

Don Morgan says, “While we have no plans to introduce a blanket exemption to motorcycle helmet laws, our government sees this provision for temporary exemptions as a fair compromise that will enable future charity fundraisers to proceed.”

Any exemption granted would not apply to passengers, or riders who are still learners, or in their home province’s graduated driver licensing program.