If you’ve been looking for a modular helmet, you’ve probably come across the letters P and P/J in the technical specifications without anyone having properly explained what they mean. In this article we clear it up — because the difference between the two homologations directly affects how you can legally use the helmet.
What is homologation in a motorcycle helmet
All motorcycle helmets sold legally in Spain and the European Union must comply with the ECE 22.06 standard — Europe’s most demanding safety regulation. This standard defines the impact, resistance and field of vision tests that a helmet must pass before it can be sold.
Within ECE 22.06, however, modular helmets have a particular characteristic: they can be approved in two different ways depending on how the chin guard is used. That is where the letters P and J come in.
What P means in the homologation
P stands for “Protective”. A helmet with ECE 22.06 P homologation is certified for riding with the chin guard closed. It is the standard homologation for most modular helmets on the market.
What does this mean in practice? You can open the chin guard at stops, at traffic lights or to get some air — but if you ride with it open while moving, you are technically outside the homologation. The helmet has not been certified to protect you in an impact with the chin guard raised.
What J means in the homologation
J stands for “Jet”. A helmet with ECE 22.06 J homologation is certified for riding with the chin guard open — that is, it functions legally as a jet helmet when the chin guard is raised.
The combination P/J — also known as dual homologation — means the helmet is certified in both positions: closed like a full-face and open like a jet. You can ride legally either way, on any type of road.
The practical difference between P and P/J
In everyday use, the difference is more significant than it might appear:
| P homologation | P/J homologation | |
|---|---|---|
| Riding with chin guard closed | ✓ Legal | ✓ Legal |
| Riding with chin guard open | ✗ Not legal | ✓ Legal |
| Opening at stops | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Protection in an impact with chin guard open | Not certified | Certified |
Many riders open the chin guard of their P modular in the city at low speed without realising it. Technically they are not covered by the homologation at that point — though in practice nobody is fined for it. If you want to ride legally with the chin guard open, you need a helmet with P/J homologation.
Why not all modular helmets have P/J
Dual P/J homologation is more demanding to obtain and more costly to certify. The manufacturer must subject the helmet to additional tests in the open position, which requires more engineering in the design of the chin guard and its opening mechanism. That is why many modular helmets on the market carry only P homologation — it is sufficient for normal use with the chin guard closed.
Helmets with P/J tend to be adventure or trail modulars, where opening the chin guard while moving at low speed on off-road terrain is a genuine necessity. For a purely road modular, P homologation is sufficient for most uses.
The two ADN modulars: Audace and Duale
The ADN range includes two modular helmets with different homologations — each designed for a different riding profile:
ADN Audace — ECE 22.06 P homologation
The ADN Audace is the road and city modular in the range. One-handed flip-up chin guard, integrated sun visor, Pinlock ready, aerodynamic spoiler and micrometric fastening. Weighs 1,650 grams in the smallest size. Available in Solid, Pulsar and Tourer versions.
Its homologation is ECE 22.06 P — it is certified for riding with the chin guard closed. For urban and touring use with frequent stops, it is the most fully featured option in the range. The chin guard opens at stops for speaking, paying or getting some air, and closes for riding.
ADN Duale — ECE 22.06 P/J homologation
The ADN Duale is the adventure modular in the range and the only ADN model with dual P/J homologation. You can legally ride with the chin guard open or closed. It includes a removable peak for trail use, an integrated sun visor, Pinlock 70 and removable nose guard and chin curtain. Weighs 1,700 grams in size M.
It is the option for the rider who combines tarmac and dirt on the same route, and who needs to be able to open the chin guard while riding without any legal concerns.
Which do you need: P or P/J?
The answer depends on how you use the bike:
Choose a P modular if: you ride in the city and on the road, you only open the chin guard at stops, and you don’t need to ride with it open while moving. The Audace covers this profile perfectly.
Choose a P/J modular if: you combine tarmac and trail, you want to ride legally with the chin guard open at low speed, or you simply want the maximum certified versatility. The Duale is the answer.
If you’re still not sure which ADN helmet best suits your riding style, check out our comprehensive guide to choosing a helmet based on your type of riding.
Frequently asked questions about P/J homologation
Can I ride with a P modular with the chin guard open?
Technically no — P homologation only covers riding with the chin guard closed. In practice many riders do so at low speed in the city without consequences, but if you want to be legally covered in every situation, you need a helmet with P/J homologation such as the ADN Duale.
Is P/J homologation safer than P?
Not necessarily in absolute terms — it depends on the position of use. A P modular with the chin guard closed is fully certified and just as safe as any full-face helmet. The difference is that P/J has also been tested and certified in the open position, which adds a layer of safety if you ride with the chin guard raised.
How do I know if my helmet has P or P/J homologation?
Check the interior label of the helmet or the manufacturer’s technical specification. The ECE 22.06 homologation mark should appear followed by the letter P or the letters P/J. If only P appears, the helmet is approved only in the closed position.
Does the ADN Audace have P/J?
No. The ADN Audace has ECE 22.06 P homologation — it is certified for riding with the chin guard closed. If you need dual P/J homologation, the ADN model is the Duale, which also includes a removable peak and is designed for mixed road and trail use.
What is the difference between the ADN Audace and the ADN Duale?
Both are modular helmets with a flip-up chin guard, but they have distinct profiles. The Audace has P homologation, an integrated sun visor and an aerodynamic spoiler — perfect for city and touring use. The Duale has P/J homologation, a removable peak and an adventure design — perfect for those who combine road and trail riding. If your use is mainly urban or road, the Audace. If you mix tarmac and dirt, the Duale.
