DOT Motorcycle Helmet Approval Regulations

John Daniele asked:




The federal Department of Transportation (referred to hereafter as DOT) mandates that all motorcycle helmets in the U.S. be tested for safety. The DOT does its own in-house testing on these helmets, labeling those that meet its standards. If you are thinking about buying a motorcycle helmet and do not see a DOT sticker, think again. This is not a helmet you want to trust with your life. They are likely meant as a novelty item, not for motorcycle riding.

Get a proper helmet on your head, and get your head around these statistics -

The DOT's studies show that the percentage of motorcycle riders wearing helmets has dropped 13 percent in the last four years, down to 58 percent of riders. Despite accounting for only 2 percent of the traffic on our roads, motorcycles are involved in 10 percent of all road accidents. Deaths from motorcycle accidents have more than doubled in the last decade, and number over 4,500 highway fatalities annually. There are also 78,000 motorcycle crash related injuries, and the rate of accidents among motorcycle riders over the age of 50 has increased fourfold.

Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards -

The NHTSA, or National Highway Traffic Safety Administration set a FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard) for motorcycle helmets in the U.S. all the way back in August of 1973. This was last updated in October 1998. These standards cover impact and penetration protection, as well as being able to remain on the rider's head during an accident. There is also a requirement that motorcycle helmets sold in the U.S. allow at least a 210 degree field of vision, and a multitude of regulations regarding the labeling of helmets.

Labeling requirements -

So what are these labeling requirements? A sticker or label from the DOT must be attached on the back of the helmet, centrally located and towards the bottom. There also must be a DOT label permanently sewn in to the inside, and not located where it could be removed along with the foam cushioning. A genuine DOT label will have the following information: the name or logo of the manufacturer, size, date of manufacture, model name or number and the components from which the helmet is made. If you do not see this information on the label, do not, repeat do not purchase this helmet.

Beware of the novelties -

Novelty helmets, such as the iconic Prussian style helmets may be popular and stylish, but do not provide adequate protection in a crash and as such are never DOT approved. These aforementioned helmets do not even cover much of the head and are therefore unsafe to wear while riding. If you see a DOT sticker on one of these novelty helmets, check inside for the DOT label; sadly, frauds are out there - don't be let yourself be fooled into thinking a novelty helmet has DOT approval.
Unless you intend the helmet to be worn for a costume party, take a pass on it.

motorcycle helmets

	Harley-Davidson® Full Face Zip-up Helmet Bag. Bar & Shield graphics. 98165-02V List Price: $20.00 Sale Price: $18.95 Average Rating:
	Zip-up bag for carrying full face helmet. Soft inner liner to protect helmet from scratches. Outside pocket for extra storage with Bar & Shield logo graphics. Three tie down loops on the bottom of bag to secure to bike...

	Joe Rocket Manta Tank Bag, Magnetic Mount Black List Price: $44.99 Sale Price: $44.99
	The Joe Rocket Manta Tank Bag is a small yet versatile tank bag. With its compact shape, it stays out of the way when mounted but still holds smaller items and is great for those shorter day trips. Wind/water resistant Rock Tex 680 construction...

	HJC CL-16 Helmet CR Silver XS List Price: $134.99 Sale Price: $121.48
	HJC CL-16 CR Silver XS

	Complete Video to Painting Motorcycle Helmets with Vince Goodeve [VHS] List Price: $39.95 Sale Price: $39.95 Used From: $25.40

	Air Skillz Hip Hop Airbrush DvD List Price: $20.00 Sale Price: $20.00
	. In this DVD Airbrush Assassin teaches you professional time saving and money making tips and tricks that can be used by any novice to expert airbrush artist offering custom hip hop airbrush t-shirts...

	Complete Video Guide to Painting Motorcycle Helmets List Price: $39.95 Sale Price: $9.95 Average Rating:

	Without Motorcycle Helmets: We All Pay the Price Sale Price: $14.95
	Without Motorcycle Helmets: We All Pay the Price (1998) was produced by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. The film examines why it is vital to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle. It goes into detail on injuries and how much more severe they are when the motorcycle rider is not wearing a helmet...